June 22, 2013. Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington was hoping to be the final winner of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on the oval at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The track is scheduled to close later this year and while Kennington didn’t claim victory he did maintain his hold on top of the overall championship standings.
Not surprisingly the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was among the quickest cars during the afternoon practice session. However qualifying did not go as Kennington hoped. “We went out first in qualifying and I didn’t get a good lap, it was my mistake” said the driver.
When the 200 lap race began Kennington was immediately on the hunt to gain positions and did just that and before long had made his way into the top five.
“I knew we had a good race car” explained Kennington. “I just had to be patient and save something for the end of the race.”
As the competitors cycled through scheduled pit stops for fuel and fresh tires Kennington continued to keep the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge in good position for the end of the race.
In the late stages the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge had moved up to third when a late caution slowed the field. On the restart Kennington looked to pounce and go for the victory, however the field bunched up and he was struck from behind by the #15 car lifting the back end off the track. When it landed a rear gear was broken and Kennington would coast to the end with a tenth place result.
“We had a shot to win” said a disappointed driver. “I knew how good the car was, it was so hard to be patient and wait until the end knowing other guys wouldn’t be as fast. As soon as I started to push we got up front and we were right there at the end. It’s a tough break but at least we still have the points lead and we’ll be ready to fight again in a couple weeks” said Kennington.
DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team are back in action at round four on Sunday July 7 at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC
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 and follow them on twitter, @djkracing and fans should also “like” the DJK Racing Fan Page on Facebook.
Prepared by: Todd Lewis & TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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