MILTON, ON – Second-generation standout Gary Klutt will kick of his first full campaign with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this Sunday, when the national tour opens its 2015 season at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for Pinty’s presents the Clarington 200.
Despite his newfound status as a series regular, Klutt maintains his pre-race goals remain the same as always.
“Our strategy for this event is no different than it’s been any other season,” smiles Klutt. “The long term goal for our team is absolutely a solid run in the points championship – but we’re still racing for wins every time we roll off the hauler.”
And despite his back-to-back top-7 finishes at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, he admits there are still tense moments when preparing for the 10-turn road course.
“I’m a little nervous for CTMP this time around because we have the chance for a great run there, and it would be a phenomenal start to our season to finish on the podium in Round 1,” explains Klutt. “We’re going to be racing at quite a few facilities this summer that I’ve never even seen, so laying down a strong run at a track that we’re familiar with is crucial.”
When asked about his noticeable improvement in recent NCATS outings, Klutt explains that much of his progress can be attributed to just getting more seat time, “I mean I’ve had less seat time in one of these cars than most of the series regulars had last season, so I’m still seeing big improvements every race that I run”.
“I feel a little more comfortable every time I get out of the racecar,” says the former Karting standout. “There are so many intricacies to these cars that you don’t pick up all at once. It takes a lot of time to learn. This is certainly the most comfortable I’ve ever felt entering a race at CTMP.”
“John [Fletcher] has been a phenomenal mentor,” continues Klutt. “He’s a great guy to bounce ideas off of. I lean on him a lot when it comes to how to attack these cars. He’s certainly made a difference in our program and I’m ecstatic to work with him on a fulltime basis this season.”
For Klutt, much of the strategy entering Sunday’s event revolves around knowing when to make a push for the front of the field.
“CTMP is really easy on equipment compared to a lot of the tracks that we go to, so the key to a good run is making sure you’re in position to make a move when the white flag comes out,” explains the personable up-and-comer.
“I’ll be doing my best not to use my car up more than I absolute have to,” continues Klutt. “There’s no sense using every ounce of your car when you don’t need to – but, at the same time, there’s no sense in saving the car when it’s time to go. Knowing when to turn it on could be the difference between a good run and an average one.”
Fans can stay up to date with Gary and by following him on Twitter @GaryKlutt, Facebook and Instagram
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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