Wetaskiwin, AB (July 29, 2017)- Following a difficult double-header earlier in the week Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge were excited to be back in action so quickly as the NASCAR Pinty’s Series western swing continued on Saturday night at Edmonton International Raceway. However the day turned sour early on.
After battling a serious illness Ranger was forced to exit the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge during the afternoon practice session. He was treated at the racetrack by on site medical personnel and then taken to local hospital where he continued to receive treatment for food poisoning. Ranger was released later in the day but was not cleared to drive in the 300-lap race.
The #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team had veteran racer Larry Jackson who was at the track in another capacity substitute for Ranger for the balance of the day.
“It’s a tough situation,” said Crew Chief Dave Wight. “We were glad that Andrew was bouncing back and tried to do the best we could under tough circumstances”.
As quickly as possible the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team got Jackson fitted and comfortable in the car and then it was time for qualifying. Jackson would start the race from the 15th position.
Both the #27 Mopar Parts Team and Jackson gave an enormous effort to collect the best possible result in a very difficult situation. Jackson climbed from his starting spot and was running in the top-ten in the late stages of the race. However a late race incident would send him into a spin. Jackson recovered from the incident and he would cross the finish line 11th.
Jackson was thankful for the opportunity and happy to help out the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team.
“I’m grateful that the team had the confidence in me and gave me the chance to run on of the best prepared car in the series” he stated. “I just tried to give good feedback and do the best I could to help out,” he added.
Andrew Ranger is expected to recover without further issue. He and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team will be back in action at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres on August 13th.
Race fans can get more information and follow the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team news during the off-season by going to www.mopar.ca and clicking on Motorsports.
Prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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