September 28, 2008- Fraserville, Ontario- Jason Hathaway and the #3 Snap-on Tools Dodge competed in the final race of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tires Series at Kawartha Speedway, bringing home the Team’s first NASCAR Canadian Tire Series win.
The Team started the last event of the year at the top of the speed charts in practice. Hathaway was happy with the Team’s practice effort. “The car felt pretty good in practice this afternoon. It was stable and it worked well. I think we will be in good shape tonight for the race.”
Hathaway qualified in the 13th spot in a tough field of 26 cars for the 250 lap event on Saturday night. With rain looming the name of the game was to get settled in and start working their way to the front of the pack. When the green flag dropped Hathaway did just that and started his move to the front. Jason had a great start to the race and by the 5th lap was sitting 8th place in the running order. A restart on lap 35 left Hathaway hung out on the outside of the racing line and he had to find a hole and fall in line for a few laps.
Numerous times throughout the race Hathaway was the fastest car on the track and by lap 72, he had worked his way up to 3rd in the running order. He kept up with the two lead cars and planned his strategy. Hathaway’s move of the night came on lap 105 on the restart. Coming out of corner 2 Hathaway pulled his racing machine inside the 2nd place car of Scott Steckley, making the pass and taking over the spot. On the same lap he also set up 1st place DJ Kennington, taking his Dodge to the front of the field and claiming the lead.
An incident on lap 130 brought out the caution and the threatening rain came down heavier. Some 45 laps later, NASCAR red flagged the race and declared it complete, awarding Jason and Team 3 Red/EHR with their first NASCAR career win. Heading to victory lane Jason did a burn out for the fans in the stands that weathered the on and off rain all day.
Climbing down off his car after celebrating his win, Hathaway was excited about the night’s result. “This win is awesome. We had a great car all race long and I love running this track. Our team worked hard this season to improve our on track performance and this win here shows what we are capable of. Thank you to Guilio, Ray, the boys in the shop and our entire crew. The competition is tough out here each and every weekend and it is awesome that we were able to end the season with a win! Congratulations to Scott Steckley and their Team on their Championship season. He is a great competitor and he put on quite the show for the fans this season. Thank you to Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex, Napoleon and Castrol for all of their support in getting us here. Our first win is dedicated to them for all of their backing and believing in this Team.”
Team 3 Red/EHR thanks Snap-on Tools, Super 8 Motels, Advantex Freight Forwarders, Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair, BOSCH Canada and Dayco Canada.
From Jamie Hakonson
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