Kawartha: DJ Kennington race notes

KENNINGTON GETS SECOND WIN OF THE YEAR IN THE CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTORS DODGE

September 27, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge were keen to finish the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series racing season with a strong finish at the final event on Sunday at Kawartha Speedway. Scoring their second victory of the season accomplished that goal.

The weekend did not start out well for the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team. Throughout the Saturday practice the car did not handle as well as the driver wanted and the team made significant changes before qualifying. Kennington would post the fourth quickest lap during time trials but rain showers postponed the 250 lap feature until Sunday.

When the green flag waved to begin the race Kennington would keep him solidly among the leaders. "The car was certainly better from where we were in practice but it wasn't perfect" said the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor driver. "But we just took our time and knew that we would make some final adjustments during our pit stops" he added.

Crew Chief Dave Wight and the rest of the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors team would execute perfect pit stops for the #17 driver, giving him fresh tires and fuel along with the necessary handling adjustments. Through the middle portion of the race Kennington knew his car was getting stronger as he continued his move toward the front of the field. "I don't think we could have made it much better than it was" concluded Kennington. "We were set for the end with fresh tires, and all the caution laps really helped us out too" he added.

Kennington would move the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge into first place on lap 183 and immediately start to put some distance between himself and the second place runner. It was shortly after that inclement weather again moved over the speedway and NASCAR officials declared the race over on lap 204 giving Kennington his second victory of the season. "Even without the rain I don't if any anybody could have got us" smiled Kennington in victory lane. "We were really good there at the end, the adjustments we made were really good and we pitted at the right time. For Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Mopar and everybody that's helped us this year it's a good to end the season with a win" he added.

Afterwards Kennington was again quick to praise the work of the entire Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team for their efforts not only in this event, but all season long. "I'll tell you right now, I've got the best guys I've ever had" said the driver without hesitation. "I've never had a lot of help, never asked for a lot of help, but now that I've got this group together, I've got the best crew out there right now. If it wasn't for a few glitches in the season, I think we might have had ourselves a championship" he summarized.

With the race victory DJ Kennington moved up one position to clinch second spot in the overall championship standings.

-credit: djkm