canadian tire series

DJ Kennington heads to NASCAR awards gala at Hall of Fame

DJ Kennington heads to NASCAR awards gala at Hall of Fame

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December 4, 2010. DJ Kennington the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship winning driver is preparing for a very busy week of activities and celebrations with his Castrol Edge Dodge team in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the next week Kennington along with other NASCAR Champions will be the toast of the town at numerous promotional appearances in the US home of stock car racing.

For so many seasons the Castrol Edge Dodge driver finished as the runner up in the championship, but this year Kennington is relishing all of the activities that go along with his National Title. “I’ve been so busy already and the next week is going to be even crazier” said the driver. “But I’m loving it all, last week I was in Charlotte for a photo session with NASCAR great Junior Johnson. What a thrill to meet him” he stated.

Activities in the coming days include the annual Go Karting Showdown with NASCAR drivers and media members at Victory Lane Indoor Karting on Wednesday December 8th, along with a host of other activities and appearances culminating in the NASCAR Night of Champions Gala on Saturday December 11th inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. “What a night that is going to be” stated Kennington. “I can’t wait to share it with my family and my race team” he added.

There are many ways that race fans will be able to share in the Championship celebrations with DJ Kennington and the Castrol Edge Dodge team. Follow the teams’ twitter feed @djkracing and join the Facebook group DJK Racing for instant updates of all the happenings from North Carolina. You can also watch the Awards Gala live streaming broadcast at NASCARHomeTracks.com.

Race fans are also encouraged to show their support for Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington in the annual Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards. Kennington is once again nominated for stock car racer of the year honours and fans can click on the link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITMNRCA2010 to cast their vote for Kennington.

It promises to be a busy off season for the Castrol Edge Dodge team and their many race fans can follow along through a number of different ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and as mentioned sign up to follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also encouraged to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: DJ Kennington in the Castrol Edge Dodge on his way to victory at Riverside Speedway

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year Derek White is racing at Homestead

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Rookie of the Year Derek White is racing at Homestead

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Kahnawake, Quebec. (November 15, 2010) The 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year Derek White isn’t through with racing competition for this year. White has agreed to drive the #6 Deer Excavating Chevrolet entry fielded by Rick Ware Racing in the final round of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this Friday November 19th at Homestead Miami Speedway.

This will be the first Truck race of the season for White who raced in two events last year. “I had such a good time in both of the races last year that I didn’t want to let the season finish without racing in at least one Truck series event this year” said White.

At both races White participated in during the 2009 campaign he made significant gains during the race from his starting position. In his first ever Camping World Truck Series event at the challenging Martinsville Speedway White started the race 34th but had gained eight positions by the end of race for a 26th place showing. And at Phoenix International Raceway White gained five spots during the race and claimed a 24th place result.

This year White concentrated on running the competitive NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in Canada. In the first event of the year at Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario Derek White in the OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet would serve notice that he was gunning for the Rookie of the Year title scoring an outstanding 7th place finish. Continuing with the momentum from that first race of the season White claimed the rookie title and finished 14th in the overall championship. “I’ve learned so much over the last year and the experience that I gained running in the Canadian Tire series and winning the rookie of the year title should be a huge help this weekend in the #6 Deer Excavating Chevy” stated White.

This weekend’s race at Homestead Miami Speedway is the site of some unfinished business for Derek White. “We came to Homestead last year but missed out on qualifying for the race” said the driver. “This year we’ve come back with better equipment and are better prepared. We want to use this race to show what we’re capable of and that will hopefully generate some more sponsor interest for February at Daytona” he added.

The final race of the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck series from Homestead Miami Speedway takes place Friday November 19th. Derek White will practice the #6 Deer Excavating Chevrolet Thursday at the Speedway. Qualifying is scheduled for 5PM on Friday and the 200 mile feature race will go green at 8PM that night. The race can be seen live on SPEED.

DJ Kennington finishes on the podium at Motoplex Speedway

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Team press release

August 1, 2010. DJ Kennington, driver of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge responded to the challenge in round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC. Following a disappointing finish at Edmonton the team roared back by setting a new track qualifying record, leading the most race laps and scoring a podium finish to tighten up the overall championship battle.

The #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge team were focused and ready right from the afternoon practice session where Kennington posted the quickest lap time. He would follow it up by scorching a new lap record 18.167 second qualifying lap to secure the pole position for the 200 lap event. “This car has been fantastic all year and it was again” stated Kennington. “All the guys worked really hard to be ready and we were” he added.

When the green flag waved the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge was off like a rocket stretching the lead over the field. “I just can’t tell you how great the car was” said Kennington who seemed at times to expand his lead at will.

The race would run under green flag conditions for more than 100 laps at the start. During the first caution period the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge team took on fuel and left side tire and Kennington seemed to pick up right where he left off. “The car was just fantastic, I really don’t know what else to say” said the driver. “Everything appeared to be going out way” he concluded.

Following the second round of pit stops Kennington would again soon return to the race lead. However in the final third of the event the challengers appeared to get stronger. The #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge driver would surrender the lead on lap 236. “As the fuel burned off the car handling went off just a little bit” said Kennington.

A late race caution would allow the field to close up and give Kennington one more chance to gain positions with a green, white checker finish. When the race restarted Kennington pushed the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge hard trying to gain the lead. With so little time left in the race he would finish in third spot. “I tried to get him back” said Kennington. “The car wasn’t quite as strong at the end and the #22 must have found something on that last pit stop and he beat us” conceded the driver.

With another strong outing the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge team had a very successful day. With bonus points for leading a single lap and the most race laps Kennington closes to within seven points of the overall championship lead. “This was a solid points day for us” said the driver. “With all the support we get from Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Hitachi Power Tools and everybody that helps us out, that’s what makes this possible” he stated.

The series continues concludes its three race schedule in western Canada with a midweek event Wednesday August 4th at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. Follow the progress of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge all season on the newly redesigned website www.djkracing.ca plus you can follow their daily activities at www.twitter.com/djkracing. You’re also invited to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo of DJ Kennington taken at Honda Indy Toronto by Gary Grant

Ron Beauchamp hits the top ten

Ron Beauchamp hits the top ten

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Team press release

August 1, 2010. Ron Beauchamp and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge team demonstrated how fast their car was and how well the team performed during practice, qualifying and the early part of round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC this past Saturday night. But for the second week in a row contact from another competitor took away their opportunity for a significantly better finishing position.

Throughout the practice session the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge was among the quickest cars and Beauchamp would qualify with the fourth quickest time. “The car felt really good during the day” said Beauchamp. “The challenge with this track is the handling changes so much during the race it’s hard to keep up with” he added.

When the green flag waved on the 300 lap feature event Beauchamp accepted what the car and track conditions were able to give them. “We lost a few spots in the early part of the race during a long green flag run but it wasn’t too big a concern because it’s such a long race” he stated. “I knew the team would make adjustments and we’d be solid for the end” he added.

Events appeared to play out according to plan. “When we got the opportunity to make our pit stops the team did a good job on the adjustments and we were in pretty good shape” said the driver.

Moving through the second half of the event the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge showed noticeable improvement and Beauchamp was moving forward again. “I was just taking it easy still” said Ron Jr. “The car was coming to me, we were inside the top-ten and moving up” he explained.

Once again however the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge team fortunes changed due to the actions of others. “I was passing a car that was a few laps down through corners three and four and when we were around in corner one and two my spotter told me he was diving hard inside and the next thing I know it’s mayhem” he said in frustration.

The significant collision would see Beauchamp and #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge turned around on track, another car climbing over the hood and doing enormous damage to the car. Even that could not stall the resolve of the team.

Knowing their chances at a top finish were ruined the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge team worked to clear and repair the damage as best they could and ask their driver to give them all he could muster. Beauchamp would fight to the finish and manage to score a tenth place result. “The frustrating part is we had made our pit stops, our car was strong and we get hit by a lapped car” said Beauchamp. “We definitely had a much better car than the result shows” he added.

Ron Beauchamp and the#60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge sit eighth in the overall season championship standings.

Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the #60 Mopar Parts/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge Team will compete in all thirteen races on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Round number six takes place Wednesday August 4th at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. All events this season will again be broadcast on TSN, For more information about Team Mopar go online to www.mopar.ca and for series information check out www.nascar.ca.

Photo of Ron Beauchamp Jr. at Honda Indy Toronto taken by Gary Grant

Derek White suffers from engine troubles at Vernon

Derek White suffers from engine troubles at Vernon

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Team press release

August 1, 2010. Derek White and the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet Race Team took to the track for round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC looking to improve their recent fortunes. In the early part of the day the outlook was promising, however engine gremlins would end their night early.

Even before the afternoon practice session Derek White added some veteran racing experience to his team. “Brad Macintyre came to the race just to watch” explained White. “He’s got a lot of experience and helped a few different teams in a number of series so we put him to work” he added.

White noticed an improvement to the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet right away. “The car felt better than it has all season” smiled the driver. “It was really handling well and I felt good about our chances” he added.

White posted his best qualifying effort of the season in the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet and knew that the 300 lap feature event would be a significant challenge. “With such a long race we just wanted to take our time and be patient, get as much seat time as possible and learn all I can” said the driver.

While the day started well fortunes can change quickly in auto racing and the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet team found that out. Shortly after the green flag waved to begin the race White knew something was wrong. “We just didn’t have the power and the speed we did earlier in the day” said White.

After only a handful of laps White would bring the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet to pit lane and after a quick look under the hood the team knew their night was over. We had a problem in the engine and it finished us early, this was the last thing we expected to happen” said the frustrated driver.

Though their race finished early White is very optimistic about the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Chevrolet team going forward. “These guys worked so damn hard today on this car and did a fantastic job” he said enthusiastically. “We improved the car a lot and I’m sure we’re going to be really good in the next race at Saskatoon” he concluded.

Derek White and the #99 DPW/OCR Gas Bar Team is scheduled to race next this Wednesday August 4th at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, SK. The team is scheduled to compete in all thirteen series races this season. As in years past all NCATS races will also be seen on TSN. You can follow the team all year long by following this link to their website and by logging onto www.nascar.ca

Photo of Derek White at Mosport during the Dickies 200 by Gary Grant

Bourque gets airborne in Aaron’s Dream Machine

Bourque gets airborne in Aaron’s Dream Machine

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Team press release

Vernon, BC (August 1, 2010) Pierre Bourque in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge looked to make another jump up in the overall standings of the Canadian NASAR series in round number six at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, BC. It turned out that it was the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge that made the biggest leap.

During afternoon practice the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge team worked to improve the car and prepare for a very long 300 lap race. “The times on the track were so close amongst all the competitors during practice” said Bourque. “I felt that we had a good race set up and the car would be strong during the race” he added.

Through much of the early going Bourque’s prediction proved to be correct. “We got past a few cars and were up in around the top-ten” said the driver “And the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge was living up to its name, the car felt great” he added.

Bourque continued to work his race strategy for the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge and following the scheduled pit stops for fuel and tires the car appeared to improve yet again. “We just tried to continue with the plan” explained the driver. “Everything appeared to be going pretty well” he stated.

Fortunes in auto racing can however change quickly. Thus was the case with the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge. Just past the halfway mark of the race as Bourque was exiting turn two contact took place and then he along with several other cars were collected in the incident. “I’m not even totally sure what happened” said the driver. “We were involved in an accident and the contact was so severe I got airborne. I’ve never experienced that in a race car before and it’s a shame that our night came to an end that way” he added.

Though the race came to a premature end for Bourque and the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge they remain inside the top-ten of the overall standings. “We’re only 14 points from ninth, and 24 points out of eighth” said the driver. “And I know that the team will have another good race set up for us when we get to the next event in Saskatoon and hopefully we’ll be able to improve our position” he added.

Photo by Gary Grant, Bourque at Honda Indy Toronto

Steve Mathews impresses at St Eustache

Steve Mathews impresses at St Eustache

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Team press release

July 4, 2010. Steve Mathews driving the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford made quite an impression this past Saturday night at round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series as the Autodrome St. Eustache. Mathews showed speed, poise and a determined effort throughout the race.

During the afternoon practice Mathews climbed to the top of the time sheets and was third fastest at the end of the session. Mathews drew the unfortunate honour of qualifying first and put in an excellent effort to claim the eighth starting position. “It’s tough qualifying first, the track has a lot of different rubber and oil from other cars and it hurts your lap, but we did pretty well considering” summarized the driver.

As the green flag waved on the 250 lap main event Mathews though only in his fourth series event immediately began to show his talents as he moved the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford up toward the front of the field. “The car was fast, no doubt about it” said the driver. “I really felt comfortable at the track after only a few laps” he added.

As the race progressed Mathews would run predominantly among the top five battling with the best drivers in the field for position. Before the race was halfway however Mathews believed there was an issue with the left front tire. “We thought we had a tire going down so when we had the opportunity during a caution we made a stop for tires” said the driver.

Rejoining the battle Mathews looked to put the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford back up front. The team also worked to plan out their pit strategy for the duration of the race. “When our left front went flat we took left side tires, and then decided to take right sides under the same caution. This decision changed our strategy and it turns out we took right sides about 75 laps too early.” said Mathews.

The laps ticked away and Mathews continued his exciting run but in the late stages the car became an even bigger handful to control and the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford went off between corner one and two. “I got a little impatient with two lapped cars racing me hard and went to go outside and had no grip” said Mathews.

Steve Mathews returned to the fight after his incident and battled to the end in the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford and would finish the event in twelfth. “In a way it was a successful day, and I would like to thank the whole Mathews Motorsports crew for their great effort and hard work. The more of these NCATS races we do the better we get.”

You can find out more about “Speedy Steve” Mathews and keep up with the latest news on the #15 Mathews Motorsports Ford and follow their progress all season long in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series by logging onto the website www.stevemathews.net

Photo by Todd Lewis

Bourque battles just to finish at St. Eustache

Bourque battles just to finish at St. Eustache

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Team press release

St. Eustache, Quebec. (July 4, 2010) Pierre Bourque and the #00 Telus Dodge team looked to continue their impressive early season showing in round number three of the Canadian NASCAR season at the Autodrome St. Eustache this past Saturday night. The evening turned into one of unexpected challenge.

As Bourque began practice in the #00 Telus Dodge it was his first opportunity to get acclimated to the tricky 4/10 mile track. “I like the track, it’s challenging” said Bourque “I talked a lot with my teammate DJ Kennington and just tried to improve with every lap” he added.

Bourque would qualify the #00 Telus Dodge nineteenth and looked to take a cautious approach but ran into difficulty even before the race started. “I had radio problems even before the pace laps” said the disappointed driver. “I was able to hear but couldn’t speak to the team” he stated.

The radio issues for Bourque got worse after he took the green flag in the #00 Telus Dodge. It was only a few laps in when the radio went totally caput” explained the driver.

The radio wasn’t the only difficulty Bourque had to deal with in his #00 Telus Dodge. “I couldn’t see anything” stated the driver simply. “You need the spotters help to get around this track so I had to come into the pits. I didn’t want to be the cause of somebody else’s problem or wreck myself” he added.

Bourque wheeled the #00 Telus Dodge to pit lane and the crew looked to diagnose the problem. “I’ve got to give the team a lot of credit for rigging something quickly to get it fixed, but we lost a half dozen laps” he explained.

A strong finish was impossible but Bourque returned the #00 Telus Dodge to competition looking for whatever positives he could make from the evening. “It’s a real morale killer when that happens because we expected to move up once the race started. We did pass a lot of cars, but because we were down that many laps early we could never reclaim the laps we lost” he concluded.

Despite the disappointing evening, Bourque remains in the top-ten of the overall championship sitting ninth. “We’ll put this one behind us, learn from it and I know we’ll be better at the next event in Toronto” ensured the driver.

Photo by Todd Lewis

Tough Night at St. Eustache For Derek White

Tough Night at St. Eustache For Derek White

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Team press release

July 4, 2010. Derek White and the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar Race Team were excited to race at the track close to home in St. Eustache for round three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past Saturday night. Unfortunately the day turned into a battle looking for engine gremlins that hampered their performance.

White looked forward to the challenge the tricky 4/10 mile track presented and was anxious to hit the track. Following the practice session White was pleased with the performance of the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar car. “The car handled great, we thought it was just a little issue with the carburetor that we needed to adjust” said the driver.

The engine issues continued through qualifying and the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar car would start the feature event seventeenth and the team was concerned that the problems under the hood were more serious.

When the green flag waved White would find that other issues would also cause the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar team trouble. “We had a problem with the transmission and the car just started popping out of gear” said the driver. “It turned out to be kind of a tough night and the car was a handful so I tried to give everybody as much room as possible”.

The mission for the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar team was to finish the race at this challenging track and learn as much as possible. They would claim a fifteenth place result and were reasonably satisfied. “With the problems we had we’re happy that we finished the race, the car is in one piece. We ran our back up car because this is such a tough track and can be hard on equipment. So we’ll go back and get ready for the next race” he stated.

Despite the difficulties White and the #99 DPW/OCR Gaz Bar team remain tenth in the overall championship and leading the rookie in the series.

Derek White and the #99 DPW/OCR Gas Bar Team will return to action on the streets of Toronto at Exhibition Place on Saturday July 17th as part of the Toronto Indy Weekend. The team is scheduled to compete in all thirteen series races this season. As in years past all NCATS races will also be seen on TSN. The St. Eustache race will air at 11:30 Eastern July 17th. You can follow the team all year long by following this link to their website and by logging onto www.nascar.ca

Photo of Derek White at St. Eustache by Todd Lewis.

DJ Kennington wins St. Eustache round of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

DJ Kennington wins St. Eustache round of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

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Team press release

July 4, 2010. DJ Kennington, driver of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge was unable to take the lead until very late in round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past Saturday night at the Autodrome St. Eustache. However Kennington would lead when it counted and score his second race win of the season and take over the overall championship points lead.

During afternoon practice the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge proved to be handful even though Kennington was fourth quickest. “We had a problem with the a suspension piece rubbing on the right front tire but he Castrol Crew got it fixed up for qualifying” said the driver. “After the repairs we scored the third starting spot for the race” he added.

In the early part of the race Kennington maintained a strong pace and kept in touch with the front pack of cars. “I didn’t want to race too hard too early and use up the car so I just stayed patient to see how things developed” said Kennington.

The #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge team continued this approach as scheduled pit stops occurred and though he would shuffle back in the pack DJ was able to move back up toward the front of the field. “The car was pretty consistent but some of the guys were running pretty hard and I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to get back to the lead” he stated.

In the second half of the race Kennington moved back up to second position and closed up on the race leader looking for an opportunity to pass. “I worked pretty hard on the #22 car but just couldn’t get by him” said the driver. “Then I dropped back into third spot and just wanted to hold on to a podium position and bring the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge home and make it a good championship points day” he added.

With only two laps remaining Kennington would benefit from the aggressive racing between the #22 and the #02 who came together and slid up the race track. Kennington seized the opportunity to push the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge into the lead and claim the victory, his second of the season. “I was just hanging on in those final few laps” said the thankful driver afterwards. “Those guys were racing for position and we happened to be in the right spot to take advantage when they had troubles. I’m so happy for the whole team that worked really hard again today. This win is for Rick Williams, who we lost recently and for my friend Bob Hewitt. I’ve got to thank Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Hitachi Power Tools and everybody who helps us out. We really appreciate all your support” he concluded.

You can watch DJ Kennington’s victory in round number three of the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series can be seen on TSN this coming Saturday, July 10th beginning at 11:30AM Eastern Time.

The next race of the season takes place Saturday July 17th on the streets of Exhibition Place in Toronto as part of the Toronto Indy weekend. Follow the progress of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge all season on the newly redesigned website www.djkracing.ca plus you can follow their progress at www.twitter.com/djkracing. You’re also invited to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo by Todd Lewis: DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge team celebrate their race victory.

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