VERNON, BC – John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick had a quick start to the weekend in the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevrolet at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC scoring a front row starting spot. Fitzpatrick would also show a flair for the dramatic at the conclusion of the race.
It was a perfect start to the 300 lap event for J.R. Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy as he moved into the race lead on the opening lap and maintained the position for the first 39 laps of the race. “I’ve said this every week, but this is a fast car,” said J.R. before the race, “I just want to get out there and give us a boost.”
Fitzpatrick would have no difficulty maintaining a solid position with the lead group of cars through much of the night. As pit stops cycled through, the Milwaukee Electric Tools team gave J.R. prompt efficient pit stops to keep him in the hunt. “At different points through the race it might take a little time to make your way through some of the traffic, but with it being such a long race I also wanted to be patient” said the driver.
As the race entered the closing stages, Fitzpatrick tried to nose his way on the outside after a restart from a caution period. J.R. would lead lap 252 but could not close the deal and fell back behind the leader. I thought the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy would be able to do it on the high side but I just couldn’t make it stick” he said. Fitzpatrick would get another opportunity on the final restart.
A late race caution set up a Green, white checker finish to the 300 lap event. Fitzpatrick on the outside of the front row trying to make the same move he’d been denied earlier. “I knew it had to be on the outside” said the driver. As the cars roared into corner one, the 18 year old hung onto the outside groove and the two top cars raced door to door to the conclusion. On the final lap, coming out of corner four, Fitzpatrick inched the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy ahead and claimed the victory by the margin of 0.029 seconds to the delight of thousands of fans and of course his team.
It was an emotional J.R. Fitzpatrick in victory lane afterwards jumping onto the roof of the car to celebrate with the fans, the Milwaukee Electric Tools crew showering him with water. Fitzpatrick dove into their arms to congratulate them on the success. “This is a great win for our team” he beamed afterwards. “I want to thank my whole team, Milwaukee Electric Tools. This one’s for my dad, and my mom, it’s a great win” in he exclaimed.
With the victory JR Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric Tools team now sit fifth in the championship standings after four events, just a single point back of fourth.
Riding the wave of momentum the Milwaukee Electric Tools team head to Edmonton for the next event of The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this coming Saturday, July 21st as part of the Grand Prix of Edmonton weekend. More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca All twelve races will also be shown on TSN.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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