Tuesday, July 17, 2007

NCATS SUN VALLEY: DJ KENNINGTON SCORES TOP-FIVE IN CASTROL DODGE

VERNON, BC – DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Crew returned to Sun Valley Speedway just outside Vernon, BC looking to score another victory at the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series began a swing through Western Canada. Kennington has been a winner at this beautiful ½ mile track in previous visits and scored other podium finishes as well. The weekend began with a solid qualifying effort putting the Castrol Dodge in the third starting position.

As the BC Dodge Dealers Dodge Avenger 300 began Kennington looked to find racing room and a comfortable pace for the long event. As other competitors jostled for position DJ and the Castrol Dodge did drop back several positions and caused concern for the crew and his fans. Kennington was quick to radio word to the team telling them “not to worry, we’ve got a fast race car”. DJ would demonstrate just how good the Castrol car was later on.

The Castrol Crew performed flawlessly during the first few pit stops of the grueling event getting tires, fuel and other service done in quick order to keep DJ running with the lead group of cars. A judgment ruling by NASCAR officials though would set the team back. During a pit stop Kennington was forced to maneuver around another competitor as he stopped for service. NASCAR penalized the team for being outside the pit box while service was completed. The Castrol Dodge team was forced also make another pit stop for loose lug nuts. The result, they were a lap down to the leaders.

Unfazed by the circumstances against them Kennington set out to keep the Castrol Dodge in contention. Slicing his way through the field with skill and precision, the fortunes of the team changed when a caution allowed the team to get their lap back. As the field returned to racing Kennington continued his aggressive passing and moving back into the top-ten. “We had a great race car all night, but it was some tough luck had got us down” he said afterwards.

Late race, take not prisoners racing as the finish neared had Kennington and the Castrol Dodge battling with the #9 Dodge. The two would make incidental contact, Kennington would continue, the other car crashed out. “It’s too bad for Mark (Dilley) said DJ afterwards who spoke with the driver after the race to explain his side of the circumstances. “We’ll never try to put people out deliberately, I feel bad his night ended early.

Kennington would continue his tenacious charge and claim a fifth place finish at the conclusion of the night. “From where we were in the middle of the race, I guess we’ll take it” he said.

After four races DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team sit fourth in the overall point standings.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire series is back in action this coming Saturday, July 21st on the airport runways at Edmonton City Centre Airport as part of the Edmonton Grand Prix weekend. The twelve race schedule features events from coast to coast in Canada including stops at the best ovals in the Country along with temporary street circuits in Edmonton and Trois Rivieres. Look for more information all season at www.nascar.ca All twelve races of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will also be broadcast on TSN.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment

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