Trois-Rivieres: Anthony Simone race notes

SIMONE STRONG IN GRAND PRIX DE TROIS RIVIERES
Another second place finish has Simone hungry for the first win

TROIS RIVIERES, QC, Sunday August 16, 2009: Anthony Simone driver of the No. 95 Crown Modular/United Lumber Monte Carlo was hoping for his first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series win on Sunday at the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres but settled for a close second.

Simone of Bradford Ontario, who is having a terrific sophomore season after a rough start in NASCAR in 2008, was quick right off the trailer in practice on Friday and they backed it up with a solid fourth place qualifying effort on Saturday. The Simone Autosport team is anxiously awaiting that first win win.

The No. 95 Crown Modular driver's strategy was to stay with the lead pack but save his brakes and equipment for a charge in the final 10 laps of the 43 lap GP3R 100 event. An early opportunity presented itself for Simone to get past third place runner D. J. Kennington and the Monte Carlo driver took over the position. With Tagliani and Ranger battling it out in front of him, Simone stayed close and waited for his opportunity. Tagliani would then fall off the pace and Ranger and Simone would battle for the final fifteen laps. The No. 95 Crown Modular Monte Carlo driver got close on several occasions but couldn't make the pass and crossed the finish line in second. "We just had a great car all day," stated a smiling Simone after the race. "I have to thank all my sponsors Crown Modular, United Lumber and my crew who work so hard to give me a great car every week. That late caution hurt us. Andrew was getting a little loose and sliding around so I was just biding my time. The green, white, checkered finish just didn't give me enough time to make a move on him."

Third place went to outside pole sitter D. J. Kennington, fourth was Jacque Villeneuve and fifth was Ron Beauchamp Jr. Simone remains in fifth in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series point standings heading to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in two weeks for event number ten in the thirteen race series.

Simone and his team will prepare now for the fourth and final road course event of the 2009 season at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 29/30.

-credit: sa