September 8, 2013- Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge team headed to Barrie Speedway for round number eleven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series looking to score another podium finish as they did last season. However a series of mechanical issues would wind up frustrating the team throughout the weekend.
During the Saturday afternoon practice session the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge team worked to improve the performance of the car and that included a gear change.
“We were looking for a little more forward bite from the car” explained Dowler.
Though the race was scheduled for Saturday, steady showers throughout the day and evening forced postponement of the event until Sunday.
Dowler would qualify the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge in clear, sunny skies in the morning but the there was a problem that needed to be addressed.
“We had the alternator go bad on us” said Dowler. “That also drained the battery”.
Prior to the start of the 300 lap race the team feverishly completed repairs but would now start from the back of the field.
“I wasn’t too worried about it” said Dowler. “We knew it was a long race and the goal was to be there and make a push at the end”.
Dowler smartly maneuvered the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge forward in the field consistently gaining positions until he was running in the top ten.
“Everything was going well to that point” said Dowler.
Unfortunately, there was more trouble ahead for the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge.
“Unfortunately we had a series of issues. First it was the alternator, the battery, and some electrical issues. We lost the clutch but kept battling and then finally the power steering went”.
The #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge would collect a 17th place result for the race.
“For sure it’s a disappointment but we’ll have our other car ready for the final race at Kawartha in a couple of weeks. That’s a fun, fast track and our whole team is confident we can have a very good day there” said the driver.
After eleven events Noel Dowler sits ninth in the overall season championship standings, just a single point back from eighth spot.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series consists of 12 events from coast to coast in Canada. The final event of the season takes place Saturday September 21st at Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville, ON. For more information about Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO Dodge/Rheem team log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca and follow him on twitter, @noeldowler.
This release prepared by: TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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