Fitzpatrick leads first practice as Kennington and Tagliani forced to change engines

It’s only practice and the action has already started as teams are working feverishly in the pit area to have the cars ready for qualifying later today, and tomorrow’s Printy’s presents the Clarington 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

J.R. Fitzpatrick would lead the first practice session with a lap of of one minute and 24.244 seconds as he looks to reach Canadian Tire Motorsports Park victory lane for the fifth time in his career.

Was fastest in practice with a car that isn’t comfortable to drive at all..also a small miss in the engine…getting it.all fixed

— J.R. Fitzpatrick (@J_R_Fitzpatrick) August 30, 2014

Current series points leader L.P. Dumoulin was second quickest, 0.149 seconds behind Fitzpatrick. Dumoulin enters the weekend sitting 27 points ahead of Fitzpatrick after winning last year’s Clarington 200. Following practice, Dumoulin’s team made the decision to change the transmission following issues late in the session.

Luc Lesage was third quickest, followed by Kerry Micks and DJ Kennington. Kennington is one of two drivers that laid down fluid on the track surface during practice; Kennington and Alex Tagliani had motor issues in practice and are changing them in hopes to get a couple of laps in the second practice to be ready for qualifying.

Andrew Ranger was sixth quickest, followed by Jason Hathaway, Tagliani, Peter Klutt and Joey McColm.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will have one more practice at 1 p.m. EST before taking to the track for qualifying at 4:40 p.m. EST. The Pinty’s presents the Clarington 200 is scheduled for a 10 a.m. EST start on Sunday.