July 6, 2014. Mirabel, Quebec. It was just like old times for Andrew Ranger at round number three of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series. Piloting the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge at Circuit ICAR Ranger posted the quickest times in both practice sessions, set a new track record claiming the pole position on Saturday and then for the third straight year captured the race victory on Sunday afternoon.
Right from the opening moments of practice Ranger knew he and the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team were capable of a successful weekend. “Right from the first laps the car was good, we were tops in both practice sessions and everything was perfect” said Ranger.
In qualifying Ranger set a blistering lap time of 95.956 seconds and claim his 14th career series pole, equaling the series record. “It felt great to get that lap and set the record and the most important thing to start up front for the race” said the driver.
After an opening lap incident the race did get rolling and Ranger pushed the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge ahead looking to build a lead. Ranger was being challenged from behind and eventually relinquished the top spot on lap 7. “I was getting pushed pretty hard early so I just let him go” explained Ranger. “Later on I closed up on him and saw an opening and went back in front”.
For the final third of the race it was a dominating performance from the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge driver as he built his lead and took the checkered flag and claimed his third consecutive victory at Circuit ICAR.
“It’s so great to get this victory here at ICAR, first one for Mopar and I’m really pleased about that, they’ve been such a big sponsor of the series for a long time and I’m really happy to get this win for them”.
The victory also moves Ranger just one behind his teammate DJ Kennington for the all-time series record. “Yeah that’s going to be a good competition between us this year I think and I’m looking forward us having fun together with that” said Ranger.
With the victory Ranger is back in the championship hunt sitting tied for fourth spot overall.
Up next the series heads west for round four on Friday July 11th at Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin, AB.
Race fans can get more information and follow the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team all season by going to www.mopar.ca and clicking on Motorsports.
