J.R. Fitzpatrick started out the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season by winning the Vortex Brake Pads 200, his first victory since July 25, 2010 after holding off his pursuer D.J. Kennington in the final turn.

For Fitzpatrick, it was his seventh career win in the series and his third at the Bowmanville 2.459-mile road course. On the day, he led a race-high 39 laps behind the wheel of his No. 84 Equipment Express Chevrolet.

Pole sitter Scott Steckly, on the other hand, was not as pleased with his finish as he began his quest for a third series title in his No. 22 Canadian Tire Dodge.

JR Fitzpatrick leading Scott Steckly. (Photo: NASCAR)

Two-time winner at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Andrew Ranger finished fourth followed by fellow Quebecer Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who started 10th, in fifth.

The race lead changed hands nine times among six drivers including four times between Fitzpatrick and Kennington in the final 10 laps. The field was slowed due to caution just three times for 11 laps.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with two road-course events to open the season will be back on the track on June 2-3 for the Lucas Oil Grand Prix at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que.