BOWMANVILLE, ON (August 25, 2019)- Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team began round ten of the 2019 NASCAR Pinty’s Series event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) pretty much as expected. Clocking quick times in practice and then posting an excellent qualifying result. During the 51-lap race this past Sunday a series of inopportune breaks would deny them a finish fitting the team’s capabilities.
Ranger would line up fourth on the grid for Sunday’s race with a plan to get the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge to the front.
“I would always like to be in the lead, but I am thinking of the championship and won’t take unnecessary chances” said Ranger prior to the race.
In the early part of the 200km race a Ranger looked for opportunities to move forward in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge. The Roxton Pond, Quebec native would take over race lead on lap 21.
“We chose to stay on track when some others made pit stops to get the lead and pick up a championship point” explained Ranger.
As the race moved past the midway point Ranger would bring the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge to pit lane for fuel and later while the race was under caution would make another stop for fresh tires late in the race.
“I thought we were in a good position to make the charge back to the front after our pit stop having the freshest tires” stated Ranger.
Once again, the race returned to green flag action, but Ranger immediately sensed a problem with the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge. It was a flat right rear tire, an unfortunate break for the team. NASCAR officials took several laps to open pit lane before Ranger could stop without penalty. When he finally arrived, there was significant body damage and suspension issues the team did their best to deal with and get the car back on track for the closing laps.
NASCAR officials also ordered the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge back to pit lane for additional repairs again later in the race. Despite the numerous setbacks Ranger hustled the car to the end as best he could and still managed to claim a ninth-place finish.
“It was a frustrating day. We had a good car and a good strategy, but a bad break with the flat tire hurt and then we had to make more stops after that. It’s behind us now, we have to focus ahead and the Mopar team be at our best for the last three races” stated Ranger.
With ten of the 13 races on the 2019 schedule now complete, Andrew Ranger is tied in points for the championship lead and holds the tie breaker, number of wins.
Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge return to action Saturday September 7that the Autodrome St. Eustache in St. Eustache, Quebec.
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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