15th FOR WHITE IN "COKE ZERO 200"

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series visited Cayuga International Speedway on labour day long weekend. The “COKE ZERO 200” was the 10th stop on the gruelling 2008 schedule, and no one knows just how harsh it is to compete at this level then Sun Peaks British Columbia driver Jason White. White is the only driver from western Canada competing full time in the series, and not only is he racking up the air miles but he and his RZ Racing team are also soaking up the experience and finding out just how much effort it takes to even compete in this series.
Jason and his A&W Monte Carlo had a very fast car throughout the day and were ready for a repeat performance from the previous visit in May, when the team finished 7th in the season opener. When the green flag dropped crew chief Brian Uptigrove was happy with the progress Jason and the car were making, but after 40 laps the set up started to deteriorate. “The car was fast in practice and even better in qualifying”, stated Uptigrove. “The team was confident that we would come out of the gate and start gaining positions, however the track conditions went the opposite way on us and Jason struggled with a very ill handling race car after about lap 40 or so”. This forced the A&W crew to pit early and start to make very big adjustments, and ultimately go down a lap to the leaders.
After technical difficulties for nearly an hour with the lighting system on lap 83, the field started to roll, and Jason came down pit road for his fresh right side tires, then the car came to life again. “ When the boys bolted on those new right side tires the car seemed to get a lot of side bite and I could get back to the throttle way sooner than earlier on in the race”, remarked White. “This team just keeps plugging away and before too long we will be in position to win races”.
By lap 180 White had moved into position to receive a Lucky Dog. This is awarded to the first car one lap down, putting them back on the lead lap to race to the finish.” Jason was really making up time near the end, and we thought we deserved a free pass (lucky dog) on lap 187, but a false start and a phantom green flag robbed us of a lead lap finish”, said Uptigrove. “Jason brought the car home in 15th and once again evaded any major collisions while keeping the car in one piece”.
With three races to go White carries a 76 point lead over Alex Tagliani for the coveted Rookie of The Year award. “ Our goal at the beginning of the season was to win the rookie title, and now it is still within reach”, said White, “We need to show well in the last portion of the season and we should be in good shape”.
Barrie Speedway will host the “PIZZA PIZZA 300” this Saturday (sept 6th) and then its off to Riverside speedway (Nova Scotia) on the 20th , followed by Kawartha Speedway for the season finale on September 27th.
In a sport where more sponsor dollars equals more speed, the RZ Racing Team is thankful for all of their marketing partners leading into this years NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Special thanks go out to: A&W, The Back Forty Bar&Grill, Diamond lils trucking, Zimmer Wheaton GMC, Powder Ventures Excavations, Douglas Lake Equipment, T.A Lubes (Sunoco), KAL TIRE, PRAXAIR, RE/MAX (Paul Toporowski), Peaks Media Inc., RTR Performance, Zimmer Autosport, Sleemans Brewery, Mackdaddys Nightclub, L'Cat Autographics and Thompson Valley Sand and Gravel.
Race dates and results are posted on www.NASCAR.ca or www.jasonwhiteracing.com