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Micks takes 4th in Saskatoon

Micks takes 4th in Saskatoon

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

Team press release

July 28, 2011: Less than a week after earning a podium finish in Vernon, BC, Kerry Micks coaxed the No. 02 Dickies / Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion home to a fourth-place finish in Wednesday night’s Velocity Prairie Thunder at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway.

While the two strong NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ‘western swing’ finishes were welcomed by the Mt. Albert, Ontario racer, the Wednesday result in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was somewhat bittersweet given that Micks led a good portion of the race, but fell to fourth when a rear-end gear started to go with 25 laps to go in the 250-lap race.

“We had a very fast car and led a lot of the race,” said Micks, who was able to stretch out considerable leads, at times, during his 46-lap stint at the front (laps 119-164). “The team worked very hard and got it to where we could really drive the car. It was the first time we’ve had a good, soft-setup in this car; it’s almost been two years we’ve been fighting it. So now, we’re finally getting it down pat and we’re really proud of the team for getting the car to where I can drive it.”

But Micks’ hopes for a victory in front of the capacity mid-week crowd were dashed when trouble developed. “We had a rear-end start to go about 25 laps from the end – a gear was seizing up – and I went from near the front, back to fourth. At least I finished the race, though. I made it to the end, luckily, because I only would have made it a few more laps before it gave out altogether. The car was really, really good. But that’s part of racing and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

So while the final outcome wasn’t what the No. 2 Dickies / Beyond Digital Imaging Ford driver was hoping for, the rest of the event was very positive. “We didn’t really have any incidents during the race. Our pit stops were good and smooth, too.”

Prior to the start of the race, Micks was sixth-fastest during practice for the season’s seventh race (of 12) and posted a qualifying lap of 14.752 seconds (81.264 mph) at the 1/3-mile oval, which was good enough to place him fifth on the 21-car starting grid.

The Velocity Prairie Thunder was won by Pete Shepherd, the sixth different winner in seven races so far in 2011. Reigning series champion DJ Kennington started on the pole and looked set to win the race for the second year in a row before Shepherd passed him on the final lap. Don Thomson Jr. claimed the final podium spot in Saskatoon. Points leader Scott Steckly was involved in an early crash and finished 20th, thereby closing the points chase considerably with five races remaining.

The series’ unofficial point standings have Steckly leading the way with 1153 points, followed by Kennington (1133), Thomson Jr. (1062), J.R. Fitzpatrick (1038) and Micks (999).

Discussing the points battle, Micks continued, “We’re getting up there. J.R. [Fitzpatrick] had some problems, too, so we closed up on him. I think we’re fighting to get a top-three points finish by the end of the season. If we can do that, we’ll be very happy.”

The Velocity Prairie Thunder from Auto Clearing Speedway will be telecast by TSN on Saturday, August 6, at 1 p.m. ET. The series’ next race takes place Sunday, August 7 at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. It’s the first of two consecutive NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course races, the second taking place during the NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

“We’re looking forward to Three Rivers and Montreal,” continued Micks, who has enjoyed success at both venues in the past. “Our cars – including the road course car – have been getting better and better and I think we’re going to do really well in Quebec.”

Race fans are reminded to go to Dickies.ca before the race and pick the winners in the Dickies Race to Win Challenge for a chance to win some great prizes.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit www.nascarlocalracing.com.

Kerry Micks is supported by the following sponsors: Williamson-Dickie Canada Co., Beyond Digital Imaging, Prostate Cancer Canada, Steadymate, Seguin Marina, Thor Motors, NGK Spark Plugs, Samester, Castrol and Cathcart Trucking.

Photo by Perry Nelson.

DJ Kennington has a busy January

DJ Kennington has a busy January

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DJ Kennington qualifies at Mosport. Photo by Gary Grant

January 18, 2011. 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington is enjoying a couple of very busy and exciting weeks of activity. The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge driver was one of the Head Table Guests at the London Sports Celebrity Dinner that raises money for local charities. This weekend Kennington will be signing autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Centre in Toronto, and then the following weekend he’ll be participating at the NASCAR All Star Showdown in Irwindale, California.

A busy schedule can be a burden to some, but not to the always smiling Castrol Edge Dodge driver Kennington. “The sports dinner in London is a great event” said Kennington. “They raise money to support nearly 7,000 people every year and I’m proud to have been asked to attend” he added.

The annual Canadian Motorsports Expo is set to begin this Friday January 21st and continue through Sunday the 23rd and has become the place to be for racers and race fans each January. Occupying a large exhibit hall at the International Center near Pearson airport Kennington will be in attendance each day of the show. “Castrol has a large presence at this year’s show and we’re bringing our #17 Castrol Edge Dodge to be part of the display” said the driver. “It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of race fans and I get to say thank you in person for all the congratulations I’m still receiving on the championship” he added.

That 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Title guaranteed Kennington a starting spot in the annual NASCAR All Star Showdown that will take place January 28th and 29th in Irwindale California and the Castrol Edge Dodge driver can’t wait to turn laps on the half mile track. “I’ve watched this event on TV in the past and when you see some of the guys who’ve driven in this event it’s a real honour” said Kennington. “And I’m very happy to have Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) preparing the car for us. In fact BMR has three series champions signed up for this event and I know we’ll have a strong car. I’m anxious to see how we stack up against some tough competition”.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo and to purchase tickets fans can log onto www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com Fans will be able to watch Kenninton participate in the NASCAR All Star Showdown from Irwindale California both January 28th and 29th on SPEED.

Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Ra

Kennington enjoys a memorable week in Charlotte

Kennington enjoys a memorable week in Charlotte

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

December 12, 2010. Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington was in Charlotte, North Carolina this past week to accept congratulations and his championship ring as the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion. The NASCAR Gala Night of Champions took place in the Crown Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Kennington thanked his family and many team members in attendance and then had an enormous surprise for everyone. Kennington stole the show by getting down on one knee as he offered an engagement ring to his girlfriend Jamie who joyfully accepted and the two were given a standing ovation.

The black tie affair on Saturday was the culmination of a week of activities for NASCAR Champions including Kennington who participated in numerous functions including the annual Go Kart Challenge and exclusive tours of several prominent NASCAR team headquarters.

By the time the week of activity had concluded Kennington was both exhausted and elated. “This was such an incredible week here in Charlotte” said Kennington. “NASCAR did so much for us. It was wonderful to have my family here and so many of my team members who are just like family to me. For Castrol and the amazing support they’ve shown me for seventeen years, they made me what I am and I’m proud to have won this title for them” he added.

Keeping the engagement announcement a surprise on top of the many other duties for the champion was no easy task. “It sure wasn’t easy” said the smiling Kennington. “I was a bit nervous about keeping it quiet but the NASCAR folks and everyone who helped organize the dinner and all of activities helped out and it worked out perfectly. Jamie has been really supportive and understanding when I have to miss a family function to be at a race and this just seemed like the perfect way to ask her to be by my side for the rest of our lives”.

The busy off season for the Castrol Edge Dodge team will continue. Next month Kennington will have his championship Castrol Edge Dodge on display and attend the 58th Rogers London Sports Celebrity Dinner & Auction taking place January 17th at the London Convention Centre. Race fans can keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also encouraged to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: DJ Kennington on stage with his Championship trophy at the NASCAR Night of Champions Gala
Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Molson Coors Canada Inks New Sponsorship With NASCAR In Canada

Molson Coors Canada Inks New Sponsorship With NASCAR In Canada

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NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2010) — The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Molson Coors Canada, a division of MolsonCoors, today announced a partnership in Canada in which the Keystone Light brand will become the Official Beer of NASCAR in Canada and the Official Beer of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

As an official partner, Keystone Light will have the ability to leverage the NASCAR logo on its packaging and throughout its national advertising campaigns. In addition, Keystone Light will participate in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Prize Money and Decal Program with the Keystone Light Pole Award. The award will be given to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver who posts the fastest qualifying time each race of the season. Under the agreement, the brand will also secure pouring rights at multiple facilities the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series visits.

This partnership includes a robust media component on TSN and TSN.ca comprising of spots, billboards and custom features in NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series broadcasts. The brand will also activate a national NASCAR promotion featuring VIP NASCAR race weekend experiences that bring Keystone Light drinkers up close and personal to the action on the race track.

“NASCAR Canada is extremely pleased to partner with Keystone Light and help grow its brand among passionate and devoted stock car racing fans using the NASCAR Canada platform,” said Randy Paul, managing director, NASCAR Canada. “To have a brand like Keystone Light, which has a successful history of supporting stock car racing in the U.S., working in partnership with NASCAR Canada is a testament to the popularity of NASCAR racing in Canada and its fans across the country.”

“Coors Light and Keystone Light have been terrific partners in the U.S., and we’re very excited to help Keystone Light expand its NASCAR relationship across the border into Canada,” said Jim O’Connell, vice president of corporate marketing for NASCAR. “With the NASCAR fan base evenly spread across Canada, we anticipate the sport can bring strong results to Keystone Light’s national promotions and retail activation.”

“The opportunity to partner with such a strong brand as NASCAR offers Keystone Light access to a growing fan base, providing immediate legitimacy with the loyal enthusiasts and casual followers of the sport,” said Kristi Knowles, vice president marketing for Molson Coors Canada. “We’re planning to genuinely integrate the Keystone brand within the NASCAR Canada community – many who already happen to be Keystone fans. Our aim is not to be a spectator sponsor but to be right there as the checkered flag is waved.”

With 12 points events in 2011 at Canada’s premier oval track facilities and largest road racing tracks, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is Canada’s premier motorsport and only national motorsport championship. The series, which launched in 2007, features Canada’s top teams and drivers competing on both oval and road courses, and as a companion event to other major in-market events. The series stages races in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

NASCAR is the #1 motorsports property on television in Canada. Today, 6.8 million adult Canadians are NASCAR fans, up from 5.8 million in 2004. NASCAR fans hail evenly from all parts of Canada, making up over a quarter of the population in each Canadian province.

About NASCAR Canada: NASCAR Canada, a partnership between NASCAR and TSN Events, a division of TSN within the CTVglobemedia family, Canada’s leading multi-media company, was created in 2004 to manage the growth of the NASCAR brand in Canada through sponsorship, licensing, and marketing initiatives. TSN, which has been broadcasting NASCAR races across Canada since 1984, brought to Canadian fans more than 80 NASCAR race broadcasts in 2010.

About Molson Coors Canada: With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Coors Canada is proud to be the nation’s pre-eminent brewer. The Company proudly offers some of the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio that includes Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Keystone, Keystone Light, Molson Dry and Rickard’s. Molson Coors Canada also partners with other leading brewers to offer such global brands as Heineken, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft, and Foster’s Lager. The Company employs 3,000 Canadians, operates six breweries, including the boutique brewery Creemore, and invests in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Coors Canada is part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company.

DJ Kennington heads to NASCAR awards gala at Hall of Fame

DJ Kennington heads to NASCAR awards gala at Hall of Fame

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

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.

Canadian Tire Series 2011 Schedule Set

Canadian Tire Series 2011 Schedule Set

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

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced today the 2011 schedule for the fifth season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, which takes the series to some of the top racing facilities throughout Canada.

The schedule features 12 dates at 12 different tracks across five provinces. The slate includes tracks and events familiar to the series, but the addition of another road-course event is new for next season.

The 2011 campaign gets underway on Saturday, May 28 at Mosport Speedway near Bowmanville, Ont. It is the first time the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opens its season at the half-mile oval. Last season, Don Thomson Jr. earned the victory in an August race. This will be the earliest date the track has hosted Canada’s premier racing series.

The season’s second date takes the Canadian Tire Series to a new venue – Circuit ICAR located on the grounds of Montreal’s Mirabel Airport. The 1.86-mile road course is located on the former passenger terminal’s apron.

The series again will be included in many of Canada’s largest motorsports events. For the fifth consecutive year, the Canadian Tire Series will share Montreal’s legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on IÎe Notre Dame with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. This year’s signature event on the schedule is slated for Saturday, Aug. 20. Additionally, a date at Toronto’s Exhibition Place is set for Saturday, July 9. It is a pairing with the IZOD IndyCar Series at the popular Honda Indy Toronto. Two-time series champion Andrew Ranger picked up wins in both of these races last season.

The annual swing through Western Canada will include stops at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C., and Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Sask. Both events resulted in standing-room-only crowds with Scott Steckly winning in British Columbia, and eventual series title winner DJ Kennington in Saskatchewan.

Another popular date is the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres in Quebec, which is on tap for Aug. 6-7. Last season, Ranger thrilled the fans of his home province with his third straight victory on the 1.53-mile temporary street course.

In what has become a tradition, the season will close and a new champion crowned at Kawartha Speedway, a .375-mile oval near Peterborough, Ont., on Saturday, Sept. 24. Last year, Pete Shepherd III picked up his first series-career win in the event, while Kennington celebrated his first series championship.

The 2011 calendar of races was revealed to many of the series’ competitors and track operators at the NASCAR Canadian Recognition VIP Reception held Wednesday evening at The Fermenting Cellar inside The Distillery in downtown Toronto. This event recognized the accomplishments of participants in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, as well as competitors participating in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in Canada.

Other 2011 highlights include:

• The 2011 schedule includes races on seven ovals: Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, Barrie Speedway, Delaware Speedway, Kawartha Speedway, Mosport Speedway, Motoplex Speedway and Riverside International Speedway; and five road courses: Circuit de Trois-Rivieres, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Circuit ICAR, Mosport International Raceway and the temporary street course at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

• June 11 will be the series’ third consecutive year of competing at Delaware Speedway. Kennington has held serve at his home track by being victorious in each of the first two races there.

• On June 25-26, the series will run at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont., at the facility’s 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course. The race is part of an eventful weekend at the 750-acre facility. Last year, JR Fitzpatrick out dueled both Ranger and Jason Bowles for his second win at the track.

• The Barrie (Ont.) Speedway date is set for Saturday, Sept. 10. Each of the past four trips to Barrie on this weekend has resulted in overflow crowds. The .333-mile tri-oval always produces one of the most exciting and action-filled events of the season. In 2010, Kennington edged Thomson by just .015 of a second.

• The trip east to the Maritime Province of Nova Scotia for a Saturday, Sept. 17 event at Riverside International Speedway is a popular stop for the competitors. Tackling the high-banked turns of the .333-mile scale version of the legendary Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway is always a thrill for both competitors and fans. Kennington collected his fifth win of the season in this event.

2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Schedule

Sat., May 28 Mosport Speedway (.5-Mile) Bowmanville, Ont.
Sun., June 5 Circuit ICAR (1.86-Mile road course) Montreal, Que.
Sat., June 11 Delaware Speedway (.5-Mile) London, Ont.
Sun., June 26 Mosport Int’l Raceway (2.459-Mile road course) Bowmanville, Ont.
Sat. July 9 Toronto Exhibition Place (1.765-Mile road course) Toronto, Ont.
Sat., July 23 Motoplex Speedway (.5-Mile) Vernon, B. C.
Wed., July 27 Auto Clearing Motor Speedway (.333-Mile) Saskatoon, Sask.
Sun., Aug. 7 Circuit de Trois-Rivieres (1.53-Mile road course) Trois-Rivieres, Que.
Sat., Aug. 20 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (2.709-Mile road course) Montreal, Que.
Sat., Sept. 10 Barrie Speedway (.333-Mile) Barrie, Ont.
Sat., Sept. 17 Riverside Int’l Speedway (.333-Mile) Antigonish, N. S.
Sat., Sept. 24 Kawartha Speedway (.375-Mile) Peterborough, Ont.

Castrol Edge Dodge Team Ready to Celebrate

Castrol Edge Dodge Team Ready to Celebrate

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

DJ Kennington at Barrie Speedway. Photo by Gary Grant

October 29, 2010. Just over a month ago Castrol Edge Dodge driver DJ Kennington claimed the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship after closing out the final event at Kawartha Speedway with a third place finish. The result from Kawartha was his ninth podium finish of a remarkable season that saw the team prove their mettle every weekend of the grueling thirteen race series that took competitors from coast to coast. And with the championship smiles still clearly visible on their faces, the Castrol Edge Dodge team is about to begin an off season of celebration!

Almost immediately after the final checkered flag closed out the season and the Castrol Edge Dodge driver was confirmed as the series champion the phone calls, text messages and emails of congratulations began pouring in for the popular driver. “I was overwhelmed by the number of people that called or wrote me a note after we won the title” said Kennington. “I’m glad I was able to have my family there with me after the race and for so many of the people from Castrol to be there was special. They’ve been with me since the beginning and are part of this family too” he added.

This off season promises to be much different than those of the past for the Castrol Edge Dodge driver and Kennington couldn’t be happier about it. “Normally we’d do some clean-up work around the shop and eventually start getting things ready again next spring” explained Kennington. “This year it’s a whole different ball game. We’ve got the cars cleaned up and ready to go because they’re going to be on display an awful lot over the winter” he smiled.

The first event for the 2010 Champion and the Castrol Edge Dodge team will be attending is the Canadian Recognition VIP Reception to take place in the Toronto Distillery district on November 10th. Series sponsors and partners along with members of the media have been invited to this prestigious event. “This will be the first of many big events for the Castrol Edge team” said Kennington. “I’m proud of everyone involved with our team and I’m going to take every opportunity to recognize their contribution and say thank-you” said the driver.

Coming up later this year Kennington will be honoured on December 11th at the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards Gala to be held at the newly opened NASCAR Hall of Fame where he will receive his Championship Ring. “That is going to be a special time” smiled Kennington. “There’s almost a whole week of activities planned for us, we’ll have our Castrol Edge Dodge on display and to be part of that kind of event with all the history of NASCAR surrounding us will be a once in a lifetime experience…..well, actually I wouldn’t mind experiencing it again next year” he exclaimed.

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 also sign up to follow them on twitter, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also encouraged to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

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

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