ANTIGONISH, NS (August 17, 2019)- Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team arrived at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for round number nine of the 2019 NASCAR Pinty’s Series schedule looking for another strong finish to continue the push toward another series championship. Ranger claimed a seventh-place result in the race, but the journey to the finish line was a bumpy one.
The first hiccup occurred during qualifying. After showing plenty of speed in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge Ranger’s qualifying time was disallowed due to an issue during post qualifying inspection forcing him to the back of the field.
“I’m not sure what happened, the car is the same as it has been all year, but it didn’t pass” said a surprised Ranger.
When the green flag waved on the 300-lap event Ranger was on the move and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge was quickly inside the top-ten. As the race neared the midway point Ranger was struck from behind by another competitor that had a tire going flat. He deftly kept the Mopar Dodge from hitting the outside wall hard by lighting up the tires which also created a significant smoke show.
“I just did what I had to and make sure the car didn’t suffer too much damage” explained Ranger.
Following the NASCAR mandated midway break for teams to add fuel and install fresh tires Ranger was again on the move in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge. With some additional handling adjustments, the car was quicker, and Ranger pushed hard toward the front of the field.
“The car was a bit loose in the first half of the race but the changes the team made helped” said the driver.
A late race caution would send the race into overtime and a green, white, checkered finish. Ranger knew that it was a two-lap charge to pick up every position he could. On the final lap the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge was once again hit by another competitor and pushed into the outside wall along the backstretch. Ranger would wrestle the wounded car home for a seventh-place finish.
“It was crazy out there” stated Ranger after. “Crazy, crazy”. I’m trying to go hard to the finish, and I get pushed to the outside, but we did get a pretty good finish in the race. Now we have to regroup quickly and be ready for another race next week” he stated.
With nine of the 13 races on the 2019 schedule now complete, Andrew Ranger leads the championship by 11 points over the second-place driver.
Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge return to racing August 25that Canadian Tire Motorsport Park as part of the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series event.
All NASCAR Pinty’s Series races are streamed live on TSN.ca, the TSN App and at fanschoice.tv
Race fans can get more information and follow Andrew Ranger and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team on twitter @andrew_ranger and the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/andrew.ranger.nascar/and by going to www.mopar.caand clicking on Motorsports.
Prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com(239) 961-2618
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