Kennington First Driver to Race Internationally
Canadian Driver Looks for Continued Success in Nationwide Series
Oct 22, 2008
If you were to ask any NASCAR team owner to identify the qualities/traits that he looks for in a driver, his answer would be quite concise. “Skill, consistency and discipline” they’d all say, just as we’ve all heard them say many times in the past.
While much of the focus each week is on drivers like Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch, Kennington has quietly moved up the points standings. Calling attention to himself this season has not been the nature of this unassuming Canadian driver. In fact, if Kennington strolled through the grandstands dressed in jeans and a t-shirt on race day, chances are few fans would recognize him. If Carl Edwards or Dale Earnhardt Jr tried it, they'd immediately be spotted and mobbed. The same goes for any other member of NASCAR's high-profile elite--but not Kennington. Of course, Kennington doesn’t seek media attention.
By any measure, DJ Kennington has had -- and continues to have -- a relatively solid season. When you take a close look at DJ Kennington and his #81 MacDonald Motorsports team, you can clearly see progress. Of course, there’s also room for improvement — something that shouldn’t be alarming news to any NASCAR fan watching the silent strength his team has shown this season.
Cross Border Racing
Kennington is on top of his game these days, branching out between the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. One wouldn't know it to be around Kennington and his #81 team, though. Come race weekend, the team’s efforts are channeled towards determining fuel mileage, pit strategy and race tactics.
While Kennington has a streak of strong finishes this season, he’s not one of those drivers at the front of the field each week. He may not be running at the front, seemingly waiting to pounce each week, but they're working on getting to that point. He is not someone, though, that people are taking lightly either.
WINNINGS GO STRAIGHT TO MACDONALD MOTORSPORTS
With all things considered, it’s tough for an independent team to compete against multimillion-dollar teams with so many more resources at their disposal. In fact, Kennington doesn’t bank any of his winnings. They go straight to MacDonald Motorsports where the money is used to purchase tires, fuel for the hauler, parts for the car and all other expenses associated with running a race team. The team is co-owned by Dwight Kennedy, owner of Northern Provincial Pipelines in Edson, Alta., and Randy MacDonald, who has a race shop in Thomasville, N.C. Kennedy owns the cars and the motors; MacDonald owns the race team and is crew chief.
Kennington is sponsored by Northern Provincial Pipelines, Vector Security, STP Tools, Mahindra Tractors, MC2 Energy Drinks, Kenneth Summey Trucking, Crusader Staffing and Digital Zone.
Being prepared and always listening, always learning, have been key components to Kennington’s success as a race car driver. With each success comes more and more valuable experience. The fact he has been honing his skills for years is evident when you listen to him call a race; he is knowledgeable, intelligent, and articulate.
The Canadian crowd-reportedly more than six million-enjoy the chance to cheer him on. Every time DJ roars around the track, he’s gently reminded that he’s living his dream.
Now those fans -- and any he's added as a driver for MacDonald Motorsports this season -- have a much greater rooting interest, as Kennington’s in position to finish the season ahead of some well-known drivers in the final points standings. Sure, it'll take some work, but they are clearly a team that understands the intensity and focus needed to win. They're confident without being brash.
