VERNON, BC – The Motoplex Speedway has been kind to Scott Steckly in the last five years. #22 returned to Vernon, BC, on July 14 where he’s recorded victories the past two years, following second place finishes in the previous three. For the last two races, Scott Steckly and his crew have been competing with a new set up for the Canadian Tire Dodge. But for #22’s big return to the Motoplex Speedway, the team reverted back to a blueprint that had worked for them in the past.
The car ran well in practice, although, to Steckly, it never felt dominating. However the crew didn’t put too much stock in the Canadian Tire Dodge’s performance in practice – Steckly’s first-place finishes the last two years were prefaced with a vehicle that wasn’t great at the start of the race. Regardless of the Canadian Tire Dodges domination doubts, Steckly was still 2nd fastest during qualifying and earned the 2nd starting position for the main event.
#22 lined up on the outside of the front row for the start of the A & W Cruisin’ the Dub 300, where he took the lead, collecting a bonus point for leading a lap. “It’s always good to pick that up early,” Steckly said after the race. “Those bonus points add up.” Steckly continued to vie for 1st throughout the race, taking over the lead just past the halfway point and the first scheduled pit stops. The team continued to make minor handling improvements during scheduled pit stops, which proved helpful for Steckly as he pushed to the front of the pack three separate times throughout the day.
After a final stop for tires, Steckly charged to the front for his third and final lead of the contest, dominating laps 201 – 248. Although in the back 50 laps, the Canadian Tire Dodge lost some ground and Steckly clocked in at his worst finish in six years at the Motoplex – which was still an impressive 3rd place.
“The car just wasn’t as strong in the late stages,” Steckly said. “The car is running well, but just not quite as strong as it did a year ago when we won here. But we’re improving and getting closer and know we can get back on top.”
The A&W Cruisin’ The Dub 300 will be aired on TSN Sun., July 22, 5 p.m. ET; RDS2, Sat., Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. ET
Next up for the 22 Racing/Canadian Tire Dodge team will be the Edmonton Indy event on Sunday, July 22. For more information please visit www.nascarhometracks.com. 22 Racing is supported by the following sponsors: Canadian Tire, Motomaster Eliminator, Sylvania, Erb Group, Mobil 1 and AW Millwrights.
From Linda Jones/Wide Open Motorsport Solutions Inc.
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