NASCAR: Andrew Ranger intends to shine in two categories in Montreal

Quebec driver Andrew Ranger, a two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire series' champion intends to shine in the two categories he will be competing in during the NAPA Auto Parts 200 held in Montreal next weekend.

Ranger captured a brillant win last weekend at the Juliawine.com 100 of the Canadian Tire series at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres.

“That was a welcomed boost! Because honestly the first half of the season had its share of ups and downs,” Ranger told Auto123.com.

Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR

“We made a lot of changes to the car, because the Edmonton race was a real downer. I was running in third place when I completely lost the brakes. They overheated and at one point I had no choice but to put the car into a spin to slow down! It was a major failure. I eventuelly finished seventh but we lost a great deal of championship points that day. We had to do something. So the team worked really hard to make the changes. And the brakes worked perfectly on Trois-Rivieres street course. And that's encouraging for Montreal,” Ranger explained.

The Gilles Villeneuve circuit is really hard on the brakes. “In fact, this track is extremely hard on every component of the car: engine, brakes, transmission, suspensions. It's like an endurance race. One year, the race lasted four hours and a half! That's an eternity!” Ranger added.

Psychologically, the young Quebecer is in a much stronger position than last year. “I have a new agent in Steve Meehan. Steve is the owner of the GC Motorsport International - a team that races in the NASCAR Nationwide series. He took me under his wing,” Ranger continued.

Andrew Ranger, winner at Trois-Rivieres. (Photo: Yanick Gougeon)

“At the NAPA Auto Poarts 200 in Montreal, I will race in the two series. I'm going to have little time to breathe as I have to drive two different cars as well as do the media and public appearances. I'm going to be pretty busy!” he added.

Will the Quebecer push harder in one series in comparison to the other? “No. I am currently second in the standinsg of the Canadian Tire series and I know I can clinch a third title. But on the other hand, I would also like to become the first Quebecer to win the Nationaide race! I have the right car to do it. My goal is to run withtin the top five all race long and to give it all during the last laps of the race,” Ranger ended.