JUNE 17, 2012 – DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team had a significant hurdle to overcome during round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on the Speedway at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Saturday night. Following a penalty that sent them to the back of the field, Kennington blazed through the competition to score his first victory of the season.
Through practice the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was the class of the field posting the quickest time. Kennington expected a similar result from qualifying but wound up fifth in an unusual set of circumstances, running the exact same time on both of his qualifying laps. “The first lap was good, but I tried to adjust on the second lap and hit the ignition on the backstretch,” slowing what would have been a faster lap, explained the driver.
The strange evening would continue when just prior to the race NASCAR officials ruled that the team had made unapproved changes to the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge. “We were adjusting air pressure in the tires as we always do, but were told that it had to be done earlier,” said Kennington.
The penalty was severe. The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge would be put to the back of the field for the start of the race. “I just got on my horse and started charging,” said Kennington who climbed quickly into the top ten.
It was quickly visible that Kennington would not be stopped on his way back to the front of the pack and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge would take over the lead on lap 56. “The car was absolutely perfect,” Kennington said. “Plenty of power and the handling was spot on,” he added.
Once back out front only a brief shuffling of the order during pit stops would take him out of the lead for a handful of laps. “The guys did a great job on our pit stops getting me out fast and getting the service done. This #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team is really the best group out here,” he said.
The race was slowed several times for caution after Kennington took over the lead but on the restarts he quickly had a gap from the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge back to the rest of the field. Kennington would cruise to the victory, his 12th career win and first of the 2012 season. “This is a great win for everyone, Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Super Clean and everyone that helps us out. It’s Father’s Day weekend so it’s a nice Father’s Day present for my Dad who does so much for me too.”
The race victory combined with bonus points now moves Kennington into second place in the overall standings, just a single point out of top spot.
DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team will be in action next at their home track, Delaware Speedway this coming Saturday, June 23rd. Fans will be able to watch the event from the oval track at CTMP on Sunday June 24th at 1PM Eastern on TSN.
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, follow them on Twitter (@djkracing), and join the Facebook group “DJK Racing”.
From Todd Lewis & TL Sports & Entertainment
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