September 1, 2013- Following his back-to-back podium finishes, Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington looked to continue his push toward the top of the championship standings at round number ten of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past Sunday. Kennington charged toward the front during the race and claimed his ninth top ten result of the season and regained the overall championship lead.
Typical of their performance much of the year the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was solid during the two practice sessions. Kennington did not have a good qualifying lap and would start the 200km race from 12th on the grid.
“There was some oil put down earlier in the qualifying session and we tried a couple of adjustments that didn’t work out. But I was sure we’d be good for the race” said Kennington.
As the green flag waved in front of a huge crowd Kennington immediately began moving the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge forward and was quickly inside the top ten. And though they had some difficulty during a scheduled pit stop there was no cause for panic.
“It was early in the race and we just got held up a little bit in pit lane but I knew we had plenty of time to get it back”.
As competitors cycled through pit stops Kennington reestablished his position inside the top ten and continued to move forward.
“Our plan was to be patient and get close to the front and really make a push at the end” explained the driver.
The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge continued to power through the field and Kennington edged into the top five.
“I was following the #28 car and we were going to wait until five to go for the final push” he stated.
A multi-car incident would necessitate a lengthy clean up and due to time constraints the race would end on lap 42 instead of the scheduled 51.
“I really think we had a shot” said Kennington afterwards. “I was saving the car, not pushing too hard and waiting for the last few laps”.
Though unable to make a final bid for his second win of the season Kennington’s fourth place result was good enough to push him back to the top of the point standings.
“That’s exactly where we want to be” he stated. “We’ve got two races left and we’ve got wins at both those tracks and looking forward to getting going next week” he added.
After ten events DJ Kennington leads the overall championship by three points.
DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team at back in action this coming Saturday, September 7th at Barrie Speedway.
Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, @djkracing and fans should also “like” the DJK Racing Fan Page on Facebook.
Prepared by: Todd Lewis & TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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