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: DJ Kennington in the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Dodge at Motoplex Speedway.
Photos Credit: Sue Chisholm and www.racetimeradio.com
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