DJ Kennington Racing
Home of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Most Popular Driver
NEWS
Mahindra Tractors join DJK Racing
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.
Joey Hanssen joins DJK Racing
DJK Racing with DJ Kennington, the Most Popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver – as voted by the race fans – is set to expand their operation for the 2009 season. While Kennington is preparing to return to the series and fight for the championship for a third season, the DJK race shop will also be fielding a second team for the entire season with Joey Hanssen at the wheel.
Hanssen is from the Netherlands and a highly talented young man of only seventeen. Hanssen has already achieved some remarkable successes in his racing career. Competing most recently in Formula Cars and in numerous European Karting series, Hanssen has claimed numerous pole positions, podium finishes and race victories. Now he prepares to make the biggest leap of his racing career and move across the Atlantic to compete in the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and challenge for the rookie of the year title.
The key to making such a move successfully is having top level equipment that is immaculately prepared for the races. After several meetings and discussions with DJK Racing the two parties entered into an agreement for DJ Kennington and DJK Racing to supply the cars for Joey Hanssen to drive.
“It was something that I’ve thought about before,” said Kennington, “but this was different. All of the pieces were in place and it was a good fit for both of us. We’ve got the necessary time to get the cars put together and make sure everything is right prior to starting the season.”
DJ Kennington and his father Doug Kennington have been working together putting together very good race cars and motors with plenty of horsepower for many years. With his years of experience Kennington will also be able to help the young Hanssen through some of the adjustments necessary to make the switch from Karts & open wheel cars to be successful in stock cars.
Expanding the effort of DJK Racing doesn’t simply mean making two of everything. There is a significant commitment of time and resources to make it a successful endeavor for everyone involved. There will be announcements outlining the sponsorship program on behalf of Joey Hanssen detailed in the coming days.
“I couldn’t even imagine doing something like this without a solid sponsorship program and the effort and support of my team,” said Kennington. “All the guys who work so hard in the shop to get us ready each week are ready to dig into this as well”.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will open competition on May 23rd at the Autodrome St. Eustache in the first of thirteen events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits.
JOEY HANSSEN SHOWS POISE IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE
Joey Hanssen once again showed his talent as a racer as he climbed behind the wheel of the #40 Prime Champ Dodge for round number two of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past Saturday night at Delaware Speedway. While Hanssen is still hasn’t mastered the art of qualifying he is proving that he can race with Canada ’s best drivers.
As practice began for the 200 lap feature event Hanssen turned as many laps as he could in the #40 Prime Champ Dodge or as it’s fondly referred to:“ the Mushroom Machine”. Though not among the leaders in lap times, Hanssen improved throughout the entire ninety minute session and was very consistent.
Starting back in twentieth on the grid it’s easy for trouble to find you and it happened on the opening lap with the #40 Prime Champ car as others ahead of him checked up to avoid contact, the accordion effect was too great and Hanssen had no time to avoid hitting the car ahead of him and his hood was bowed up hindering his visibility. “I thought oh man we’re done. I thought I hurt the engine or the radiator” said the seventeen year old driver. “We had to pit and got two laps down but it was just the hood and we got that out of the way all the guys did a great job with that”. From that point the team didn’t look back and focused on having a smooth race for the rest of it.
With his natural talent and knowledge he acquires with every race lap Hanssen moved the #40 Prime Champ Dodge Avenger around the track smoothly and consistently, taking his time to make up track position. “It took a long time for us to get a lap back and then be in position for the free pass but the car was good. It actually surprised me but it was just how I wanted it” he stated. “The team did a good job managing our pit stops for the rest of the race and we got back on the lead lap” he added.
Joey Hanssen would not be satisfied by just getting back on the lead lap and began moving the Prime Champ Dodge forward and eventually inside the top-ten and running ninth in the late stages of the race. Regrettably it was another restart late in the race that would finish their night early.
As the field moved toward the green flag Hanssen missed a shift going up through the gear box and was contacted from the rear by the #23 car sending him hard into the outside wall and severely damaging the car. “I missed a shift” admitted the driver. “It’s tough sometimes with these gearboxes going up to third and I was still shifting when I got hit but we went into the wall. The Prime Champ Dodge would be classified thirteenth.
Hanssen was of course disappointed that he night ended a little early but was already looking forward to his next race. “I’m getting a little sore now, but I’ll be fine by next week. I’m looking forward to the first road course race” he stated.
KENNINGTON WINS AT DELAWARE
DJ Kennington and #17 the Castrol Dodge team were disappointed that they were unable to score a victory last season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. For 2009 their mission was to right that wrong. This past Saturday night Kennington claimed victory in the Castrol Dodge and won his first touring series event in sixteen years of trying at his home track of Delaware Speedway near London , Ontario . The race win however did not come without several challenges.
Kennington would line up third in the Castrol Dodge for the start of the 200 lap feature event and on lap twelve he would take the lead for the first time in the race. Several laps before that Kennington expressed grave concern to Crew Chief Dave Wight that they might have a problem under the hood. DJ felt the car was underpowered especially at low RPM’s and wasn’t sure they would even be able to continue. “I think it started about lap eight” said Kennington. “The good thing is it didn’t get any worse and for a while it actually worked out okay because I wasn’t spinning the tires coming off the corner like some of the other guys and I was able to run pretty well”. Kennington would swap the lead with several drivers through the first third of the race.
Through the middle portion of the event the Castrol Crew would make several stops in addition to those scheduled for tires and fuel in hopes of remedying the problem but that wasn’t possible. “We never did find the problem” said Kennington afterwards. “But we’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of things that we’ll be able to diagnose this week. It’s too bad because I think we definitely had the fastest car but it just wouldn’t go on the restarts” he added.
Despite their difficulties with the quick an efficient work of the Castrol pit crew and the persistence of the driver the #17 Castrol Dodge stayed in contention through the middle section of the race and Kennington took the lead for good on lap 146.
Closing out the victory though proved to be another challenge. With one of the twelve caution periods coming late in the race NASCAR officials made several attempts to finish the event under green flag conditions. The first time the #4 car was ruled to have jumped the start. On the second try there was contact and Kennington got into the #4 machine. Finally on the third attempt Kennington held off the #60 for two laps and claimed the checkered flag to secure the victory. “We went all last year and didn’t close on of these out but we did it early this year” said a satisfied Kennington about the victory. “It’s just great for Mahindra Tractors who came on board with us this year and of course for Castrol, they are such great supporters of our program. This gives us a real boost going forward.
DJ Kennington also addressed other restarts. “I hate it for Donny Thomson and the #4 team. Donny and I are good friends and I certainly didn’t try to hit him, but I did and I’m sorry for that. He was trying cut down in the first corner and I was trying to stay low because of the trouble I was having at low RPM’s and we got into each other. Neither of us race that way and it worked out like it did for him” he concluded.
Round number three of the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series will take place Sunday June 14th on the road course at the famed Mosport International Raceway. Other events 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. You can watch DJ Kennington race to victory on TSN on June 14th at 11:30AM Eastern.
Joey Hanssen the seventeen year old rookie of the year challenger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series had a race that he’d like to forget in round number three of the series Sunday at Mosport International Raceway. After a frightening off course excursion only a few laps into the race Hanssen was alright afterwards complaining of only some overall soreness.
Hanssen piloting the #40 Prime Champ Dodge Avenger worked hard at practice and qualifying and was looking forward to his first road course event of the season. But after completing only three laps of the 200km feature event Hanssen suffered an equipment failure as he approached the high speed corner eight in the Prime Champ Dodge. The failure left Hanssen without braking ability and would send him crashing hard into the tire barrier and toward the concrete retaining wall.
NASCAR officials red flagged the event and stopped all other competitors on the front straightaway while track safety workers and NASCAR safety crews worked methodically to free the driver after what was an extremely hard impact. The extrication took sometime as safety crews worked carefully to ensure the drivers safe removal from the race car and assess any injuries.
Hanssen was first transported to the Mosport infield care center and then transported by ambulance to Bowmanville Hospital for further precautionary examination and x-rays. The good news is the Prime Champ driver while sore and uncomfortable was in good spirits and subsequently released after following successful completion of all tests.
Teammate DJ Kennington spoke to Hanssen after the race and was very happy to hear that the young man from the Netherlands was alright. “That was a hard hit and I’m sure that it really shook him up” said Kennington. “He tried to climb out but felt some pain so he did the right thing and waited for the safety crews to help him out of the car. He was worried about having been involved in wrecks in back to back races and I told him we can build as many cars as we need. The most important thing is that he’s alright”.
Hanssen OK after hard impact
After scoring their first victory of the season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series DJ Kennington and #17 the Castrol Dodge team was anxious to get back on track and back up that impressive showing. For the first road course event of the year at the famous Mosport International Raceway Kennington and company proved they will be among the toughest competitors at each stop on the tour.
As usual the #17 Castrol Dodge was among the fastest in practice and Kennington would post a solid fifth fastest time during qualifying. “With only a few days to get ready the team did a great job and the car was fast right off the truck” said Kennington.
Sunday afternoon the green flag waved for the 200KM feature and Kennington was looking to advance the Castrol Dodge immediately. However just a few laps in his focus changed. Teammate Joey Hanssen in the #40 car had a mechanical failure and slid of course in turn eight and suffered hard contact. DJ’s attention was immediately on his young teammate. “He’s only been here a short time but he’s such a great kid I needed to find out how he was” said Kennington. The race was red flagged while Hanssen was assisted from the car by safety workers. After being checked out at both the infield care center and nearby hospital he was released, sore but otherwise unharmed.
When the race was restarted Kennington resumed his mission looking to improve his position. While fighting amongst the leaders the driver and crew pondered strategies for their upcoming scheduled pit stop for the Castrol Dodge. “We took four times, I thought about taking two or even none, but if there was a caution late in the race we would have been a sitting duck” said Kennington.
Kennington would continue to keep the Castrol Dodge near the front of the field but after his pit stop just didn’t feel as if he had anything more he could get from the car. “We were pretty solid, but the second set of tires just wasn’t as good as the first, and near the end the car loosened up a little” summarized Kennington.
The #17 Castrol Dodge would score a fourth place finish and move Kennington into third in the overall points standings. “It was a good day and we’ll take it” said the driver. “I’m by no means a road racer so we’ll be happy with the good point’s day and get ready for St. Eustache and try to win another one of these races for Castrol and Mahindra Tractors”.
Another impressive finish for Castrol Dodge
July 13, 2009. Joey Hanssen the driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series recently celebrated his eighteenth birthday. He delivered himself a birthday present in round number four at the Autodrome St. Eustache with the first series top-ten finish.
After rain delayed the race until Sunday afternoon Hanssen would roll off from twentieth position for the 250 lap main event. The Prime Champ driver would once again take the methodical and consistent approach in his race strategy. “The car was really good and handling just the way I wanted it” said the driver. Hanssen would move slowly up through the field and soon was running just outside the top-ten.
As the race moved through the mid point and Hanssen made his scheduled stops for fuel Hanssen would continue to run toward the front of the field though he had gone a lap down. Just past the half way mark he would regain his lap through the NASCAR free pass rule and not relinquish it for the duration of the race.
Later in the race the cars handling would deteriorate. “After our pit stop the cars was not as I wanted it be” said Hanssen but it was still okay. In the late stages of the race Hanssen would face another serious obstacle as several competitors ahead of him collided. “We had a few problems about three quarters through the race when all three cars came together and I couldn’t avoid it. I got into a few people. I don’t know who I hit but it was messy back there” he joked.
The Prime Champ Dodge would suffer cosmetic damage to the front of the car and during several pit stops the crew would do make repairs and keep Hanssen in the fight. Joey would continue to run as hard as he was able to the checkered flag and be rewarded with a tenth place finish. “I thought we might be done because the radiator was bent but they guys did a good job and we continued. It’s a good result and I’m happy with that” he stated.
With the first top-ten result of the season Hanssen is pleased with how the Prime Champ team has progressed in a short period of time. “We’ve made a lot of progress with the team, the chassis adjustments, the learning process is pretty much on its way now. I know how the car reacts better to the changes. We’ll run more consistently and be fine for the rest of the year” he added.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season now heads to western Canada for three events beginning Saturday July 18th at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon , BC .
HANSSEN SCORES FIRST TOP-TEN FINISH
July 13, 2009. DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team demonstrated that they are going to be a formidable challenger for the championship during round four of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at St. Eustache . Kennington would record his second podium finish of the season and move up to second in the overall point standings.
Kennington felt he had something to prove during this second visit to St. Eustache after having a mechanical malfunction in the first race of the season. The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge was quickest during practice and DJ posted a new track record qualifying lap of 17.210 seconds around the 4/10 mile track or an average speed of 83.67mph.
As the green flag waved on the 250 lap event Kennington received an unexpected surprise. “The car was way loose in the beginning but it did come back to me after about ten laps. It might have been just low tire pressures” he added. Kennington would receive the five bonus points for leading a lap and through the first stages of the race never lost touch with the lead pack.
Though he did fall out of the lead Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge near the front of the field as the race progressed. “It was our strategy to stay near the front and play the tire game and try to play track position for the end of the race” said the driver.
Though the second half of the race Kennington continued to keep the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge Avenger near the front of the field looking to seize on any opportunity and improve his position. With a handful of laps remaining and Kennington holding the second position there was one more chance to regain the lead on the final restart of the race. Kennington tried to nose the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge ahead but couldn’t hold the position and settled for a second place finish.
Though he wasn’t able to score the victory Kennington was pleased with the days result. “It’s a nice points day for the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team and it would have been nice to win, maybe with a couple more laps we might have had a shot but we’ll take it. We’ve got some nice momentum going now and we’re knocking at the door every week and that’s what we need heading west”.
Round number five of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series begins a three race swing through Western Canada . Competitors will be at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon for a 300 lap event this coming Saturday July 18th.
CASTROL/MAHINDRA DRIVER DJ KENNINGTON FINISHES SECOND AT ST. EUSTACHE
July 19, 2009. Rookie Joey Hanssen , driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series claimed his first top-ten finish a week ago and was ready for more success as the team rolled into Sun Valley Speedway for round number five. However it was a difficult night for the Prime Champ Dodge team to begin the string of three consecutive events in western Canada .
As usual the afternoon practice session is partly to get Hanssen acclimated to the track he has never seen before and make sure the car is sound. “This is the third different oval track we’ve raced at and none of them are alike so it takes a while to get used to it” said Hanssen. “
When the 300 lap race began Hanssen proceeded cautiously at first looking to get into a rhythm. “We did pretty good at the beginning we were a bit slower than I expected” said the Prime Champ Dodge driver. “Unfortunately because it was such a long green flag run we got a couple of laps down” he added.
The Prime Champ Dodge team would also suffer from some bad racing luck. “After we made our pit stop for fuel, we got a flat tire and had to make another pit stop and had to change tires really early in the race under green” said a disappointed Hanssen.
With new tires and adjustments the Prime Champ Dodge would take off. “After the trouble we had a really amazing run” smiled the driver. “We passed a lot of cars, just about everybody twice and the car felt fantastic until the other guys had their pit stops and got some tires”.
Trouble would however once again find the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger. “We had another flat tire coming so I came in again”. The handling on the Prime Champ Dodge became such an issue that the young driver from the Netherlands used common sense and get the car off the track before causing problems for others. “I almost lost it in turn three. I thought something broke; the chassis was on the ground so I stopped. It’s a bit disappointing to finish fifteenth but we’ll get ready and I look forward first to Edmonton and then another oval at Saskatoon ” said Hanssen.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season continues its swing through the west. Next stop is Saturday July 25th at the Edmonton Indy weekend.
HANSSEN HAS A BUSY NIGHT AT SUN VALLEY
July 19, 2009. DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team continued to build on the momentum they have established this season during round number five of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Sun Valley Speedway. Kennington would start the 300 lap main event on the outside of the front row and come home with his fourth consecutive top-five finish.
The Castrol/Mahindra Dodge team confirmed they would be among the contenders from the early part of practice and Kennington would post the quickest lap. “We only did a few laps” said DJ Kennington the car was absolutely great and it was very hot so we didn’t see a need to beat up our equipment” he added.
As the green flag dropped to start the race Kennington would hound the #60 trying to the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge trying to take over top spot. “It was a good little battle between us through the first part of the race” smiled DJ. “The car was really good and I just tried to keep the heat on him and we eventually took the lead” he added.
Kennington would claim top spot on lap 80 and the five bonus points that go along with leading a race lap. “It’s what we always want to do, get the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge out front to lead at least one lap and get those bonus points, they really add up” said the driver.
As the race neared the mid point and the first yellow flag was displayed the Castrol/Mahindra crew took the opportunity to make their first pit stop. The car was becoming difficult to handle and needed adjustments. Unfortunately the second half of the race would be a struggle for Kennington. “The car got very loose at halfway and we just seemed to really lose the handle on it” said the driver.
Despite the teams best efforts to correct the handling on the Castrol/Mahindra Dodge the difficulties persisted. Kennington would also speculate that it was not only adjustments that were the issue. “We don’t know for sure but it might have been a sway bar that backed off but it was so loose that I could barely hang onto it”.
With an ill handling race the plan was to make sure to bring the car home in one piece and secure the best possible finish. Kennington would claim four spot as the checkered flag waved. “It’s a decent points day for us so we’ll take it and run, it’s not what we wanted but we’ll be busy this coming week to get ourselves ready for the next race at Edmonton” said the driver optimistically.
With his fourth straight top-five finish Kennington maintains his position of second in the overall championship.
Round number five of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series western swing continues Saturday July 25th with a stop at the Edmonton Indy weekend.
KENNINGTON RECORDS ANOTHER TOP-FIVE IN THE CASTROL/MAHINDRA DODGE
July 25, 2009. Prime Champ Dodge driver Joey Hanssen heard from several sources that round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series on the airport runways during the Edmonton Indy weekend would be to his liking as it was a flat track similar to the Go-Karts tracks he was used to racing on. A career best series starting spot and finishing position proved to be very much to his liking.
As a rookie driver in the series Hanssen tried to make the best use of his time to quickly get the Prime Champ Dodge acquainted with a new track. “Everybody told me I would like the track. We had a good car and it seemed to get better every time I went out. We picked up two seconds in practice and I was happy with that” said the driver.
Hanssen would continue to improve during qualifying for the 100km feature event. “Qualifying was a great job, we were second in our group, we wound up twelfth but it was our best qualifying of the year so I was really happy” stated the driver.
Not content to stay in the twelfth starting spot Hanssen looked to move the Prime Champ Dodge toward the front and had good battles going with both the #21 and #18 cars. “It was really fun in the beginning battling with those guys and I think I was a little bit faster at the beginning of the race” smiled the rookie driver. “In the middle section I was waiting for the car to tighten up a bit but then the full course caution came out, which was good because I got to close up on the #9 car” he added.
The competition throughout the field kept Hanssen busy looking for opportunities to keep the Prime Champ Dodge moving to the head of the field. “On the first re-start I left a little too much space and a lapped car got ahead of us so I had to fight to stay there but would lose contact with the #9” said Hanssen.
A late race caution and restart would give Hanssen another chance to improve his position. “I got hit from behind and almost spun out but then would have a really nice fight with the #95 car. We went into the corner and he was outside, I was on the inside. We both locked up and I came out ahead and that’s what it’s all about” he grinned.
Hanssen would cross the finish line and finish a career best ninth, his second top-ten finish of the season. “I’m happy with the race, finishing ninth, another top-ten and the learning process is really going a lot faster now. We don’t have a single scratch on the car, I just talked to our sponsors at Prime Champ and they’re happy too” he stated.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season wraps up with a midweek race at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon , Saskatchewan this coming Wednesday July 29th
Best Start-Best Finish for Hanssen
July 25, 2009. After four consecutive top-five finishes including a victory at Delaware Speedway DJ Kennington and the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team expected to continue their push toward the top of the point standings in round number six of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Saturday’s feature event of the Edmonton Indy, the Canadian Tire 100. After a solid qualifying effort mechanical misfortune would ruin the day.
After two practice sessions the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team appeared to have the race car dialed in to be one of the front runners. With a short twenty minute session of qualifying Kennington would grab the fifth starting spot. “You only have a few laps before the tires start to go away and I thought we did a good job in qualifying with our limited track time” said Kennington. “The next order of business was to have the car prepared to compete in the 100km feature” he added.
The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team as usual was meticulous in their preparation and made the changes they felt necessary for the different track conditions expected during the race. When the green flag waved to begin the event Kennington was able to jump ahead after the first corner and pick up fourth spot. But only minutes later DJ knew he had a problem. “There just wasn’t the speed especially on the straightaway that we’ve demonstrated with this Dodge motor before” said the driver. Within a few laps Kennington was beginning to surrender positions and fell back in the field.
A full course caution slowed the race allowing Kennington to make a pit stop and the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor crew went to work diagnosing the problem. Crew Chief Dave Whyte detected a problem at the top of the fuel cell and the team made quick repairs and turned Kennington loose without losing a lap. “The whole group did really well to fix that one problem and not put us down a lap, unfortunately it wasn’t the only difficulty, something else was causing a fuel pick up difficulty” stated the driver.
As the race returned to green the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge was still off the pace and Kennington would be forced to soldier on to the end in an underpowered car. “I’m just so disappointed for Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Northern Provincial Pipeline and everybody that helps us out” said Kennington. “We were on a pretty good roll, this western swing is tough on the team, but everybody is working so hard I’m just really disappointed. But this group doesn’t get down at all and even with this short week ahead we’ll be ready to go at full speed” he concluded.
After six races Kennington sits fourth in the overall championship standings.
Round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series concludes the western swing and takes place this Wednesday July 29th with the first ever series visit to Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Kennington Dodge suffers mechanical misfourtunes
July 30, 2009. Driver of the Prime Champ Dodge Joey Hanssen has experienced the highs and lows of being a rookie driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series. Round number seven at Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon would be one of the tougher nights for the eighteen year old driver.
During practice Hanssen set about learning another brand new race track and for the first time experienced an oval with high banking which is very different from earlier events. “It’s tough going to a new track every week but that’s part of the learning process” said the driver. “I was driving it too soft into the corners at first instead of attacking the way you should on a track like this”.
Hanssen would start the Prime Champ Dodge from the fifteenth position in the 250 lap feature event and immediately look to gain positions “The start was really good” said Hanssen. “We climbed up into the top-ten I think and I was running really good, I was faster than the guys around me so I was climbing up” he added.
Not afraid to mix it up with stock car veterans Hanssen continue to nose the Prime Champ Dodge forward and is often the case on a one third mile oval track there was some contact with another competitor.
“It’s too bad, we got a little bump from the #69 car and bent the toe and cut the right front tire, when the tire blew I hit the wall a bit so I had to pit” said the disappointed Prime Champ Dodge pilot.
The Prime Champ team quickly made the change and sent Hanssen back into the battle however the problems for the #40 car were more severe. After only a few more laps the right front tire was down again forcing Hanssen once again to pit lane. “Turns out when we bent the toe that the tire was rubbing on sway bar” said the driver.
Once again the Prime Champ Dodge team changed tires and also made quick repairs to prevent the tire from blowing but left the driver with a difficult car to drive. “The guys fixed the problem and the car was tough to drive. I could handle it” said the driver “but it wasn’t ideal” he concluded.
Hanssen would bring the Prime Champ Dodge home nineteenth but was disappointed with how events played out. “I could still pass some cars, if we hadn’t gone down a couple laps earlier we could have been a top-ten car for sure” said the driver.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Ontario for round number eight on Saturday August 8th as they challenge the Mosport Oval track that night. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast in Canada
HANSSEN FIGHTS TO THE FINISH IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE
July 30, 2009. Following some disappointment in Edmonton DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team looked to bounce back during round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Auto Clearing Speedway and wrap up the western swing with some momentum. With a solid team effort Kennington claimed a third place finish and helped tighten up the championship points standings.
Once again Kennington had the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge among the front runners during afternoon practice and posted an impressive run during qualifying and would start the 250 lap feature third. “I could have been a little better I think” said Kennington. “There was a bit of speedy dry on the back straight that I hit and it upset the car just enough or we might have been right up front” he added.
As the race began Kennington took his usual approach of feeling out the car and the competition while running comfortably up front. “The Castrol/Mahindra car was pretty good at the beginning” said Kennington. “We’re trying a whole bunch of things right now trying to get better, we know what to do to be fast, but we want to make sure we can be fast for the whole race” he added.
Kennington continued to work to maintain a position near the front of the field through the midway point of the race. Just past halfway during a caution period the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team made their scheduled pit stop and elected to take on fuel and put four tires on the car. “We kind of got snookered at Vernon and I didn’t want to get caught without fresh tires” said the driver.
With fresh rubber the handling was much improved and Kennington would take the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Dodge to the front of the field on lap 184. Though eventually he would be passed by two other cars Kennington was able to maintain a quick pace and bring the car home with a third place podium finish. His fifth top-five finish of the season. “We’ll take it” said Kennington. “It was a good points day we did make a few gains and I’m pleased about that”.
While Kennington thought he had a car capable of winning after his scheduled service for tires and fuel there were some minor adjustments that could have made the difference. ”We’ve still got some work to do, but we’re getting there. We lead a few laps and now we’re going to take these notes that we’ve got and work on some things for the next race. It’s such a fine line with these cars, everybody is so even and we just need to make that little bit of improvement and we’ll be there”.
After seven races Kennington sits fourth in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Ontario for round number eight on the Mosport oval track, Saturday August 8th. This years schedule includes events at Trois Rivieres and at the NASCAR weekend in Montreal
KENNINGTON PUTS CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTOR DODGE ON THE PODIUM
August 9, 2009. Prime Champ Dodge rookie driver Joey Hanssen tackled the latest challenge of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series this past Saturday night. The 200 lap race was run at the tricky paperclip shaped oval at Mosport Speedway just outside Toronto , Ontario . Hanssen struggled at first but as he found his way at the challenging track a broken lower ball joint would take him out of action.
As usual practice was used to get Hanssen comfortable in the #40 Prime Champ Dodge and trying to get the cars handling to his liking. The eighteen year old driver would start the 200 lap feature event from the eighteenth position. With a long green flag run to start the race he would have his work cut out for him. “The car was a little tight in the beginning” said the driver. “When the first caution did finally come out we made a pit stop and loosened the car up a little bit and it was much better” he added.
Though Hanssen had fallen a lap down he had a much better handling Prime Champ Dodge race car and set about making the most of his improved ride. “When the #17 car of DJ Kennington passed me I followed his line and saw what he did, he steered a lot with the rear of his car. I watched and got the feel and the lap times came down” said the driver.
With the improved pace Hanssen began to move the Prime Champ Dodge toward the front of the field. “We started to gain a few positions” said the driver. “We got up as far as tenth at one point and I was quite happy about that” he added.
Though his cars performance was much improved, Hanssen and the Prime Champ Dodge still had some troubles ahead of them. “There were some communication difficulties with the NASCAR officials and we ended up getting moved to the back of the field on a restart” said the disappointed young man. “The on the caution we had the ball joint break, the suspension was damaged and that was it” he shrugged.
Though a twenty first place finish due to a breakdown is disappointing Hanssen once again learned a lot during his night in the Prime Champ Dodge Avenger. “I’m quite happy that we learned a lot today” said Hanssen. “We learned a lot about the car adjustments and that you have to muscle these cars sometimes. When I followed DJ (Kennington) for a few laps I could really watch and see how to work the car” he added.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to Quebec for round number nine as the feature race at the Fortieth edition of the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres on Sunday, August 16th
TOUGH BREAK ENDS HANSSEN’S NIGHT IN THE PRIME CHAMP DODGE
August 9, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team continue to perform and are enjoying a successful season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series. At round number eight on Saturday night at Mosport Speedway the Castrol/Mahindra team again flourished and claimed their second consecutive podium finish.
The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge performed reasonably well right from the beginning of practice but Kennington was determined to do even better. “We always run pretty well, we’re a solid top-five car, we finish up on the podium but we always want to be a first place car and we have to keep trying things to always be improving” said the driver. Kennington would post the third quickest qualifying lap and start the 200 lap feature on the inside of row two.
From the drop of the green flag Kennington pushed the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge forward immediately grabbing second spot and setting his sights on first. On lap eighteen Kennington would take over the race lead and then began to formulate his strategy for the competition and the rain that was threatening. “All the things we did during practice helped and the Castrol/Mahindra car was really good initially” said the driver.
The race would stay green for the first seventy laps and with one eye on the weather the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team decided not to pit. As the race moved past halfway and became official the decisions became more difficult. They could not go the entire distance without fuel and would need new tires as well. As the race neared the three quarter mark the caution flag flew and Kennington came to pit road for scheduled service for the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge.
If the race continued as it did earlier with a long green flag run Kennington felt he had the car to win. As is often the case, circumstances changed and the final quarter of the event had several caution periods and restarts. The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge was strong right to the end but without an extended run Kennington would be forced to settle for another third place finish at the checkers. “We were just a little too tight after the new tires, but if it had been a 250 lap race I think we had it” said the driver afterwards. “We did learn some things about the handling of the car and we’ll be even better prepared for the next oval race at Barrie ” he added.
After eight races DJ Kennington sits third in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series heads back to Quebec for round number nine as the feature race of the Fortieth Anniversary edition of the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres on Sunday August 16th
KENNINGTON AGAIN PUTS CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTOR DODGE ON THE PODIUM
August 16, 2009. Joey Hanssen driver of the #40 Prime Champ Dodge took another big step forward toward the rookie of the year title at round number nine of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Trois Rivieres , Quebec . Hanssen would produce a solid qualifying effort and claimed his third top-ten finish of the season.
With very little track time for practice and qualifying Hanssen made the most of his efforts. “As usual I had to learn a new track but also the team gave me a good car to work with” said the Prime Champ Dodge driver. “I wish we could have done another qualifying lap or two but it was more important to save the tires for the race” he added.
Hanssen would begin the race fourteenth in the Prime Champ Dodge and while some of the other competitors were charging right from the start, the eighteen year old worked to establish a smooth rhythm and maintain his equipment. “You have to brake so early for the corners, fifty or sixty meters earlier than normal just to save the brakes” he stated.
As the race moved on Hanssen would move the Prime Champ Dodge into the top-ten. “The car was good all through the race” said the driver and I was able improve my position right to the end” he added. “I was fighting with the #4 car and I passed him for eighth spot on the back straightaway, a lot of people kept their eyes closed, but it worked out and I got the spot. Unfortunately he got it back on the last restart but all in all I’m very satisfied” said the happy driver.
Hanssen would claim the ninth finishing position in the Prime Champ Dodge and proclaim the 100km event that was run in very hot and humid conditions “the hardest race of my life”. Hanssen had to push himself to see the race through completion. “My hands are burned, in the last ten laps I just kept telling myself, one more lap, keep going. But I’m really happy with the finish, especially with all the good names that were driving in this race. I’m very happy and looking forward to more success.
After nine races Joey Hanssen now leads the rookie of the year race by 101 points over the next closest competitor.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series gets back in action on Sunday August 30th at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as part of the Nationwide series weekend.
HANSSEN SCORES THIRD TOP-TEN FINISH IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE
August 16, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge team continue to push themselves for success and had another very strong outing in round number nine of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series at Trois Rivieres , Quebec . For the seventh time this season Kennington would finish in the top-five and for the fourth race this season he scored a podium finish.
In typical fashion Kennington would run the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge for only enough laps during practice to properly assess the car and make final adjustments for qualifying. It was a spirited qualifying session with the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge driver swapping the best time for several laps with the #03 car. Kennington would wind up second and start the 100km feature event on Sunday afternoon from the outside of row one. “I could have pushed it harder during qualifying but I wanted to have as much left in the tires as I could for the race” said the driver who was already planning his strategy.
When the race began Kennington hoped to get the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge out in front and be able to set the tempo for the race. As the green flag dropped Kennington looked for an opening but rather than leaving racing room the #03 car chopped across the nose of the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge thus preventing a challenge for position and also inflicting other damage. “Yeah it was a pretty aggressive move on his part” said Kennington. “It actually bent the toe and the steering wheel was out a quarter turn. I don’t know if it really hurt the car, but it didn’t help it” he added.
Not to be denied Kennington set about regaining his momentum and keeping pressure on the leader. “After that it was get into a rhythm and maintain a comfortable pace for the first part of the race” said DJ. “There were a couple of guys that wanted to go harder than us so I just let them have a lane, and didn’t bother racing them that early” he added.
Knowing how hard the track is on cars and that it would be amplified by the hot humid weather Kennington expected the attrition rate to be significant, and it was. “I’m pretty sure that some of the guys hurt their cars by racing as hard as they did that early in the race” said the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge driver.
Meanwhile Kennington would keep the Mahindra Tractor/Castrol Dodge up in the group of front running cars all afternoon. As the race finished under a green, white, checker restart to decide the final positions Kennington look for an opportunity to improve his position, however seeing it wasn’t to be, crossed the finish line with his fourth podium finish of the year in third place.
DJ Kennington assessed the weekend afterwards. “It was a good run for us” said the driver. “We have Mahindra Tractors on the hood of the car this week, it’s nice for them and of course Castrol and all the support they provide us with as well. I am pretty excited about Montreal , I usually get around there pretty well and the car is the best it’s ever been”.
After nine events DJ Kennington moves up to second in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will return to Quebec for round number ten at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as part of the Nationwide series weekend on August 30th
KENNINGTON TAKES THIRD IN MAHINDRA TRACTOR/CASTROL DODGE
KENNINGTON BUMPED OFF THE PODIUM IN MONTREAL
August 30, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team had rolled up three consecutive third place finishes in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition. For round number ten at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal the team appeared to be in line to score one finishing spot better. Yet a late race bump from behind and a NASCAR scoring decision would cost the team dearly, dropping them to a fourth place finish.
During a wet practice session Kennington chose to only run a handful of laps in the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge. “With the wet conditions it just wasn’t worth taking a chance on running to hard and maybe having an issue” said Kennington. “Our team works hard and is always prepared and I have confidence in the car they prepare” he added.
Feeling comfortable in the car he was not concerned that he would be forced to qualify with the slower group of cars and posted a very good qualifying time. Kennington would begin the 100KM feature event in the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge from the eighth spot.
From the drop of the green flag Kennington had the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge on the move toward the front. “What a great race car we had” said the driver afterwards. “I knew a couple of the guys up front would try to run away, but I could pick up some spots and not push the car too hard, keeping something for later in the race” he added.
As the race headed to the conclusion Kennington had battled his way into the top-five and all the way up to second position when a full course caution slowed the field. A two lap shoot out for the win was on tap. When the race restarted and the field thundered toward corner one Kennington was tagged from behind by the #27 car and sent off course. This started a chain reaction that had numerous cars spinning and the race was red flagged. Due to time limitations the checkered flag was displayed and the race declared over.
After deliberations by NASCAR officials the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge was scored in fourth position at the conclusion. “That’s a tough one to swallow” said the driver afterwards. “This Castrol/Mahindra Dodge was hooked up at the end, the caution closed the field up and we had a shot to take the win. Instead we get hit from behind setting off a whole series of events and we seem to be the ones paying the price for somebody else’s mistake. I feel bad for Castrol & Mahindra Tractors and everybody; we should have been on the podium at least”.
After ten events DJ Kennington sits second in the overall championship standings.
September 13, 2009. Joey Hanssen driver of the #40 Prime Champ Dodge continues to demonstrate his racing skills and quick adaptability to stock cars in his rookie season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. At round number eleven this past Saturday night at Barrie Speedway the 18 year old once again showed he is a quick learner and achieved his best career series finish to date.
After completing only a few practice laps at the tight 1/3 mile oval Hanssen was quick to proclaim his like for the challenging circuit. “I like this track, it’s challenging that’s fun for me” he stated. Though he would only qualify his Prime Champ Dodge in the nineteenth position Hanssen would later see that as a positive. “Qualifying wasn’t as quick as I’d hoped, I was a little bit uncomfortable in the car” stated the driver. “But I think it was a good thing to start at the back and watch everything” he added.
When the 300 lap main event began there was plenty of action to see with the first of eight caution periods coming on lap two. Hanssen knew the key to a good finish in the Prime Champ Dodge was to stay out of trouble, something that is easier said than done at a track like Barrie Speedway. “Right away people were hitting the wall and driving into each other and trying to move cars out of the way. I just followed everybody and until about 100 laps to go then I started to get a little more aggressive.
Hanssen’s cautious approach would serve him well as he continued to gain positions throughout the race. In the late stages Hanssen was one of only eight cars on the lead lap and showing tremendous poise for a young racer making his first trip to Barrie Speedway. As the checkered flag waved ending the competition the Prime Champ Dodge would cross the finish line in eighth position. It would be the best finishing position of the rookie drivers’ season, and his fourth top- ten finish in eleven races.
Showing maturing and racing smarts Hanssen not only finished the battle at Barrie in the top-ten, he also had a race car with barely a mark on it. “I’m really happy with how well things went” smiled the driver afterwards. “It’s the best finish of the year and we have only a little bit of body damage on one corner, so we don’t have too much work to do before the next race at Riverside . I’m really looking forward to that track” he added.
After eleven events Joey Hanssen continues to lead the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year standings by over 100 points.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series moves to Riverside Speedway near Antigonish, Nova Scotia for round number twelve this coming Saturday, September 19th
BEST FINISH FOR HANSSEN IN PRIME CHAMP
September 13, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team returned to Barrie Speedway in Ontario for round number eleven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The 1/3 mile bullring is a track where Kennington has tasted victory before and the team hoped to make up some ground in the championship standings. Though they scored their ninth top-ten finish of the season, this night however would leave them feeling irritated.
During afternoon practice the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge showed it’s usual strength posting quick times with each turn around the track. Kennington would qualify on the outside of row two in the fourth position. “It was a solid afternoon for us” said Kennington. “Everything looked good, the car felt great and we had a good starting spot near the front which is very important at Barrie ” he added.
The promise of a successful night would quickly evaporate quickly. Right from the drop of the green flag Kennington knew there was a problem with the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge and was on the radio his crew alerting them to the situation. “The car seemed to bobble right of the start” said the driver. “We had a caution right at the start of the race and I hoped it wasn’t too serious. On the restart however the car felt underpowered and I knew we had to deal with this right away” he added.
Kennington would bring the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge to pit road and the crew checked to make sure it wasn’t a dislodged plug wire or other quick fix and sent him back on track. It was immediately apparent that the problem was more serious and Kennington would be forced to return to the pits again to rectify the problem.
With remarkable speed the Castrol Crew changed the carburetor on the car and returned Kennington to the fight. “It was really frustrating to have that kind of a problem” said the disappointed driver afterwards. “We didn’t have any indication at all during practice or qualifying, for some this issue popped up at the start of the race” he added.
While still early in the race the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team was a dozen laps down to the leaders and Kennington set out to make the best of the bad situation. With the repairs solving the power problem Kennington would use all of his skills and the Dodge horsepower to run laps as quick as the leaders for the rest of the night.
While it certainly wasn’t the kind of race the driver and the rest of the team expected, they continued to work hard and finished the 300 lap event with a tenth place finish. “I just hate it for Castrol and Mahindra Tractors and everybody that helps us out with our program that we had this kind of fluky problem” said the driver. “Somehow we managed to get a top-ten finish out of it but we clearly showed that we had a car that was capable of much more tonight, we’ll jut have to show it next week at Riverside Speedway” he concluded.
After eleven races DJ Kennington continues to sit second in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be back in action this coming Saturday September 19th at Riverside Speedway near Antigonish, Nova Scotia . This year’s race schedule consists of thirteen races, all of which will again be broadcast on TSN.
KENNINGTON BATTLES TO TOP 10 AT BARRIE
September 27, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge were keen to finish the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire series racing season with a strong finish at the final event on Sunday at Kawartha Speedway. Scoring their second victory of the season accomplished that goal.
The weekend did not start out well for the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team. Throughout the Saturday practice the car did not handle as well as the driver wanted and the team made significant changes before qualifying. Kennington would post the fourth quickest lap during time trials but rain showers postponed the 250 lap feature until Sunday.
When the green flag waved to begin the race Kennington would keep him solidly among the leaders. “The car was certainly better from where we were in practice but it wasn’t perfect” said the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor driver. “But we just took our time and knew that we would make some final adjustments during our pit stops” he added.
Crew Chief Dave Wight and the rest of the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors team would execute perfect pit stops for the #17 driver, giving him fresh tires and fuel along with the necessary handling adjustments. Through the middle portion of the race Kennington knew his car was getting stronger as he continued his move toward the front of the field. “I don’t think we could have made it much better than it was” concluded Kennington. “We were set for the end with fresh tires, and all the caution laps really helped us out too” he added.
Kennington would move the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge into first place on lap 183 and immediately start to put some distance between himself and the second place runner. It was shortly after that inclement weather again moved over the speedway and NASCAR officials declared the race over on lap 204 giving Kennington his second victory of the season. “Even without the rain I don’t if any anybody could have got us” smiled Kennington in victory lane. “We were really good there at the end, the adjustments we made were really good and we pitted at the right time. For Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Mopar and everybody that’s helped us this year it’s a good to end the season with a win” he added.
Afterwards Kennington was again quick to praise the work of the entire Castrol/Mahindra Tractor team for their efforts not only in this event, but all season long. “I’ll tell you right now, I’ve got the best guys I’ve ever had” said the driver without hesitation. “I’ve never had a lot of help, never asked for a lot of help, but now that I’ve got this group together, I’ve got the best crew out there right now. If it wasn’t for a few glitches in the season, I think we might have had ourselves a championship” he summarized.
With the race victory DJ Kennington moved up one position to clinch second spot in the overall championship standings.
The 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series final event from Kawartha Speedway can be seen on TSN on Saturday October 17th at 2PM. DJ Kennington would like to take this opportunity to thank the many race fans for their continued support of the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Team once again this year. They look forward to more success in 2010.
KENNINGTON GETS SECOND WIN OF THE YEAR IN THE CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTORS DODGE
September 27, 2009. Prime Champ Dodge driver Joey Hanssen didn’t turn his first laps in a stock car until this spring, only a few weeks before the start of the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season. As the year went on we’ve witnessed the improving skills and maturity of the Prime Champ Dodge driver and with another solid finish at the season ending race at Kawartha Speedway on Sunday afternoon Joey Hanssen clinched the rookie of the year title for 2009.
After practice and qualifying was completed on Saturday, the skies opened up and the race was postponed until Sunday. Hanssen would start the Prime Champ Dodge in the twenty third position and with the drop of the green flag he began his quest to move forward. “I just tried to do all the right things in the first part of the race, be smooth and try to move up a few positions” said the driver. “Some of the leaders were trying to move me so I just let them past” he added.
As the race progressed Hanssen moved forward toward the top-ten and continued to keep the fenders on the car. When the leaders made scheduled pit stops Hanssen would keep the Prime Champ Dodge on the track and got back on the lead lap. The driver would make his scheduled stop during a later caution period and return to the fight with fresh tires. “The guys did an awesome job, perfect pit stops and the car was just sticking to the bottom so I was able to get by some guys” said the driver.
The Prime Champ Dodge driver would continue to gain positions with aggressive but calculated moves. Heading into the closing stages Hanssen knew he had a fast race car intended to pick up every position possible. Others were equally aggressive and Joey would have contact with the #12 car. “I feel bad about getting together with the #12 car. I was passing him to the inside and he came down on me and we ran out of room” explained the driver.
It would prove to be a costly collision as the caution flag would slow the field and Hanssen would drop several positions. Sadly before he had time to regain his lost ground, showers returned and NASCAR Officials were forced to finish the race on lap 204 with Hanssen scored eleventh. “It’s too bad or for sure it would have been another top-ten finish for us” said the driver. “But with the great job the team did I’m happy with this result” he added.
Though he would have liked to finish higher, Joey Hanssen did clinch the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year title. “I’m really happy to win the rookie of the year this season” said Hanssen. “When I came to Canada in the spring test on Mopar Day it was the first time I’d ever driven a stock car. I have to thank the whole DJ Kennington race team for all their help and support this year. This would not have been possible without all the work this team did all season”.
Joey Hanssen will be recognized with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year award at the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Banquet on Saturday November 14th.
**Of Note: Look for a major announcement regarding Joey Hanssen and the Prime Champ Dodge Team in the next few days**
HANSSEN WINS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FOR 2009
September 20, 2009. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team traveled to Riverside International Speedway for round number twelve of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past weekend. While showing the big horsepower of their Dodge motor in qualifying by scoring the pole position, Kennington would suffer a mechanical breakdown ending his day early
Persistent rain showers forced postponement of the race from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon but the delay didn’t bother the Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team. Kennington wasn’t pleased with the times posted during the morning practiced and the team made significant changes to the car. “It’s not that we were too far off we knew that we had to make the car faster” said Kennington.
The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team made the right changes to the car and Kennington was the only competitor to post a time under fifteen seconds, putting down a blazing lap of 14.917 seconds for an average speed of 80.365 MPH to secure his second pole position of the season. “It was a great job by the team, the car was great during those qualifying laps” said the driver.
As the green flag waved for the 300 lap main event Kennington would hold the lead for the first thirty one laps. “We wanted to lead some laps and take the bonus points and we were able to do that” said Kennington. While Kennington surrendered the lead he was never far from the front. “With a 300 lap race I wanted to save the car a little bit” said the driver.
During a caution period near the one third point of the race Kennington made a scheduled stop for fuel. “Our strategy was to get our fuel first and then leave ourselves some options for later in the race” said the driver. The Castrol/Mahindra Tractor Dodge team would not have the opportunity to use any of those options.
Just before the halfway point of the race as Kennington was again moving the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Dodge toward the front of the field he began to slow on the race track. “There was no warning but I knew it was serious right away” said the disappointed driver afterwards. Knowing the severity of the problem Kennington immediately brought the Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Dodge behind the pit wall, his day was over early. “It’s a shame” said Kennington. “We had a really fast race car today and we had some kind of mechanical failure under the hood. This Castrol/Mahindra Tractors Dodge was fast, it felt great and we really had a chance to get another victory. We’ll head back home and find out exactly what it was and we’re going for the win at the final race next week” he added.
After twelve races DJ Kennington is third in the overall championship standings.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will close out the 2009 season this coming Saturday September 26th at Kawartha Speedway in Fraserville , ON . This year’s race schedule of thirteen events from coast to coast is again broadcast on TSN.
KENNINGTON SCORES POLE POSITION AT RIVERSIDE IN CASTROL/MAHINDRA TRACTORS DODGE
September 20, 2009. The steps forward in the learning process for Joey Hanssen driver of the #40 Prime Champ Dodge continue to come at a remarkable rate. At round number twelve of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past weekend at Riverside International Speedway Hanssen scored his best career starting position in the series and ran well all day until a part failure finished his day early.
Right after the morning practice Hanssen climbed from the #40 Prime Champ Dodge and with a smile on his face said “I really like this place”. The high banks of the Antigonish, Nova Scotia track truly suite the aggressive driver. “You could really attack the corners and feel the speed” he added.
Hanssen would post an impressive qualifying run and score his best starting position of the year with starting the 300 lap feature event on the outside of row six. “I had a nice improvement in qualifying this week” said the Prime Champ Dodge driver. “It was nice to pick up our best starting position of the year and give us a good chance for the race” he added.
When the green flag waved to begin the action the Prime Champ Dodge fell back several positions as Hanssen found the cars handling to be too tight for the track conditions. “The car was just too tight at the start of the race” he added. “I tried to move up the track a little bit to help the handling a bit” he added.
As the laps ticked away the Prime Champ Dodge driver continued to battle with his ill handling race car. As the race reached the one third mark the team made a scheduled stop for fuel and also adjusted the handling in hopes of improving the performance.
Returning to the battle the 18 year old rookie driver gained confidence and experience with every lap and did begin to move toward the front of the field and eventually move into the top-ten just past the halfway mark of the race. “We made our stop and it did help to loosen the car up a little bit, but it wasn’t quite enough” said Hanssen.
As the race went green from just past halfway to the finish, Hanssen continued to work diligently to keep the Prime Champ Dodge moving forward. Unfortunately his efforts and those of the team would be squashed as Hanssen lost power and coasted down pit road to the attention of the crew.
The Prime Champ Dodge suffered a broken axle, a mechanical part failure that would end their day early. It was a disappointing end to the race for the entire crew. “It was a tough way to have our day end” said the driver afterwards. “We had our best starting spot of the year and we ran pretty well for a good part of the race, inside the top-ten but when you have a part break it’s frustrating. We know we’ll be ready for the last race though. We tested at Kawartha Speedway a couple of weeks ago and we should be pretty good” he added.
After eleven events Joey Hanssen continues to lead the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rookie of the year standings and will look to clinch the title at the final race of the season.
BEST CAREER STARTING POSITION FOR HANSSEN IN PRIME CHAMP DODGE
