Scott Steckly started off the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season in style last night, by dominating the competition at the Dickies 200 on Mosport’s paved oval. A jammed air gun during a stop for tires dropped Steckly back to 5th place just past the mid point in the race, but by lap 153 of the 200 lapper, the Motomaster Dodge caught Pete Shepherd III and then took over the lead for good.

Further back in the field, there was a touch more drama that eliminated some of the top potential challengers.

The first to experience troubles was Jason White who left the field just a handful of laps into the race with a cloud of smoke trailing his Dodge Challenger. Now driving a car prepared by Kawartha Speedway Group and top NASCAR crew chief Derek Lynch, this is White’s put up or shut up season and things weren’t looking favorable right then. Lynch solved a mystery oil leak coming from a fuel pressure gauge hose and the A & W hot rod was back out on track. Through the rest of the race, White easily matched the pace of the top finishers, serving notice that he will be a contender in the coming events.

Next up, NCTS veteran Mark Dilley was sidelined when a giant chunk of asphalt was kicked up from the track and punctured the radiator of his Rheems and Partsource sponsored Dodge Challenger.
[Read more...]