NASCAR Pinty’s Series drivers branch out during off-weekend

D.J. Kennington, a former two-time champion in Canada’s only NASCAR-sanctioned touring series, is vying for his second consecutive Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start in Daytona and third overall in his career.

The St. Thomas, Ontario, native qualified for this season’s Daytona 500 and ran as high at 15^th before he was collected in a mid-race accident driving a Toyota for Gaunt Brothers Racing.

For this attempt at Daytona he’s teamed up with Premium Motorsports in the No. 15 car. He will practice and qualify for the Coke Zero 400 on Thursday and Friday with the race being held on Saturday night.

“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to go back to Daytona and race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series again,” said Kennington. “I’m looking forward to getting back to the track.”

Kennington currently sits seventh in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series standings.

Tagliani set for first start in FRD LMP3 Series

Alex Tagliani, currently eighth in the season standings after three races, will make his first start driving for Craft-Bamboo Racing in the inaugural FRD LMP3 Series in Zhejiang, China.

The two-car team will feature Australian Greg Taylor teaming with Tagliani in the No. 20 Ligier JS P3 entry.

Tagliani joins Craft-Bamboo Racing for the first time and will get his first taste of LMP3 competition this weekend. The Canadian has plenty of experience across numerous racing disciplines.

Tagliani will have his work cut out for him driving on the challenging 3.20 km course and he’ll also have a guiding hand from Taylor, who has plenty of experience in the LMP3 racer.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Craft-Bamboo and drive this exciting car on what looks like an amazing track,” said Tagliani. “I’m also looking forward to working with my teammate, Greg, and I hope that we can bring some good results to the team during the season."