(July 8, 2017) Mirabel, QC- Following back to back top-five finishes DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team hoped to continue their strong showings in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series as round number four had the team shifting back to road racing at Circuit ICAR. It would prove to be a challenging day for the team yet their determination resulted in an eighth place finish.
Kennington struggled for speed in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge during the practice session in the afternoon.
“The track was a little damp in spots and I didn’t want to push too hard so we saved our new tires for qualifying” he stated.
During qualifying damp conditions persisted and Kennington would start the 75 lap event deep in the field from the 13th position but was hopeful of moving forward.
“It was the same during qualifying” he said. “With moisture on the track I wasn’t about to take any chances”.
As the race began Kennington was hunting for opportunities to move the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge forward but passing was difficult on the newly reconfigured now shorter course.
“It was hard to get a run on anybody. But I did gain some spots as the race went on” said Kennington.
After climbing into the top-ten the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge would get shuffled back a few spots and suffered a terrible break late in the race.
“We had two late caution periods and it would send the race into overtime,” explained Kennington. “And like a few other guys we ran out of fuel because of the extra laps”.
Kennington would coast down pit road and the quick work of the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team would get him fueled and the engine re-fired quickly and back on course. When the checkered flag waved Kennington had managed to hustle his way to an eighth place result.
“It was pretty but we’ll take it” he said. “Quick work by the team late got the Castrol Edge Doge back out there and we picked up some spots. We’ll regroup over the next couple of days and be ready for Toronto,” said the driver.
The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team is back in action this Saturday July 15th on the streets of Exhibition Place at the Toronto Indy.
Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news during the off-season in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, @djkracing and Instagram. Fans should also “like” the DJK Racing Fan Page on Facebook. Also follow @CastrolCanada on twitter and Facebook.
Prepared by Todd Lewis and TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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