Canadian short track standout DJ Kennington takes over 6 for debut at Martinsville
For years DJ Kennington has owned the short track circuits of Canada in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, and is ready to make his stand as a contender in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville.
DJK, the runner-up in the NCTS point standings in 2009, has never finished outside the top three in points in the last five years and has seen stints of action in the NASCAR Nationwide Series dating back to 2006 with a total of 45 races.
Kennington will be making his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the #6 Northern Provincial Pipelines entry for Rick Ware Racing at Martinsville Speedway on March 27th for the running of the Kroger 250.
"I’ve cut my teeth on ½ mile and smaller flat tracks all over Canada and Martinsville is a place I have always wanted to race at," stated Kennington.
The close quarter racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville is exactly what the St. Thomas, Ontario native will get at "The Paperclip!"
"I have run at nearly every track in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and none of those resemble the type of racing we do here in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. We run a bunch of road course events but a majority of our races on ½ mile and smaller flat tracks, just like Martinsville."
Kennington will see some familiar faces with his new team as well. "I have worked with half the team before in the Nationwide Series and they are showing in the truck series and at Ware Racing, just how fierce they are as competitors," claimed DJ.
DJ will be driving the 6 truck that Donnie Neuenberger has set in the 10th position in driver points, as Donnie begins preparing for his Nationwide Series schedule. Ironically, Kennington’s new teammate, Brett Butler in the #47 Fuel Doctor USA Chevy, is tied with Neuenberger for that 10th place position.
"This team has really come together in a short period of time and is showing everyone that they are contenders. The long hours and experience from Crew Chief Gary Cogswell, has given them a solid baseline to build from and I am excited to be a part of their future."
Kennington knows what it takes to build a team from the ground up. DJK Racing has expanded from a one car team in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to a three car team with himself, Joey Hanssen and Pierre Bourque for 2010.
"If anyone knows how hard it is to build a team, I know firsthand," claimed Kennington. DJK Racing finished 2nd in the points and Hanssen claimed Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 before expanding to three teams.
"This is a tough business as an owner, and I see how hard Rick Ware is working to make it happen with his sponsors. Racing is just a fraction of what it takes to be successful in this industry. RWR has shown the way to many small companies that success doesn’t come with a six figure sponsorship and I have done the same up north" Kennington added.
"We have experience, youth, and the drive to be the best here at RWR and we look to showcase that at a place I have dreamed about racing at my entire career."
For more information visit www.wareracing.com or follow the team on Twitter @rickwareracing
