June 22 2013- Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge team were well on their way to another outstanding result in round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past weekend on the oval at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. However as the field bunched up on a late restart the resulting collision sent Dowler spinning into the wall and out of the race.
Rain showers delayed the start of practice but once the weather cooperated Dowler had the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge on track and handling well. They were not the quickest car in practice, but knew the car would run solidly during the race.
Beginning the race from the 16th starting position, Dowler drove the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge methodically and began gaining positions.
“Our approach is to get comfortable and settle into a rhythm at the beginning” said the driver.
With a long green flag run at the beginning of the race Dowler was able to move forward.
As the race progressed, and cars cycled through scheduled pit stops for fuel and tires, Dowler continued to move the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge toward the front of the field.
“The team really did their homework and the car was working really well” said Dowler. “I wasn’t pushing too hard and we had ourselves inside the top ten and looking good.”
The race was slowed by a late caution period, and Dowler had the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge up to sixth position and was looking for more in the final stages. As the field approached the green flag for the restart Dowler was struck from behind from another car which turned him around and into the inside wall.
There was significant damage to the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge and Dowler was unable to continue. He was scored 16th at the finish.
“That was a hard hit” said the driver. “I’m not sure who hit me, it was a white car but it’s so disappointing. We were running in sixth and our car was great. I knew we were going to get at least a couple more spots in the closing laps and have ourselves another really good result and that’s what’s frustrating. I have to thank the team for all the hard work they did as well”.
After three events Noel Dowler sits eighth in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series consists of 12 events from coast to coast in Canada. The next event takes place at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC Sunday July 7th. For more information about Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO Dodge/Rheem team log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca and follow him on twitter, @noeldowler.
This release prepared by: TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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