MIRABEL, QC – JUNE 3, 2012 – Following a podium finish at the opening race of the season, DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team were looking for another strong outing at the second event of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC. Kennington would lead the race in the early going and come home with his second top five finish in as many races.
With persistent rain showers on Saturday, Kennington chose to only run a handful of practice laps in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge. “It just didn’t make any sense for us to take chances” said Kennington. “I knew the car was sound so we just did a couple laps,” he added.
Qualifying for the event was cancelled due to the showers so in accordance with the NASCAR rule book Kennington would start the main event Sunday on the outside of row one. Dry conditions greeted the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team on race day and they made adjustments accordingly. “We thought the track would be dry the whole day so we set the car up for that,” explained Kennington. “We definitely made the right call”.
As the race began Kennington hoped to lead a lap and gain a bonus point in the championship standings. The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge driver would take the lead on the first lap and stay out front for the first six laps of the race accomplishing his goal. “Every point in the standings is important” said Kennington. “I’m expecting the championship to be even tougher to win this year.”
As the race progressed Kennington would relinquish the lead but never slip back further than fifth overall. “The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was really consistent all afternoon,” said Kennington. “When the field closed up during the couple of caution periods we had it was still tough to pass because the racing line is tight here,” he stated.
In a race that saw plenty of aggressive moves by drivers prove disastrous for themselves and others, Kennington kept the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge away from trouble and claimed a fifth place finish. “It’s another good points day for us and that’s what we need at these races” he stated. “We’re heading to the first oval next we’ll be looking for even better results” he added. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team will be in action next on the oval track at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, ON June 16th. 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 are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.
From Todd Lewis & TL Sports & Entertainment
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