June 16 2013. Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge team had a busy week prior to round number two of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this past weekend, the EMCO 200 at Delaware Speedway. In front of a large contingent of EMCO customers and staff Dowler chalked up another top ten finish after battling back from an early obstacle.
The #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge team worked hard through practice to improve the set-up of the car and following the second session the driver was pleased. “The car is fast and it felt really good, I’m excited about the race” said Dowler.
Qualifying is still something that the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge driver needs to work on. “It’s something I need to improve and be a little more aggressive at, we were faster than 15th where I qualified” said Dowler.
Once the green flag flew for the EMCO 200 Dowler set about improving his position in the field and that’s exactly what happened. Smartly moving the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge toward the top ten. “The car was pretty stout all day” said the driver afterwards.
As the race progressed Dowler continued to work hard and looking to gain positions. However they’re night would become a battle during a scheduled pit stop. “We broke a wheel stud during out pit stop and went down a lap” explained Dowler so we put our head down and fought back” he added.
A determined Dowler pushed the #5 EMCO/Rheem Dodge looking to gain back as many positions as possible and began marching forward. In the late stages another caution flag flew that benefitted the team. The first car one lap down they were granted the free pass back to the lead lap. Dowler continued his charge in the late stages and crossed the finish line with a hard fought sixth place result.
After two events Dowler sits fourth in the overall championship standings
“All in all I’m pretty pleased” said Dowler. “I have to thank the crew for doing a great job making the repairs; one lap could have easily become three laps, their work kept us in the hunt to get our lap back. I managed to drive back up to sixth without really ruffling any feathers, I might have been able to nudge my way up and get another spot or two but I didn’t think that was the way to go especially this early in the season. I’m happy we bounced back with a good result with all the EMCO supporters here tonight and I’m looking forward to getting back at it next week” he stated.
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series consists of 12 events from coast to coast in Canada. The next race is Saturday June 22nd at the Speedway at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, ON. For more information about Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO Dodge/Rheem team log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca and follow him on twitter, @noeldowler.
