Debuting new colours for competition, Brad Graham and the Full Throttle Blue Demon / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team started off the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series racing season serving notice that this team is ready to compete. If not for some tough luck late in the season opening race at Cayuga Speedway a top-five finish was there for the taking.
Leading up to the Crown Jewel 200 the #19 Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team had been working almost non-stop to prepare their car for competition. During practice the lap times continued to improve and Graham scored the fourth quickest laps for a second row starting spot. “We’ve definitely figured some things out with this car and I’m happy about that” said the driver “but this is only step one. We have to remain focused on being in a good position at the end of the race”.
Starting up front certainly makes that easier; and when the green flag waved Graham had the #19 Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge running comfortably with the leaders. “I was happy the car was good, it was a little free at the start but as the sun went down it tightened up. I wasn’t pushing the car at all” said Graham. “I was just biding my time, taking care of the tires and making sure we had something for the end of the race.
Following the team’s scheduled pit stop they were in excellent position for a great finish. “We had a good stop for fuel and tires, the car was getting better, we were running fourth and in excellent position for a top-five finish for sure, and then we had a right rear tire go flat. Unfortunately we waited a bit too long to come in and gave up a lot of track position”.
Having to battle back through the field the #19 Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team also endured a lot of punishment from other cars. “It’s tough when you have to get by so many cars, it’s inevitable that you’re going to get bounced around a little” said the driver.
The team’s difficulties didn’t end there. After fighting back to at least salvage a top-ten finish the #19 Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge would finish the race with another flat tire, and have to settle for eleventh at the finish. “It’s pretty frustrating” said Graham afterwards. “It’s not the finish we deserved, but hopefully this bit of bad luck is behind us now. We know we have the goods to be very competitive. It was a great job by the whole team to get us ready for the year”.
The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season resumes at the Autordrome St. Eustache on Saturday May 31st and will consist on thirteen events from coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. 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 races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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