MONTREAL, QC – JUNE 3, 2012 – Scott Steckly driver of the 22 Racing/Canadian Tire Dodge started the Lucas Oil Grand Prix presented by Budweiser from the pole starting position and battled back from an early race penalty to finish 3rd. Steckly was one of 24 drivers who elected to practice on Saturday on a wet track in preparation for a possible rainy race day on Sunday.
He would end the session with the fifth quickest time. When it came time for qualifying later in the day, NASCAR elected to cancel the session due to the wet track. According to the NASCAR rule book the starting order would be based on the 2011 season end championship points, giving Steckly the number one starting position as the series defending champion.
At the drop of the green flag, Steckly took the lead spot but NASCAR deemed there was contact on the first lap with another competitor and #22 driver was sent to pit road for a stop and go penalty for aggressive driving. He would quickly return to the track and start the march back to the front. By lap nine the Canadian Tire entry was in fifth place and a few laps later was on the back bumper of J.R. Fitzpatrick in third.
A caution on lap 27 of the 30 lap race would have the teams line up double file for a green, white, checkered finish and when they crossed the finish line the final time, Steckly posted his second third place finish in the first two events of 2012.
“We had a really good car today,” said Steckly after the race. “I got that penalty early and we had to fight to get back to the front. I thought we might have something for Fitzpatrick & Ranger but just couldn’t quite get it done and we settled for another 3rd place finish.”
The Lucas Oil Grand Prix presented by Budweiser will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday June 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Next up for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and Scott Steckly will be the first oval event of the 2012 season at the Speedway at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Saturday June 16th. For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit www.nascarlocalracing.com.
Scott Steckly is supported by the following sponsors: Canadian Tire, MotoMaster Eliminator, Sylvania, Erb, Mobil 1 and AW Millwrights.
From Linda Jones / Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
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