For more info, please visit NASCAR Canadian Tire Series .
September 16, 2007. John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric
Tools Chevrolet team have shown their speed throughout the NASCAR Canadian
Tire Series racing season. Due to extenuating circumstances they haven't
always been rewarded for their efforts. The team did reap the rewards
during round eleven at Riverside International Speedway.
Through the practice sessions for the 300 lap main event the Milwaukee
Electric Tools car did not post the quickest laps on the track. However
J.R. Fitzpatrick had no problem putting the car wherever he wanted on the
race track. "I was really happy that the car absolutely stuck to the track
on the inside or the outside line" said the driver. "A lot of teams really
took note of how we could do that'.
Inclement weather for the delay of qualifying an the race but the delay did
not both the Milwaukee Electric Tools car with Fitzpatrick posting the third
fastest time, putting him on the inside of row two to start the race.
As the battle got underway Fitzpatrick would run strong consistent laps in
the Milwaukee Electric Tools Chevy and maintain his position amongst the
leaders. "The car was good, I was just saving my stuff as usual to have
something for the end".
Near the midpoint of the race as the caution flag waved over the speedway
Fitzpatrick would bring the Milwaukee Electric Tools car to pit lane for
scheduled service. The crew performed perfectly fitting the car with four
fresh tires and fuel to go the rest of the distance. "It was a great effort
by the team to get those stops done and get me back on track" said the
appreciative driver.
With only a handful of cars on the lead lap Fitzpatrick would push his car
to the limit seeking to take over the lead. "As things went on the car just
didn't want to cut through the corners the same as it was early in the race"
he stated. "I'm not sure if the track changed or what but it just didn't
handle the same.
Fitzpatrick would use all his skill and continue to push toward the front
and would be rewarded with a second place finish. "This is good finish for
the team" he stated afterwards. The whole Milwaukee Electric Tools teams
did a great job and we came up one spot short, but we know what to do next
time we come here" he added
After another podium finish, J.R. Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric
Tools team are third in the overall point standings after eleven events..
J.R Fitzpatrick and the Milwaukee Electric Tools team wrap up the season
this coming Sunday, September 23rd at Kawartha Speedway. More information
on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca