Andrew Ranger Wins at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Andrew Ranger cruised in to victory as his home fans stood and cheered at the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race Saturday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The Quebec native driver took advantage of a slip by race leader J.R. Fitzpatrick on the 23rd and final lap and wasn’t challenged the rest of the way for his first win in seven races this season.
Series leader Scott Steckly of Milverton, Ont., came in second with last year’s winner Kerry Micks of Mt. Albert, Ont., third.
“I haven’t won a race here in a long time and to do it in front of my family and fans is really nice,” said 21-year-old Ranger. “Last year I came close, so it’s good to win it this year.”
A year ago, he was passed by Micks on the final lap and came second.
This time, Ranger made a surprisingly easy pass of Fitzpatrick for the lead on the 19th lap, only to give it up a lap later. But the Cambridge, Ont., driver looked to brake too hard going into the second turn on the 2.7-mile circuit and lost his back end. Fitzpatrick spun and hit the wall, leaving Ranger in the clear.
“On the last lap, I knew I had to make a move,” Ranger said. “I never touched Fitzpatrick.”
Steckly backed off at the first sign of trouble to stay on the track and conserve his series lead.
“I was going for the win, but I was also being cautious with the guys in front,” he said. “They were racing hard and I didn’t want to get taken out.”
Alex Tagliani of Lachenaie, Que., who was coming off a win in Edmonton, was out after seven laps with a blown engine.
Bob’s “Barbie’s Girl” (pictured above) and rooting interest in the event blew an engine early and finished 32nd.
Bob’s post and the inspiring story of “Barbie Girl” Ashley Taws is a highly recommended read.
Technorati Tags: Andrew Ranger, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Thanks for the link Marc!
Considering 3 last warnings wer given he was lucky to finish, but certain rules apply to certain people and not all, too bad, this needs to be evaluated.
Looks as if you already evaluated it, but unfortunately for you you’re not in charge.
If you were expecting a more responsive comment to yours, well… feel lucky, I don’t normally respond to people that haven’t the guts to at least leave a realistic pseudonym, if not their real name.
Lucky Indeed, being on the side that actually partakes in the actual conversations and knows first hand what is going on, it is not always as it seems.
Real Name Anne!!!!