St-Eustache: DJ Kennington race report

KENNINGTON WINS IN CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTORS/HITACHI TOOLS DODGE AT ST EUSTACHE

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.

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.

-source: tlsport