Jared Odrick, the former NFL defensive end who was selected 28th overall in the 2010 draft, has swapped the gridiron for the racetrack, marking his debut in NASCAR’s Canadian series at the Grand Prix de Trois‑Rivieres.
The 35‑year‑old athlete brings a surprising résumé of motorsport experience, having captured the SCCA National Championship Runoffs GT2 title in 2023 and amassed a string of victories in the Trans‑Am TA2 Series, where he secured four wins and nine podium finishes before clinching the Pro‑Am championship in 2025.
A Crowded Starting Grid
Odrick will share the starting line with a field that includes championship leader Marc‑Antoine Camirand, who tops the points standings with 397, as well as veteran competitors such as Alex Guenette, Andrew Ranger, Alex Tagliani, Louis‑Philippe Dumoulin, Kevin Lacroix and D.J. Kennington.
The event itself is structured around a new street circuit that will host two Sprint races on Saturday and a main event on Sunday, featuring more than 30 drivers who will battle for position on a layout that blends tight urban corners with high‑speed straights.
A Strategic Entry
Driving the No. 24 BC Race Cars Inc. Ford, Odrick joins a program that has previously fielded entries for Canadian touring categories. The partnership with BC Race Cars Inc. represents a calculated step into a discipline where the competition is both deep and diverse.
Beyond the Trois‑Rivieres weekend, the former NFL player is slated to contest the remaining road‑course dates on the 2026 NASCAR Canada calendar, signaling a longer‑term commitment to the series.
Implications for the Series
Odrick’s transition underscores the growing crossover appeal of former professional athletes who seek new challenges after retirement. His participation not only adds a narrative storyline but also highlights the expanding talent pool within NASCAR’s Canadian division.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the former football star adapts to the physical and strategic demands of stock‑car racing, a sport that rewards endurance, tactical overtaking and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics.