Éric Labelle is heading back to competitive hydroplane racing, having signed a three-year agreement with Hydroplane Valleyfield beginning in 2026. The driver from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield will compete in the Pro Hydro class in the HRL Series, at the wheel of the Do It, V-19.
The Do It name will be familiar to anyone who followed Labelle's earlier career. He carried it during his time in the 5 Litre class, where he raced as both driver and owner under the CE-19 and CE-1 numbers until 2008. That period produced four major victories at the Valleyfield Regatta, in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008.
Labelle also drove for other recognised teams during that era, including Jean-Guy Leboeuf, and built experience across different categories including the Grand Prix class.
He didn't step away from the sport entirely. Labelle returned to competition as an independent driver in 2023, a move that showed his competitive fire was still very much alive.
The three-year deal from 2026 gives the project room to develop, and for a driver with Labelle's record at Valleyfield, the return carries genuine expectation.
