In a season that has challenged the resolve of Brad Graham and the Full Throttle /Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team their efforts were rewarded during round nine of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series posting a top-five finish at Cayuga Speedway.
For much of the racing season the Full Throttle team has worked hard to learn the intricacies of their new Hess built race car. It has taken time for the crew to understand how the adjustments made impact the handling and performance of the car but now feel they are on their way.
The Full Throttle team and driver Brad Graham worked diligently during practice to prepare the car but came away with a disappointing qualifying time placing them fifteenth on the starting grid. “I was expecting it to be a long night” said Graham afterwards “but things sure worked out for us in this one”.
Graham maneuvered the Full Throttle Dodge around the 5/8 mile oval and began moving through the field. The driving was aggressive right from the start of the 200 lap main event and quickly turned into a battle of survival. “It was pretty aggressive in the first race of the season here and this one was no different” said Graham afterwards. The cooler evening conditions suited the car and Brad quickly moved the Full Throttle Dodge into the top-ten.
A little before the midway point of the race the Full Throttle team made their scheduled pit stop for fuel and new right side tires and team performed flawlessly returning Graham to the race in the top-ten. “The car was really good with those new tires and just got better, I was faster than some of the cars but when I tried to pass it got a little physical. So I just tried to take my time and pretty soon we were running third.
The physical type of racing continued as the two cars ahead of the Full Throttle Dodge made contact, Graham checked up to avoid the incident and was punted from behind. “After that spin the car we made a pit stop but obviously wasn’t quite as good”. Graham though would return to the battle after service and again move up through the field.
The aggressive driving continued until the very end of the race with two top-runners collected in a last lap incident. Graham avoided the dust up and despite the less than perfect handling car Brad would bring the Full Throttle Dodge to the finish line in fifth position. “To come away with a fifth place in this race obviously we’re pretty pleased” said the driver afterwards. “We’ve made some progress with the car and with all the banging that went on to grab a top-five is great, it gives us a boost for next week”.
Brad Graham and the Full Throttle/Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Team are back in action this coming weekend as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Barrie Speedway on Saturday September 8th. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca All 12 races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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