NCATS: Castrol Dodge team fall just short in Championship

KENNINGTON & CASTROL DODGE TEAM FALL JUST SHORT IN CHAMPIONSHIP

DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Team were riding the wave of momentum heading into the final NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event of the season, the Dodge Charger 250 at Kawartha Speedway. Kennington had posted a victory and a third place finish in back to back races and closed to within a handful of points in the championship standings headed to race number twelve.

The Castrol Crew continued their solid work and had the Castrol Dodge up among the quickest cars in practice staking their case to claim a championship. The luck of the draw would work against the team in qualifying. Kennington drew the first position for qualifying runs and although his time was decent, the track improved dramatically as more rubber was put down on the track. Kennington would start the Castrol Dodge from the 15^th position. "It's really tough when you go first in qualifying," said the driver. "There is such a difference in track conditions that you can't do anything about."

Ever positive however Kennington added "but I know we'll have a good car for the race."

As usual the Castrol Driver was correct. As the green flag signaled the start of action Kennington had the Castrol Dodge working the way he wanted and was quickly inside the top-ten and ahead of the #27 car that he had to beat to have a shot at the championship. "I wasn't pushing the car at all," said the driver. "I just wanted to take my time. I knew we could get to the front."

The Castrol Dodge continued to move forward and the competition went in the opposite direction and improving the chances of Kennington to take over the lead. With all signs positive for the Castrol Team, they quickly changed. Without warning the Castrol Dodge began to slow on the race track, smoke clearly visible from underneath the car. "I knew it was bad right away," said Kennington.

Kennington was forced to bring the Castrol Dodge to pit road, the driver and team quickly determining the problem was terminal. Their night and championship hopes were finished. "We had a part failure in the Castrol Dodge and that did us in. I was only running about 7,200 RPM and not pushing the car too hard at all, but it's just one of those things that bite you now and then."

Despite the setback it was still a very impressive season for the Castrol Dodge team posting two victories and finishing second in the overall Championship. "It's great for everybody," said Kennington. "Castrol and Dodge and everybody who helps us out with our program, we couldn't do it without them. Congratulations to Dodge in winning the manufacturers cup and congratulations to the #27 team, we'll be back next year though looking to take the title."

DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team will attend the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series year end awards banquet on Saturday, October 13^th in Toronto to accept several awards recognizing their outstanding season. The inaugural twelve race NCATS schedule featured 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 http://www.nascar.ca/

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment