NELLES CORNERS, ON - The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season opened for Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar this past weekend at Cayuga Speedway just outside Hamilton, Ontario. Team Mopar had worked diligently through the winter months to be ready when spring arrived. A fast car and a revitalized team scored a podium finish for the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger.
The day began well but Team Mopar became frustrated during afternoon practice as the adjustments they made to the Mopar Parts Dodge didn't achieve the desired results. "After practice we put the car on the scales and went back to our base set up," said Ron Beauchamp Jr. "The lap times we posted were consistent and if we could maintain that during the race, we knew things would work out."
Beauchamp turned in a ninth best qualifying lap but wasn't fazed at all. "Cayuga changes a lot when the sun goes down and I knew this car would race well." The driver's experience proved correct and as the green flag waved Ron Jr. was able to begin climbing up in the field toward the top-five. "The track tightens up when the sun goes down and things were working out well for us."
The new pit crew members along with the returning group performed flawlessly during the scheduled stop. With tires and fuel to go the distance Beauchamp began to push the issue.
"Things were playing out great we moved up and with about 30 or 40 laps to go we were running second behind the #22 car. Unfortunately we had a lot of caution periods late in the race and my tires were better on long runs. I used them up a bit trying to take the lead so when the #02 car challenged I just couldn't hold him back."
Despite losing the one position late in the race the Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger claimed the third podium position. "It's great to start the season this way," smiled the driver afterwards. "We had a podium finish in the final race last season and the whole team felt like we were definitely carrying that momentum into this year. It's a great start for us, it's nice to have two Dodges on the podium and we're really looking forward to the next event."
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series resumes with round two this coming Saturday May 31st at the Autodrome St. Eustache. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. All races will once again be broadcast on TSN. The Crown Jewell 200 from Cayuga Speedway can be seen Friday, May 30th at Midnight Eastern time. You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment
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