@Andrew_Ranger • @NASCARHomeTrack • (August 2, 2015) Trois Rivieres, QC- Andrew Ranger appeared poised to claim his fifth victory at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge on Sunday afternoon during round number eight of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Instead he was bumped from the lead on the final lap. Ranger regrouped to claim a second place result and move up to second in the overall championship.
During practice on Saturday Ranger put the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge at the top of the time sheet during the first session.
“The team did a great job preparing the car and I was very happy with it during the first practice,” said Ranger.
Rain dampened the circuit prior to final practice and the team chose note to participate. Later in the day with dry conditions Ranger blistered a lap around the 11-urn circuit in a time of 1:06.989 to set a new track qualifying record.
“Everything worked out perfectly,” said Ranger. “I got a clear lap and I was very happy to get the pole and set a new record,” he added.
For the 50-lap feature race Ranger would lead the first five laps in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge. Following a second early caution period Ranger relinquished the lead but followed close behind in second.
“At this track you have to be smart and save the car for the end of the race,” explained Ranger. “I just stayed close and waited for the right time to make a move” he added.
On what proved to be the final restart after caution on lap 43 Ranger made his move and powered the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge back to the front of the field.
“I watched the #74 ahead of me and he always seemed lock up his brakes in one spot. When he missed that corner a little bit I went for it,” he stated.
As he completed the final corners of the last lap Ranger could see the second place #74 driver was looking for an opening. When none was there he created one and hit the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge from behind moving Ranger off the racing line and taking over the top spot.
“I felt the first one and thought, okay,” said Ranger. “Then he hit me a second and third time and moved me.”
Ranger pushed as hard as he could to regain the lead but the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge was second across the finish line.
“The #74 isn’t running full-time, I’m sure he really wanted to win, I guess it’s part of the game” surmised Ranger. “I’m happy for Mopar Motorsports for a podium finish, we set a new track record and we had a good points day and we’re in good position for the championship.”
With the second place result Ranger moves up to second in the overall championship standings, only eight points behind the leader.
Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team return to action Saturday August 15th at Riverside International Speedway near Antigonish, NS.
Broadcast Info: Fans can tune in to see all the action from the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres on TSN Saturday August 15th at 1:30PM ET.
Race fans can also get more information and follow the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team all season by going to www.mopar.ca and clicking on Motorsports.
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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