LONDON, ON- Current Late Model standout Matt Pritiko will conclude his freshman campaign with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 this weekend, when he returns to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for Pinty’s presents the Clarington 200 this Sunday, August 31st.
“Our first race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in May was a bit of a roller coaster”, explains Pritiko. “We unloaded fast, and had an awesome car for the first 10-laps, until we got stuck on pit road with a bad alternator and lost a tonne of track position”
When asked of his 16th place finish in May’s NCATS lid-lifter, it’s clear just how eager Pritiko is to return to CTMP.
“We were better than the results showed”, says Pritiko. “A lot better”
“There’s not much you can do to prepare for that kind of mechanical failure. I feel as though we had a top-10 car in May, and I’m using that as motivation to come out and grab a top-10 this weekend. A strong run at CTMP would be the ideal way to close out our first effort with the series”
With an entry list of over 30 cars set to attack the 2.459-mile road course, Pritiko insists that patience will be a virtue, come Sunday afternoon.
“I’m not looking at this race any differently than I have my previous two NCATS outings”, says the former Grand Am Series standout. “We’re not as interested in laying down a good lap as we are putting together a good race. The complete package is what we’re focused on”
“I’m more than happy to sit back and survive the first half of this race, before making some moves later on. Nobody benefits from a guy driving over his head, trying to get to the front at lap-10. I know that our equipment is top notch, and I know we’ll have the opportunity to make a run in the second half”
“We’re going to let the race come to us”, adds Pritiko.
The Pinty’s presents the Clarington 200 is scheduled for August 31st at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Gate times and ticket prices can be found at www.CanadianTireMotorsportPark.com.
Matt Pritiko’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series efforts are made possible thanks to sponsorship from Global Warranty, Toyota Town, Palasad: London’s Best Entertainment & Eatery, Serengeti Sunglasses, AQUAhydrate, NAPA Certified Body Shop, Cadillac Industrial Cleaning, Driven Steering Wheels, Burwell Auto Body, SellToWin.com, Snap’d London and In2Communications.
Fans can follow along with Matt’s pre-race preparations via his Matt Pritiko Motorsports page on Facebook, or on Twitter @MattPritiko.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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