The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team returned to action for round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Saturday night at Sunset Speedway. The night was full of action for the team but for the wrong reasons.

The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team approached the day in their normal methodical way as they prepared for the race event that evening. During practice sessions the team fine-tuned the car to improve performance. “We were pretty good right away,” said Kennington “I thought we’d be in good shape for the race” he added.

Kennington would begin the 300-lap event in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge from the eighth starting spot and knowing it was a long race took a cautious approach. “With that many laps we like to get into a rhythm and not get too aggressive early on” he explained.

The difficulties began early for the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge driver as he found himself trapped in the middle of other cars going through corners one and two and there was contact. “I got a bit loose going through the corner and got off the throttle” he explained. “Then I got hit as I tried to get the car back under control.”

The body damage to the right side of the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge was extensive and Kennington would make several pit stops to try and tape down the fiberglass panel. That however was not the only issue for the team.

After the exterior damage was contained Kennington knew there was a deeper issue with the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge. “I could feel something was wrong with the handling of the car, it was all I could do not to spin out,” he stated.

Again Kennington made his way to pit road and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team found a broken bracket for the panhard bar. “It was a big job to repair but the guys did a great job to get it done quickly. Kennington returned to the race though many laps down to gain as many championship points as possible.

“It’s a tough night, they happen once and a while but we’re not down at all” said Kennington. “We know that we just need a couple of good nights and we’re right there in the championship and we know we’re capable of that,” he added.

After three races DJ Kennington sits fourth in the overall championship standings.

The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team are back in action next at Circuit ICAR July 5th.

Broadcast Note: Race fans can watch all the action from Sunset Speedway Sunday June 28th at 1PM Eastern on TSN and Friday July 10th on RDS2 at 10PM Eastern.

Race fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest team news in several ways. Race fans should bookmark the team website www.djkracing.ca and follow them on twitter, @djkracing and Instagram. Fans should also “like” the DJK Racing Fan Page on Facebook.