Antigonish: Dave Whitlock race notes

WHITLOCK REPEATS FIFTH PLACE FINISH AT RIVESIDE

Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Sunday September 21, 2008: Dave Whitlock started the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 from deep in the field but the driver of the No. 39 Dickies/NMT/PCRFC Dodge Avenger fought his way to a top five finish, a repeat performance of 2007 here.

The teams returned to this high banked 3/8 mile oval just outside of Antigonish, NS for the second year after rave reviews in 2007. The drivers all enjoy racing at this track that is often referred to as a mini Bristol Motor Speedway.

Whitlock and his No. 39 team adjusted on the car during the practice session but only managed a 17th place qualifying position. No worries though as they knew when the sun went down the car would get better in cooler temperatures.

The green flag waved on the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 before a full house of enthusiastic Eastern Canadian race fans. Whitlock battled for the first 100 laps just outside of the top ten. By the time he pitted on lap 180 for fuel and tires he was all the way up to fourth. When all the pit stops cycled through and they went back to green flag racing the No. 39 driver was in ninth. With the help of a couple of cautions, Whitlock drove his Dickies Dodge to a fifth place finish. 'I was really pleased with the car as the race went on," stated Dave Whitlock. "It was really good on long runs. My crew did a great job on our three pit stops as well. I would like to thank the fans here in Eastern Canada for there enthusiastic support of this Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 event."

After late race contact between leader Andrew Ranger and second place Peter Gibbons, Don Thomson Jr was able to capitalize and take the win. Second was his teammate J. R. Fitzpatrick with Ron Beauchamp Jr. taking third. Mark Dilley last years winner here finished fourth,

The Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday Oct. 4th at 11 a.m. EST.

The season finale takes place next Saturday Sept. 27th at Kawartha Speedway.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and complete race results please visit www.nascar.ca

-credit: www.whitlockmotorsports.com