PHOTOS: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series finale at Kawartha Speedway

This photo gallery is from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale at Kawartha Speedway on September 24, 2011. DJ Kennington won the Kawartha 250 while Scott Steckly clinched his second NCATS crown in four years, joining Andrew Ranger on the list of two-time series winners.

Photos by Greg MacPherson // www.InsideTrackNews.com // @inside_track

DJ Kennington wins Vortex Brake Pads 200

Today at Mosport International Raceway, Castrol Dodge driver DJ Kennington bested J.R. Fitzpatrick and Robin Buck to win the Vortex Brake Pads 200 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race.

Kennington's victory was his first NCATS road course win. The defending series champion won a CASCAR Super Series race at Mosport on June 24, 2001 (10 years and two days earlier). In that race, Kennington came home in front of a field that included John Fitzpatrick (J.R.'s dad), Robin Buck and Kevin Dowler (whose son Noel competed in today's race).

KENNINGTON FINISHES THIRD IN CASTROL EDGE DODGE

June 12, 2011. The first two rounds of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series had been frustrating for DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team. A return to the St. Thomas, Ontario driver’s home track at Delaware Speedway proved to be the tonic for a hard charging third place podium finish.

Kennington won the two previous events at Delaware Speedway and coming to race at Delaware gave Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team just the boost they needed. From the start of practice Kennington was the class of the field and posted the quickest lap time. With other series running afterwards it changed the track characteristics however Kennington still placed the Castrol Edge Dodge on the outside of row one in qualifying. “I didn’t realize how good my first lap was” said Kennington. “So when I got to the second qualifying lap I pushed a bit too hard and it cost us or we’d have been on pole” he concluded.

When the 200 lap feature event began Kennington immediately began looking for the top spot. The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge would move into the lead on lap 17 and pull out a sizable lead on the field. “The team gave me a great car to drive and we started to work our race plan from there” he stated. “We made our first pit stop during the first caution period for fuel and came out in good position” he stated.

The race plan for the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge would change because of a fluke incident. The #97 car spun up the track and when he slid back down clipped the back of Kennington leaving the rear bumper panel dangling. “I just couldn’t get out of the way” stated Kennington simply. “The team did an awesome job fixing things up so we could continue” he stated.

Now back in the pack with an unplanned pit stop Kennington began pushing the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge trying to regain track position. Fighting his way forward with every lap he was soon back amongst the leaders and with another caution period just past the three quarter mark of the race he pitted for fresh right side tires. “Those new tires and the adjustment the team made helped me in the closing laps” said Kennington.

When the final caution period of the night set up an eight lap shoot out Kennington seized the opportunity. Pushing the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge as hard as he dared on the final lap he managed to make one last pass to claim a third place podium finish. “What a job the team did tonight” said Kennington. “They deserve a lot of credit for getting the body panels fixed up so I could make a charge at the end” he stated.

The podium finish gives Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team the boost they needed and moves them up to fourth in the overall championship standings. “We’ll take this one and build on it” said the driver. “This thing is far from over and we’re going to some tracks that I know we can win at and that’s what we intend to do” he added.

DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team get back in action the weekend of June 25 & 26 at the famed Mosport International Raceway near Bowmanville, Ontario. Once again this year fans will be able to watch all twelve races on TSN. Check local listings for times.

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, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge at Delaware Speedway.

Photo Credit: Todd Lewis

KENNINGTON READY TO DEFEND CHAMPIONSHIP IN CASTROL DODGE

May 10, 2011. DJ Kennington and his entire #17 Castrol Edge Doge team are anxious to return to competition in the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to defend their series championship. Following a busy off season of title celebrations and a couple of races in United States, Kennington and the team are pleased to welcome back their sponsorship partners and of course the many race fans for another season of excitement.

Returning together for the eighteenth consecutive season DJ Kennington will have primary sponsorship from Castrol Canada and once again feature the Castrol Edge brand. This arrangement between Castrol and DJ Kennington has proven to be a model of success for both parties. “Our partnership with Castrol as been very special” said Kennington. “It’s pretty simple. Their support over the years has allowed me to compete at this level. They are part of our family and I have been proud to represent the company and to finally win the championship for them last season” he stated.

The company is equally excited to be part of the DJ Kennington group again this season. Marketing Communications Manager for Wakefield Castrol Canada Marsha McLaughlin said “Castrol is proud to be back on board with DJ for the eighteenth year. We were with him for the championship in 2010 and we’ll be cheering for him to keep his winning Edge this season”.

The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team took to the track at Kawartha Speedway recently for the annual Mopar Day activities. The day included a photo session which will feature the sleek new Dodge Challenger body on the Castrol Edge car. “The new body shape looks fantastic” said Kennington. “It has a really nice look to it. I think the fans will be pretty excited about it” he added.

The next order of business was to see how the new body performed on the race track. As expected the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge Challenger was up to speed immediately and at the top of the time sheets. “We did a lot of work over the winter to get ready for this season and today we tried a few things with the set up of the car. And some of them were pretty wild” explained Kennington. “But to come out here for the first time and be fast gives us confidence and makes us anxious for the start of the season. We’ll probably do another test day before the opener at Mosport, but we’re ready” he stated confidently.

In addition to the primary support from Castrol Canada, Kennington is also pleased to welcome back long time partner Mahindra Tractors. “It’s great to have Mahindra back with us again this year” said Kennington. “We also had Hitachi Power Tools join our program last season and appreciate what they’ve done for our team” said the driver of the #17 Castrol Dodge.

The season opening event for the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire series is Saturday May 28th at Mosport Speedway. Once again this year fans will be able to watch all twelve races on TSN. Check local listings for tiems. 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, www.twitter.com/djkracing Fans are also suggested to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: The #17 Castrol Edge Dodge Challenger at Kawartha Speedway.

PHOTOS: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Reception

On Nov. 10, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series community - including racers, officials, sponsors, teams and the media - assembled in the Distillery District in downtown Toronto to celebrate the recently completed season, especially the accomplishments of champion DJ Kennington.

During the evening, the series unveiled its 12-race schedule for 2011. The casual event was a refreshing change from tuxedos, banquet tables and lengthy speeches, and also honoured the top racers at Canada's weekly NASCAR facilities.

PHOTO GALLERY: Delaware Speedway Summer Showdown

PHOTOS: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Autodrome St-Eustache - July 3, 2010 - www.insidetracknews.com

This is a 450-photo gallery from Saturday, July 3, 2010 at Autodrome St-Eustache. DJ Kennington won his second race in three starts (in 2010), beating Scott Steckly and Don Thomson Jr.

Photos by G. MacPherson / www.insidetracknews.com

PHOTO GALLERY: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series - Delaware Speedway - June 5, 2010

DJ Kennington won the season-opening NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Delaware Speedway on June 5, 2010. JR Fitzpatrick and Jeff Lapcevich were second and third, respectively. For more exclusive NCATS coverage, subscribe to Inside Track Motorsport News.

DJ KENNINGTON WINS AT DELAWARE

June 6, 2010. St. Thomas, Ontario’s DJ Kennington, driver of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge put name at the top of the contenders for the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Championship with a victory in race number one of the season. At the Keystone Light 200 Saturday evening at Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario Kennington made it his second consecutive victory at his home racetrack.

The day started off with a huge challenge for the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge team when after only five laps of practice a problem was noticed with the motor. Not wanting to take any chances the team swapped engines and were ready to make their scheduled qualifying run. Kennington set the tone when he put in a blistering lap of 19.22 seconds and scored pole position with an average speed of 93.652 MPH around the half mile oval. “What an effort by the whole team” said Kennington. “All my guys worked so hard that was a great reward for their efforts” he added.

As the green flag waved and wet weather loomed Kennington took off in the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge and had little trouble leading the first seventy five laps of the scheduled 200. “I think that Castrol Edge gave us an edge” he smiled and stated. “The car was so good right from the start of the race. It’s a great feeling as a driver”.

Rain was looming around the track and the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge team debated when to make their scheduled pit stops. “We weren’t sure if we’d get the all the laps in but as we got close to half way we decided to make our stop so we’d still have to time to get back toward the front” explained Kennington.

Deep in the field the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge driver then had to avoid the many racing incidents. “It got a little wild sometimes” said Kennington but I just kept going and pretty soon we were back up at the front”. he added.

Kennington would take over the lead for good on lap 160 but a late race caution period made things tense. The event would end under a green, white checker sprint and Kennington faced a hard charging #84 car. “I just took off and we body slammed pretty good going into corner one” said the driver. “But he went a bit high going into turn three and we managed to hang on for the win.

It’s just feels so good to win here at home” stated the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge driver. “When you have a day like we did you really find out how many friends you’ve got and we’ve got a lot of them. I just want to thank everybody on the team, our great support as always from Castrol, Mahindra Tractors, Contact Welding, and Hitachi Tools who have come on board with us this year. This is a fantastic way to start off the season” he concluded.

Round number two of the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season will take place next weekend, June 12^th & 13^th on the famed Road Course at Mosport International Raceway. All races will be televised on TSN. The Keystone Light 200 will air at 2PM Eastern on June 12^th. Follow the progress of the #17 Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors Dodge all season on the newly redesigned website http://www.djkracing.ca/ plus you can follow their progress at www.twitter.com/djkracing. You’re also invited to join the Facebook Group DJK Racing.

Photo: The Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors/Hitachi Tools Team celebrates victory.

DJ Kennington unveils new Castrol Edge NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series veteran DJ Kennington recently unveiled his new-look Castrol Edge Dodge Avenger at a car show in Toronto.

Video courtesy of JRA.

NASCAR: Bourque back with Aaron’s, at DJK Racing

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers Pierre Bourque (l) and DJ Kennington (r) met in Toronto on Feb. 18 to sign a contract that will see Bourque participate in at least seven NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, in 2010, driving for Kennington’s DJK Racing team.

“I signed a deal with DJ Kennington to run with his team this year,” said Bourque, who hails from Ottawa, Ontario. “We’re going to do a minimum of seven races and I’m really looking forward to it. The bulk of my races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be sponsored by Aaron’s and I’m very happy to be driving ‘The Dream Machine.’ I’m also excited that DJ Kennington will be putting the cars together for me.”

Bourque continued, “It’s been in the works for much of the winter. I thought DJ would be an awesome person to drive for. I explored several options, but DJ has a strong program and I have a real appreciation for his mechanical prowess.”

Bourque flew Aaron’s colours in several NCATS events in 2009 in cars prepared by the former Whitlock Motorsports team, and is looking forward to working with Kennington in 2010. Kennington, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario, is returning with longtime sponsor Castrol, for an astounding 18^th consecutive season.

“It’s a great representation of the quality of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to see companies like Aaron’s and Castrol involved in the sport,” said Bourque. “DJ has a long-running relationship with Castrol and that’s testament to the products he puts on the track and the way he represents his sponsors.

“In Aaron’s case, it’s an American-based company with a storied relationship with NASCAR, south of the border. To have them come into Canada with me in 2009 and to grow their relationship this year, shows they have an appetite to extend their footprint in this country, through racing. That says a lot about the quality of the racing that we have in Canada.”

Discussing the news, Kennington said, “We have Pierre signed to drive with us this year and that’s very exciting news. My goal is to grow our program into something bigger – basically in line with what Whitlock Motorsports was. I would like to make it into a three-car team and getting involved with Pierre and Aaron’s is a great step toward that. Anytime you can get a corporate sponsor like Aaron’s involved with your program, that’s a good thing.

“It takes a lot running two cars, but Pierre has obviously been there before and he knows what it takes. It’s nice to have our sponsorships lined up this early so we can concentrate on getting the cars ready to race.”

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is a 13-race series featuring a mix of oval track and road racing events.

NPP: DJ Kennington prepares for NASCAR Nationwide race at Las Vegas

The 2009 race season of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series is still two months away. But south of the border, NPP is flying the Alberta and Canadian flag at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

KENNINGTON EYEING TOP TEN IN NATIONWIDE STANDINGS

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 26th) – With the lights of Las Vegas shimmering in the distance, Canada’s DJ Kennington hopes he can deal his way into a top 10 position in the NASCAR Nationwide Series point standings. Las Vegas Motors Speedway is the next stop for the St. Thomas Ontario driver this weekend. Kennington currently sits 12th in points after finishing16th and 24th at the Daytona and California races.

“I think we have come out of the box pretty strong this year,” says the St. Thomas, Ontario driver, “we have had two pretty good runs. I am hoping we can get the No. 81 Dodge in to the top 10 this weekend at Vegas.” Last year, in his first ever visit to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kennington finished 29th after qualifying his race car in 34th. “There is still a bit of a learning curve running these big tracks,” adds Kennington, “but we are starting to see results from what we learned last season. We’re heading in the right direction that’s for sure.”

Veteran NASCAR racer Michael Waltrip sits just 6 points ahead of Kennington in the Nationwide Series point standings. Kennington is only 18 points back of being in the top 10. “Last year at this time we were sitting 27th in the standings.” After Las Vegas, Kennington and his Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd sponsored team and the rest of the Nationwide Series competitors have almost one complete month off after four consecutive weekends of racing.

SAM’S TOWN 300 (200 laps/300 miles)
>Friday, February 27th
Practice Session #1 – 11:30am (Edmonton time)
Practice Session #2 – 2:45pm (Edmonton time)
>Saturday, February 28th
Qualifying – 10:00am (Edmonton time)
RACE – 2:30pm (Edmonton time)

Northern Provincial Pipelines, based in Edson, Alberta is title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series which brings big league racing to Western Canadian race fans. Northern Provincial Pipelines is also proud to be one of the major sponsors of the #81 Dodge driven by Canada’s DJ Kennington in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

From Gord Craig

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: DJK Racing will field two cars in 2009

February 18, 2009. DJK Racing with Canada’s Most Popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver as voted by the race fans DJ Kennington 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,” he added.

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.

This release prepared by TL Sports & Entertainment.

DJ Kennington finishes 17th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona (2/14/09)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Canadian DJ Kennington finished 17th in today's NASCAR Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. The St. Thomas, ON racer started 16th in the field of 43 but quickly fell back into the mid-20s with a severe loose-handling condition on the #81 DH Griffin Dodge.

After three rounds of pit stops - each for tires, fuel and significant setup adjustments - Kenningon's car finally tightened up and he was able to advance, making it as high as 12th with 23 laps to go. Eventually, the MacDonald Motorsports Dodge came home in 17th spot.

Tony Stewart won the race, driving for Rick Hendrick. Carl Edwards and Clint Bowyer were second and third, respectively.

Photos by Greg MacPherson / Inside Track