@andrew_ranger • @NASCARHomeTrack • #NPS •#NASCARPintysSeries • Bowmanville, ON (September 4, 2016)- Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team traveled opened the 2016 NASCAR Pinty’s Series season with a victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) at the season opener and looked to be on their way to another top result during round number ten Sunday afternoon. A major mechanical problem would eliminate the team early from competition.
During the Saturday practice session Ranger had the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge consistently near the top of the time sheet. The three-time race winner at the famed 10-turn, 2.5-mile road course felt good in the car right from the start. “With our success in the opener we had a good starting point and just did some fine tuning on the car,” said Ranger.
In Saturday qualifying Ranger posted the third quickest lap time and started the 51-lap race on the inside of row two. As the green flag waved to begin the competition it was hotly contested battle for position. “It’s a very long race and I didn’t want to push too hard to quickly so we had something left for the end,” explained the driver.
After moving up into second place the field began to cycle through with scheduled pit stops for fuel and fresh tires. Ranger took over top spot in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge on lap 15 to claim a bonus point for leading a lap. “We always want to collect bonus points if we can,” he stated.
The #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team performed two perfect pit stops and returned Ranger to the battle where he was again moving toward the front. It was then a major engine malfunction took place and Ranger knew the problem was serious. He coaxed his wounded machine back to pit lane and went immediately to the garage, their day finished on lap 23.
“It’s very disappointing and frustrating for the whole Mopar team,” said the driver. “But these things happen sometimes when you are working to get maximum performance out of the car. We will do our best to bounce back next week. I have to thank all the guys for working so hard, the car was very good up until that point”.
After ten races Andrew Ranger is second in the overall championship standings.
Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team return to action this coming Saturday September 10th at the Autodrome St. Eustache in St. Eustache, Quebec.
Race fans can also get more information and follow the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team all season by going to www.mopar.ca and clicking on Motorsports.
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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