TROIS RIVIERES, QC (August 11, 2019)- For Andrew Ranger, the annual visit by the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team to the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres is a homecoming during the long NASCAR Pinty’s Series campaign. It was a successful return this past weekend as Ranger scored his eighth top-ten result of the season on Sunday afternoon and he continues to lead the overall championship point standings.
With a full week of events and activities surrounding the 50thanniversary of the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres Ranger’s time to relax is when he is behind the wheel of the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge. Regrettably showers and inclement weather kept him off the track on Saturday with only an abbreviated practice possible and the qualifying session cancelled due to lightning.
By NASCAR rule that would set the starting grid by championship points putting the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge on the pole for the race.
“You obviously want to start up front during the race, so I was pleased about that” said Ranger.
A 30-minute practice Sunday morning was added to the schedule and Ranger posted the second quickest time during the first opportunity for dry track running of the weekend.
“We got enough laps to make sure the car felt good” said the driver. “We feel the track would change a lot during the day and we’ll see what happens” he added.
The action was frantic from the start of the 50-lap event with Ranger surrendering top spot in the early going but keeping his #27 Mopar Parts Dodge near the front of the field.
“I never want to push too hard too early” stated Ranger so I just stayed close to the front”.
As mandated pit stops for fuel began Ranger once again took over the lead and claimed a championship point for leading a race lap before bringing his #27 Mopar Parts Dodge to pit lane for his service. Returning to the race he pushed his car back toward the front but noticed that he didn’t have the same pace as he did early in the race and also began to battle some braking issues.
Thinking of the big picture Ranger coerced his #27 Mopar Parts Dodge to the finish line with a solid eighth place finish to collect significant championship points.
“I could feel the car wasn’t quite where it needed to be and with the brake issues, I felt best to be smart, get some championship points and then be ready to race hard again next week” explained Ranger.
With eight of the 13 races on the 2019 schedule now complete, Andrew Ranger leads the championship by 14 points over the second-place driver.
Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge return to racing August 17that Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, NS.
All NASCAR Pinty’s Series races are streamed live on TSN.ca, the TSN App and at fanschoice.tv
Race fans can get more information and follow Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team on twitter @andrew_ranger and the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/andrew.ranger.nascar/and by going to www.mopar.caand clicking on Motorsports.
Prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com(239) 961-2618
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