April 29, 2009. It was like returning home for former track champion DJ Kennington as he took to the friendly confines of the Delaware Speedway ½ mile oval to begin preparations for the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season at the annual Mopar team practice session. Though he only ran a handful of laps, Kennington quickly had the attention of those present and showed he is ready to do battle at each event and fight for the championship.
The Castrol team has worked tirelessly preparing their Dodge Avenger for the new season and believes they have all the elements necessary to complete their mission and secure a championship. “This is the first step” said Kennington. “We only did a few laps today but we found out some good information, now we’re going to head back to the shop and make some adjustments that we think will take us another step forward” he added.
Last season Kennington completed a year of remarkable consistency with top-ten finishes in eleven of the thirteen race events. While proud of the accomplishment the team came felt disappointed they did not collect a victory. “All of the guys are more determined than ever to break through and get a victory” said Kennington. “We know we’re a contender at every event, but I want to be holding the checkered flag afterwards” he stated.
Coming on board this season as a supporting sponsor for the #17 Dodge is Mahindra Tractors, builders of some of the most rugged and reliable compact tractors, utility tractors and full size tractors. Mahindra entered the US market in 1994 and operates two assembly and distribution centers. Mahindra has been the largest selling brand in the world since 1983. “I developed a relationship with Mahindra through some of my Nationwide series racing and I’m really happy to have them come aboard and support our Canadian program here and help us out” said Kennington.
Next on the schedule is an open NASCAR Canadian Tire Series test day on Saturday May 2nd at Delaware Speedway. “We’ll be back to try some of our changes and do a little fine turning but we’re pretty much ready to” said the driver enthusiastically. “I’m really anxious to get going this year”.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series will consist of thirteen events and begins competition on Saturday May 23rd at the Autodrome St. Eustache. Competition this year will also include events at the Edmonton Indy weekend, the NASCAR weekend in Montreal and new tracks for this season, Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon and Delaware Speedway where Kennington is a former track champion. Once again this season each race will be broadcast on TSN.
