It’s touted as an historic day for racing in this province.
On Sunday, NASCAR Monster Energy Cup driver DJ Kennington will race side-by-side with local drivers in the Division 1 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series – a points championship for NASCAR sanctioned short track motor racing in the United States and Canada.
Kennington is a two-time NASCAR Pinty’s Series champion and has made 69 career starts in NASCAR’s three national divisions.
The St. Thomas, Ontario native was the first Canadian to compete in the Daytona 500 in 29 years when he qualified in 2017. His 2018 season with the Monster Energy Cup series included seven featured starts, including at Daytona 500, Talladega, Bristol, and several others.
“To have him here in Newfoundland and actually race with our drivers – it’s significant,” said Mike James, director of events at Eastbound Park.
James said when the speedway was developed four years ago, the main goal was to encourage local drivers and increase the caliber of racing in the province.
James said the talent that’s been developed in the province over the past four years is “incredible”.
“We’ve really put Newfoundland and Labrador on the map, and now we’re getting requests from Monster Energy Cup drivers, such as DJ Kennington, wanting to race here in Newfoundland. So, it’s kind of an historical moment for us because to have a Monster Energy Cup (driver) is like the same as having an NHL, NBA or NFL star come to your track.”
Last weekend, another high-caliber racer J.R. Fitzpatrick was at Eastbound Park. James said it speaks to the quality of racing happening in the province that such big names are starting to come here to compete with locals.
James said they’ve even had directors with NASCAR’s head office visit the track and they’re “blown away” with the talent.
On Sunday, Kennington will compete with about 21 other drivers, all local. In all four divisions on the track on Sunday there will be a total of 75 cars.
James said local drivers are excited to race against Kennington.
“It definitely is going to be a confidence booster, and to show how good the talent is here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kennington has been back and forth with Eastbound organizers for some time to try to find a date when he could come. It’s been some time in the works simply because Kennington’s schedule is jam-packed, running about 40 races a year. He happened to have a weekend off for Labour Day and jumped at the chance to come.
“He always wanted to come here to Newfoundland – he’s even bringing his five-year-old son with him, he’s so excited,” said James.
Hinting at another potential big event for Eastbound, James said they’ve been working on bringing in the TSN Pinty’s Series and “it looks like we’re getting very close.” He said that may be another reason why DJ Kennington was drawn to racing at Eastbound because he runs in that series.
“Maybe he’s looking at it as an opportunity to have a peak at it before he comes with the series,” said James.
On Sunday, other than catching Kennington in action, fans will also have a chance to mingle with the drivers – get their autographs and take photos – during the pit party.
There’s plenty of activities for children as well, with a bouncy castle, paintball shooting range, monster slide, and laser tag all happening at the Frontline Action Funzone.
Advance tickets are available at North Atlantic Orangestores or online at www.eastboundpark.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate, which opens at 11 a.m.
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
