October 27, 2008. Castrol Dodge Driver DJ Kennington had another memorable season in 2008 in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. And while Kennington came up a little short in his championship bid it was a season full of accomplishment that was recognized this past weekend at the year end award ceremony.
2008 certainly didn’t start out the way the Castrol Dodge team wanted. Just pat halfway of round number one at Cayuga Speedway Kennington would suffer a mechanical failure and the Castrol Dodge was finished for the day. “I don’t know what it is about Cayuga, but we’ve had our struggles there” said Kennington. “I like the track but something always seems to bite us there” he added.
From that point on the Castrol Dodge team would bite back. Kennington would begin an incredible run of success and reel off eight consecutive top-five finishes. “That kind of run probably best shows how good this team is and how well we prepare for the race each weekend” said the driver. “Dave Whyte deserves a lot of credit. Everybody just gives everything they have so we’re ready to go each and every week”.
Round number ten of the season would find the Castrol Dodge team back at Cayuga with something to prove. Kennington’s string of top-five finishes would end, but he did claim a top-ten in the event and also in the next race at Barrie Speedway. The results at Riverside Speedway would officially end Kennington’s bid for the overall championship. The Castrol Dodge would suffer a suspension failure that would send the car hard into the outside wall. “That’s about as hard a hit as I’ve ever had” said the driver afterwards. “I’ve crashed at Charlotte, Phoenix, Talladega but that was big”.
Remarkably the team made the repairs and had the car ready for the finale at Kawartha Speedway and scored a second place finish, though Kennington knew they should have won the race. “I made a little mistake and gave the spot, unfortunately the rain came and they had to call the race. I knew I could get the lead back I just didn’t get the chance” said the Castrol Dodge driver.
This past weekend at the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Awards ceremony Kennington and the Castrol Dodge team were recognized for their accomplishments:
Powerade Power Move of the Race, given to the driver who improves his position the most over the course of the race – the most times during the season, Second in the Mopar Fast-Five Program, Most Popular Driver as voted by race fans, and Third in the overall Drivers Championship. “It’s great to pick up these awards, I’m happy to have helped Dodge win the manufacturers cup, having the fans vote for most popular driver is really nice too. I’ve got thank all our sponsors that helped us out this year especially Castrol. We’ve had such a great association for so many years this wouldn’t be possible without their tremendous support”.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series racing schedule is expected to be released in the coming weeks and once again all races will be broadcast on TSN. More information can be found by logging onto www.djkennington.com and www.nascar.ca
Attached photo: #17 Castrol Dodge
Photo Credit: Todd Lewis
This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618
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