On Saturday at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Andrew Ranger made his presence known as he scored the pole for the Pinty’s presents the Clarington 200. It marks the 13th career pole award for the two-time series champion as he makes his return to full-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competition in 2014.
Ranger’s lap of 1 minute, 22.956 seconds in his No. 27 Mopar/Exide Dodge marks a new track record as he topped the time set by J.R. Fitzpatrick last year. Ranger is a past winner at CTMP with two previous victories – 2007 and 2009.
Fitzpatrick, who led practice, would qualify second with a lap of 1:23.111 (106.513) as he is searching for his fourth CTMP victory this weekend. It marks a nice comeback for Fitzpatrick to show speed this weekend as he wrecked during pre-season testing after hitting a puddle on the course and sliding off course into the Styrofoam barrier.
Last year’s fall pole sitter Jeff Lapcevich qualified third as he searches for his first career NCAT victory. He finished second in last year’s event. Jason Hathaway and last year’s race winner L.P. Dumoulin rounded out the top five. Peter Klutt, Robin Buck, rookies Luc Lesage and Marc-Antoine Camirand, and defending series champion Scott Steckly rounded out the top 10.
The 2014 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season will kick off on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Qualifying Results
1. (27) Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que., Dodge, 106.712
2. (84) J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont., Chevrolet, 106.513
3. (76) Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont., Dodge, 106.352
4. (3) Jason Hathaway, Dutton, Ont., Chevrolet, 106.162
5. (47) L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivières, Que., Dodge, 106.043
6. (42) Peter Klutt, Halton Hills, Ont., Chevrolet, 105.975
7. (66) Robin Buck, Campbellville, Ont., Dodge, 105.943
8. (24) Luc Lesage, Trois-Rivières, Que., Dodge, 105.903
9. (88) Marc-Antoine Camirand, Saint-Leonard-d’Aston, Que., Chevrolet, 105.901
10. (22) Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont., Dodge, 105.667
11. (18) Stefan Rzadzinski, Edmonton, Alta., Dodge, 105.654
12. (02) Kerry Micks, Mount Albert, Ont., Ford, 104.812
13. (17) D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont., Dodge, 104.744
14. (59) Ryan Klutt, Milton, Ont., Chevrolet, 104.670
15. (5) Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta., Dodge, 104.584
16. (56) Matthew Scannell, Milton. Ont., Dodge, 104.075
17. (25) Joey McColm, Ajax, Ont., Dodge, 103.897
18. (95) Anthony Simone, Holland Landing, Ont., Dodge, 103.234
19. (99) Matt Pritiko, London, Ont., Chevrolet, 103.009
20. (97) Hugo Vannini, Repentigny, Que., Ford, 102.971
21. (87) Steve Mathews, New Liskeard, Ont., Ford, 102.785
22. (29) Ray Courtemanche Jr., Montreal, Que., Dodge, 102.701
23. (9) Russ Bond, Toronto, Ont., Ford, 102.667
24. (28) Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C., Dodge, 102.335
25. (83) Bob Attrell, Brampton, Ont., Dodge, 100.600
26. (67) David Thorndyke, Oshawa, Ont., Chevrolet, 100.552
27. (00) Derek White, Kahnawake, Que., Chevrolet, 98.501
28. (77) Jocelyn Fecteau, Montreal, Que., Dodge, 87.553