The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team and driver DJ Kennington came into the opening round of the 2016 NASCAR Pinty’s series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park during the Castrol Victoria Day Speedfest looking to return to form after a difficult season a year ago. A busy off-season of diligent work in the shop paid off handsomely at the famed track over this past weekend as Kennington recorded a third place podium result.

During the two practice sessions on Saturday Kennington was pleased with the performance of his #17 Castrol Edge Dodge and would post the 7th quickest qualifying time and start the season opening race from the fourth row. “We tried a lot of different things last season hoping to be better” said Kennington. “We went back to a few things we had used successfully before and it paid off,” he added.

Kennington’s typical approach to road courses is to find a comfortable pace and be in position to take advantage of opportunities. The strategy worked for the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team during the race.

The team elected to stay out during an early caution period and took over the lead and claimed a championship bonus point. Kennington would bring the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge to pit road for fuel and again later for fresh tires and return to the action just outside the top-ten.

“We waited a bit longer for the tires but they were better for us late in the race” explained Kennington.

Kennington then began skillfully moving the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge forward in the field and sat in fourth position as the race was slowed for a caution period setting up a two lap sprint to the finish. At this time a few raindrops also began to make sections of the famed road course damp.

As the green flag waved for the final time everyone was looking to gain every position they could. Kennington avoided the obstacles of rain and sliding cars around him to move up to third and capture a podium finish.

“We had a great car all weekend, I want to thank Castrol and everyone that supports us” said Kennington. “The Victoria Day Speedfest that Castrol puts together each year is an awesome way to kick off the season. I’m really proud of our group to bring home a third place finish on a road course, and there’s even more to come this year”.

The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team returns to action for round number two of the series on Saturday June 11th at the Autodrome Chaudière.

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.