A big shout out to D.J. Kennington who came back to the Daytona 500 for the second time in two years after becoming the first Canadian in 29 years to qualify for The Great American last year.

It was a real Canadian aftermarket effort with support from Castrol supplier Wakefield Canada, B.C.-based Lordco Auto Parts, as well as Gaunt Brothers Racing.

Despite sustaining damage to the front of the No. 96 Toyota Camry in a crash affecting six cars, Kennington finished the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season opener on Sunday, February 18 in 24th position.

In 2017, Kennington became the first Canadian driver in 29 years to qualify for the Daytona 500, making him only the 8^thCanadian ever to participate in the world’s most important stock car race.

“It doesn’t get bigger than the Daytona 500 and I’m grateful to my partners Castrol (Wakefield Canada), Gaunt Brothers Racing and Lordco Auto Parts,” said Kennington post-race. “This is the pinnacle of NASCAR. Being here for a second year is huge and I was gunning for my personal best. I’ve been prepping for this my whole life out of my little garage in St. Thomas, Ontario and my biggest fear is wrecking the car. When I got clipped, I was catching a lot of air that was slowing me down, but I just wasn’t willing to give up.”

“Castrol Canada has supported D.J. Kennington Racing for over 20 years,” said John Grant, vice president of mnarketing, Wakefield Canada/Castrol. “The Daytona 500 is the world’s premiere stock car race and Castrol is very proud of D.J. for being there. We value our Canadian partners, Gaunt Brothers Racing and Lordco, in helping get D.J. on the track in Daytona. It’s a thrill to be present in upper echelons of NASCAR racing where our Castrol products are integral to the performance of the world’s top cars.”

For more information visit castrol.ca, Gaunt Brothers Racing, or Lordco, at lordco.com.