ST. THOMAS, ON - DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Team came into the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series ready to prove they were a team to be reckoned with at each event. From the season opener at Cayuga Speedway right to the end of the season Kennington and the Castrol Dodge Team showed what they were made of.
The new era in Canadian Racing began in May of 2007 at Cayuga Speedway and DJ Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team made their mark in history. In time trials Kennington posted the fastest time and became the first ever Bud Pole Award winner for the series. "That was a pretty nice start to the year," said the driver. "Unfortunately the race didn't go the way we wanted, but we were on it pretty good after that."
A suspension part failure caused a disappointing result in race one, but the Castrol Dodge was finished in the top-five in each of the next five races, including the teams first win of the season at Barrie Speedway. "That was a great night for the whole Castrol team," said Kennington. "It proved to us and to everyone how good this team can be."
DJ Kennington and the Castrol Crew continued to roll along until the road course event at Trois Rivieres where they finished outside the top-ten for the first time since the season opener at Cayuga. The team knew they would have to begin the charge if they wanted a shot at the championship. The Castrol team rolled off three straight podium finishes including what has to be one of the most remarkable race wins ever.
At the second Barrie Speedway event the throttle spring broke on the #17 Castrol car. During a caution period, Kennington made a pit stop and his crew passed him a bungee cord that he hooked around the steering wheel and to the throttle. It worked well enough to allow Kennington to claim his second win of the season. "I was desperate and I knew we didn't have a chance with the throttle sticking, so we tried it and it worked out for us," he exclaimed.
Heading into the final race of the season, Kennington and the Castrol team were second in the overall standings but knew they had to have a perfect day to have a shot at the title. As the race began things were going smoothly, however a part failure would end their day early. While they were disappointed in the race result, the team can be proud of all they accomplished during the year.
Two race victories, including that remarkable bungee cord repair win and two other podium finishes. An incredible eight top-five runs and nine top-tens also helped Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team claim the "Mopar Cup" as the top finishing Dodge powered team. A $5,000 bonus goes to the team as well. "It really is great to win this award," said Kennington. "I'm very pleased to be part of this Dodge group that did so well this year and helped Dodge win the Manufacturer's Championship. They are such great supporters of not only us but the other teams in the series they really deserve it."
In addition to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season Kennington has participated in several Busch Series events driving for fellow Canadian Randy McDonald. Kennington�s next drive is scheduled for Memphis on October 27th. The team will also begin to plan for the 2008 season. "There's not really an off season," said Kennington. "We'll be working at the shop regularly all winter to get this Castrol Dodge ready for next season. I really want another shot at that Championship for Castrol, it's been such a great association we've had for many years, I can't thank them enough. I also have to thank Dwight Kennedy at Northern Provincial Pipeline for their support."
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 www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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