Tuesday, June 19, 2007

NCATS: Fitz Runner-Up at Mosport


J.R. FITZPATRICK AND MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOLS CHEVY TAKE SECOND AT MOSPORT

BOWMANVILLE, ON – The Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevrolet team with John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick behind the wheel returned to action for round 2 of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series this past weekend at Mosport International Raceway. And right from the first session J.R. knew he had a rocket of a racecar.

During the practice sessions the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy was very fast and the team made very few changes to the set up. J.R. did all he could for a quick lap and would run second quickest, and score a front row starting spot for the 200-km race. “The car was just great,” said the 19-year-old driver. “We’ll definitely be fast for the race.”

As the race began, Fitzpatrick was jumped at the start by the pole-sitter, the subsequent penalty to the #27 car only ensured that the Milwaukee Electric Tools car would be out front. “Penalty or not we were going to be out front,” said J.R. afterwards. Their were no other competitors who could match the power of the Milwaukee Electric Tools car and Fitzpatrick would lead comfortably for the first 22 laps until pit stops began.

It was routine service for the team as they returned J.R. and the Milwaukee Electric Tools car to the fight. As the rest of the drivers made their scheduled stops Fitzpatrick cycled back to the front of the pack. “I was just trying to save the car for the final five laps after that,” said the driver. The challenge came a little earlier than that however.

On lap 43 during the approach to corner 5 the #27 car made significant contact with the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy, sending Fitzpatrick off course. Using his skill and ability, J.R. recovered without losing any further positions. Unfortunately he was not able to retake the lead and had to settle for a second-place finish.

While happy to be on the podium, Fitzpatrick was disappointed with what appeared to be his first win bumped away. “My crew chief, Ted McAllister gave me such a good car for this race. We were hooked up right from the start. We definitely had the best race car. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get the win, I really wanted this one for my dad on Father’s Day.”

After the race both competitors came together on the course, Fitzpatrick was still upset about the pass. “I was a bit emotional after the race,” said J.R. “And I let him know how I felt. But everything is fine, he’s a talented driver and I think it’s going to be a great battle on the rest of the road courses this year between us.”

Release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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