July 28, 2011. Following a successful run in his first oval track experience, Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Noel Dowler got right back to work in the #5 EMCO Dodge during round number seven of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Wednesday night.
It was easy to see how much smoother and quick Dowler was running the #5 EMCO Dodge at the end of the one hour practice session compared to the beginning. “The car felt good and I got very comfortable” he stated. “It was fun to drive, I thought I’d only done a handful of laps but the team said I had done over 70” he added.
Dowler still needs a little more experience with his qualifying and would start at the back of the field. However shortly after the drop of the green flag he began moving the #5 EMCO Dodge forward. Following the first caution period of the night Dowler would restart the race in thirteenth position and on the next restart was eleventh. “With each lap I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the car” explained Dowler.
Reality would strike later in the race when Dowler was taking the #5 EMCO Dodge around the outside of a slower car. That competitor contacted the rear of Dowler’s machine sending him spinning and another tore the rear bumper off. “It’s all part of the learning process I guess” smiled Dowler.
Following a stop on pit road to remove the dangling body work, Dowler return to the action and the #5 EMCO Dodge was just as quick. When the checkered flag waved they would claim a thirteenth place finish, gaining eight positions from the start of the race. “Overall it was a good night and I have to thank the whole team for working so hard in the last few days getting the car ready. I think we made a lot of progress in the last couple of races and I’m looking forward to getting back in action at Trois Rivieres.
OF NOTE: Noel Dowler and the #5 EMCO Dodge team members were special guests at a company BBQ for hundreds of EMCO employees and customers at the Saskatoon office the day before the race. The #5 EMCO Dodge race car and hauler were on display and Dowler signed autograph cards for those in attendance. The entire team would like to thank all those in attendance for their warm welcome and hospitality.
The next event of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule for Noel Dowler takes place August 5-7 at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres in Trois Rivieres, Quebec. Dowler will participate in a total of five road and street course events, along with the two oval track races at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, BC and Auto Clearing Speedway in Saskatoon for a total of seven races. All of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races will be broadcast on TSN. Check local listings for times in your area. For more information about Noel Dowler Jr. log onto www.apollomotorsports.ca
This release prepared by, TL Sports & Entertainment, todd@tlsportsent.com (239) 961-2618