DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team were excited to return to Eastbound International Speedway in Avondale, Newfoundland for round number four of the 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series this past weekend. After a strong performance a year ago the group was geared up for more success. That success would elude them.
During the Saturday practice session, the team would spend time repairing a hole that was found in the radiator of the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge and Kennington would only manage the 11th fastest practice lap. The lack of track time also contributed to only managing a 12th starting position during qualifying.
As the 250-lap race began that afternoon Kennington quickly moved the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge forward into the top-ten and was continuing to gain more positions. Suddenly the car began to lose power and start to fall back in the field.
Bringing the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge to pit lane the crew diagnosed a cut radiator hose and speedily made the repairs and sent the driver back into the fight. However, Kennington quickly found that the lack of cooling had caused other issues with the motor and continuing in the race would only bring more damage, he was forced to retire after only 72 laps.
DJ Kennington Quotes:
“The car was a rocket in the race, it felt great, and we were gaining spot. All you can do is shake your head it’s so frustrating. The Castrol team did a great job to change the radiator in practice and then fix the cut rad hose in the race. Just a total fluke to have that happen. The only reason the car ran as long as it did was because of the Castrol oil. This one stings, but we’ll dig in like we always do and bounce back”.
Next up:
DJ Kennington and the Castrol Edge Dodge team will race next on the streets at Exhibition Place in Toronto on Friday July 14th as the feature event of the day at the Toronto Indy.
TV & Live Streaming
The PRO-LINE 250 will be broadcast on TSN Saturday, July 1st at 3PM ET and on RDS2 on Saturday, July 8th at 11:30AM ET. All races are streamed live on TSN+ and through FloRacing in the United States.
Race fans can follow DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team on their official social media platforms.
