Graham Has Hands Full With Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge At Mosport

Courtesy TL Sports & Entertainment

June 19, 2006. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team had thoroughly prepared their car for the challenging road course at Mosport International Raceway for round two of the CASCAR Super Series. Unfortunately their hard work was undone by an ill handling car during the race.

Though not known as road racer Brad Graham has always performed well at the road courses and temporary street circuits that make up a significant part of the CASCAR Super Series. Top Ten finishes are a typical result. “We just try to stay within ourselves and knowing that there is usually a few cars that get knocked out, we can come up with a good finish” said Graham.

The first order of business for the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team was qualifying and Brad managed an 11th place starting spot. “It wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t where we wanted to be” said Graham. “We just didn’t find the sweet spot”.

Track temperatures were at 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of the race, and Graham settled into a smooth rhythm with the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge making consistent lap times. Following the team’s first pit stop of the day Brad knew there was a problem. “The car was just evil anytime I worked through a left hand corner. Under braking you just weren’t sure what was going to happen”. The team huddled to discuss options. Knowing the problem would require more than a quick fix it meant Brad would be forced to battle an ill handling car until there was a full course caution.

After running in the top five Graham did his best to hang onto the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge. During a full course yellow the team made repairs to a loose upper control arm that was causing the difficulty and Brad was able to fight back and gain some positions. “It was a frustrating afternoon because we were better than a 14th place finish”.

The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team will get back into action on the Canada Day weekend when the CASCAR Super Series makes their second trip to Barrie Speedway.