September 19, 2005. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team went to Kawartha Speedway for the final round of the CASCAR Super Series with a specific mission. Finish well enough to claim a top five spot in the overall standings. Following the Ram Tough 250 presented by the Ontario Dodge Dealers they had accomplished their goal.

During practice the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge didn’t seem to have the speed that Brad was expecting. The team quickly diagnosed a problem with the clutch and made repairs before qualifying and Brad placed eighth to start the race.

Brad was able to run easily in the top ten through the first half of the race and as usual embarked on the strategy to be smooth and then be strong at the end of the race.

“The car felt really good again today” said Graham. “We caught that clutch problem and it was fun out there on this track, it’s really wide with lots of room to race”.

After Brad and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team had made their final pit stop of the day the handling of the car changed dramatically. “We didn’t change anything other than the tires” said Graham “but the last set of tires really didn’t agree with the car. It went really loose and I just couldn’t muster anything more out of it”.

Graham was hard on the wheel in the closing stages of the race knowing that each position he held onto increased his chances of finishing higher in the overall point standings. Graham would claim a fifth place finish in the race, and secure a fifth overall finish in the championship. “That’s what we wanted” said Graham afterwards. “This team just got better and better as the year went on. The switch to the Dodge is really starting to pay of and we’re hoping for even more success next season”.

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast. CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.

September 11, 2005. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge team returned to Cayuga Speedway looking for another strong outing and another solid points paying weekend at round eleven of the CASCAR Super Series.

During afternoon time trials and evening practice Driver Brad Graham and the team battled a loose handling race car. Graham was able to secure only the 10th quickest time. “We were chasing it that’s for sure” said the driver. But as the sun set the handling characteristics changed further and Graham would move up.

As the green flag waved almost immediately Graham was moving the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge forward. Gaining several positions in the top ten Brad settled into a comfortable racing rhythm until a caution period brought them in for a pit stop. The team made quick routine service and returned Graham into the battle with an even better handling car.

As pit stops for other competitors cycled through Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge would move out front and lead laps in another event. “We were pretty good for a while in the middle of the race but the track was changing pretty quickly” said Graham.

In the closing stages of the race Graham chose to keep the Challenger Motor Freight Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge on course and not give up track position to secure the best possible finish. With the handling deteriorating further Graham came home in fifth spot. “It’s another good finish for us” said the driver afterwards. “We’re looking for another one next week to finish up the season.

The CASCAR Super Series racing season concludes next week at Kawartha Downs in Ontario’s cottage country with the Dodge Ram Tough 250 presented by the Dodge Dealers of Ontario set to take green at 2:30PM on Sunday September 18th.

BRAD GRAHAM & THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE A FEW DROPS SHORT 

September 5, 2005.  The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger Dodge was one of the strongest cars at Delaware Speedway during the Great Canadian 300 Weekend but their final placing was a disappointment. 

Driver Brad Graham qualified the car in eighth starting spot and had no trouble running with the lead pack of cars throughout the race despite a rash of caution periods that plagued the event.  “Our car was better on longer runs” said the driver.  “After a few laps the tires really came in and the car got better and better” 

With the almost constant caution periods a host of pit strategies came into play.  Brad and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team had a good handling race car and as stops cycled through the team took over the race lead on lap 189.  “Things were looking good at that point” said Graham.  “Out in front we were able to runs some really good laps and didn’t really face any strong challengers for a while” 

As the caution flag continued to fly on a regular basis the team began worrying about fuel mileage but felt they should be able to run until the race conclusion.  Even with Brad falling to second place they felt if there was a run of green flag racing the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge would be ale to get back in front. 

However calculations and the actual fuel situation were a little different and Brad ran short only a half dozen laps from the finish and coasted slowly around to the pits.  The crew fueled him as quickly as possible but the car wouldn’t re-fire.  Fellow competitor Pete Vanderwyst gave Brad a push with his car and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge was able to complete the event in 10^th position.  “I owe Pete a big thank you for helping us out” stated Graham afterwards.  “The cars just don’t like to fire when they run dry and he really saved us”.        

Next up the CASCAR Super Series returns to Cayuga Speedway on Saturday September 10^th to make up the rained out date from August. 

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.   

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto cascar.ca

August 22, 2005.  Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger team had one of the quickest cars as CASCAR teams hit the track for round nine of Super Series competition, The Logel’s Auto Parts 200 at the 1/3 mile oval at Peterborough Speedway. 

Qualified in the fourth spot, Graham set out to run a smooth and comfortable pace in the early part of the event and save the car for the fight to the finish.  Through much of the race the plan worked beautifully.  Brad was able to keep the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge up front.  “I don’t think we ran any lower than 4th nearly all day” said the driver afterwards.  “We moved up a as high as second and were looking for another good finish”. 

Through the final third of the Logel’s Auto Parts 200 Brad continued to stay up front maneuvering through the heavy traffic on the short oval.  A late race caution though would change their fate.  “We sure didn’t need that” said the visibly frustrated driver afterwards.  “We must have picked up some debris as we went around under the yellow and our right front tire began to go flat”. 

On the final restart with two laps remaining Brad valiantly tried to maintain third position in the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger but the flat tire and a shove from behind sent him up high out of the racing line in corner one and allowed a number of cars ahead of him.  “We didn’t have the best car today, it was a little loose, kind of a handful but we certainly didn’t deserve to be 12th either, it’s a shame” said Graham.         

The CASCAR Super Series competition resumes at Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario on the Labour Day weekend.  The Great Canadian 300 takes the green flag Sunday September 4th at 2PM 

BRAD GRAHAM THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE RAINED OUT

August 14, 2005.  Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger team were unable to compete at Cayuga Speedway today due to inclement weather.   

The event has been rescheduled to Saturday September 10th, with the green flag set to fly at 8PM   

The CASCAR Super Series heads next to cottage country for a Saturday night shoot out under the lights at Peterborough Speedway August 20th. 

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto. 

BRAD GRAHAM BATTLES THE BRAKES AND POSTS ANOTHER TOP TEN FOR THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE  

August 7, 2005.  Following a strong outing at Vernon, BC Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger team were set for more success on the fast half mile oval at Mosport Speedway. 

Trouble would find the team early.  The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge began suffering brake troubles early in the day, and Brad was only able to claim a 15th place start.  “We had troubles right from the start and it hurt us” said the driver.  That’s why we had to use some strategy during the race”. 

During two early caution periods the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team would call Brad in for adjustments.  With some improved handling and a two tire change the car did begin to improve and Graham would move quickly into the top ten. 

At about the halfway point the team decided to play the strategy game again.  When the leaders made pit stops, Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge stayed on track and assumed the lead.  “We rolled the dice and went for track position.  We were fast and hoped this would help get us a good finish”. 

Brad would surrender the lead to cars with fresher tires but was able to at times manhandle the car home for a solid sixth place finish.  “I was on the edge of my seat the whole race” said Graham afterwards.  “To get this kind of finish with a car that I had to fight all night is pretty good.  These guys gave me great pit stops again, I can’t say enough about them.  This team is really on the upswing and we’re looking forward to the final four events.   

With his fifth top ten finish of the season Graham maintains seventh spot in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.   

The CASCAR Super Series moves to the longest track oval on the circuit for round number nine at Cayuga Speedway on Sunday August 14th. 

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto. 

BRAD GRAHAM SCORES PODIUM FINISHES AT VERNON FOR CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE  

August 1, 2005.  Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger had been building momentum all season and now are starting bring home the kind of results they’ve expected.   

Following the Calgary event the team used the days out west to talk about improvements they could make and work at preparing the car for the Super Series visit to Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.  Fast right off the trailer Brad was able to pass several top cars and score a second place finish in the 100 lap qualifying race and feel confident with a good starting spot for the main event.  

As the green flag waved for 300 laps of close racing Brad was able to run up front without any stress on the car.  “This was definitely the best handling car we’ve had all season” smiled the driver.   With a long race ahead of him Brad settled in and began to run smooth consistent laps in the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge. 

As the main event went on Brad knew he had a strong car while others diced up front he tried to save his car for the late stages of the race.  During a caution period Brad brought the second place Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge to pit road for service. The crew turned in an outstanding stop and got Brad off pit road first and into the lead.  

Graham would lead running consistently fast laps looking to hold on and claim the victory.  After racing side by side at times with the #17 car, the opponent made a hard move up the inside, making contact with the Challenger Motor Freight Dodge/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge, moving Brad up from the bottom and taking away the lead.  It was a tremendous side by side battle between the two competitors but Brad would be forced to settle for second. 

“I really felt we had the better car” said a disappointed driver afterwards.  “At the end of the race it gets a little hairy, while I’m happy that we’re on the podium I can’t help but think that after leading 66 laps we should be on the top step.  I’ve got to thank my pit crew too, they did an unbelievable job getting the car ready, and putting the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge out in front after our pit stop”.    

With podium finishes in both the 100 lap qualifier and the 300 lap main event Brad Graham jumps to seventh in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.   

The CASCAR Super Series heads back east with a Saturday night shoot out at the ½ mile oval at Mosport Speedway on August 6^th. 

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.   

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto cascar.ca.

BRAD GRAHAM FIGHTS TO THE FINISH IN THE CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE  

July 24, 2005.  Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger arrived at ½ mile Race City Speedway track prepared for a busy weekend of practice, 100 lap qualifying races and the 300 lap main event, the Mopar Parts 300.  A solid set up in the car gave Brad the third quickest qualifying lap time put him in good shape for the 100 lap qualifier.  The car set up went away late in the preliminary event and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge started the race 11^th. 

Through the first 100 laps Brad rode smoothly and moved comfortably into the top ten.  However on lap 103 the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was collected in an incident.  Brad would head to pit lane with a flat right front tire and lose a lap making repairs and changes.  Graham battled hard and the car was fast he just needed a break.   

Following another caution period Brad stayed on course while others made stops, putting him at the tail end of the lead lap.  Following the restart Graham had little trouble staying ahead of the pack and when the caution flag flew again he was back in business. 

The Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts car was into the top ten and looking strong.  Brad continued to move through the lap traffic looking to improve his standing.  In the late stages however he began to slip back several positions.  “The car didn’t feel right” said the driver afterwards and soon Graham had another flat tire and was forced to make a late pit stop, but still managed an eleventh place finish.  “It’s a real shame” commented the driver afterwards.  “We had a quick car, we should have been in the top five for sure, but we just had some tough luck.      

With another strong run Brad Graham sits ninth in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.   

The CASCAR Super Series continues its western swing with a 300 lap feature event at Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.   

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.   

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto cascar.ca.

TOP FIVE FOR CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS DODGE AT TORONTO  

July 11, 2005.  Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger team were well prepared for the CASCAR Super Series annual visit to the streets of Toronto and the Molson Indy circuit.  Always a tough track on the teams they knew if prepared properly they would be able to come away with a solid showing. 

Friday practice time was limited due to a red flag situation but Brad did manage to get enough laps in to feel the car out.  “We got our tires scrubbed in and the car handled well so we felt good for qualifying” said the driver.  Graham would start the 100K event in ninth spot.   

In the early laps Brad kept the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Charger out of any trouble and began to settle in.  Graham was able to move up a couple of positions by the halfway point and then into the top five.  “The car felt really good, I was just trying to stay smooth.  There were a couple of times guys were looking to make a move, but I hit the braking zones right and they ended up sliding and missing corners”.   

Brad ran as high as fourth during the event but slid back one spot and finished 5^th overall.  “It’s another great effort by this team” said a happy driver after the race.  “We’ve really been building some momentum over the last few races and have finished out of the top ten only once all year.  We’re definitely moving in the right direction. 

With the top five finish and a team that continues to improve Brad sits seventh in the overall CASCAR Super Series championship standings.   

The CASCAR Super Series now packs up and hits the road their annual western swing.  First stop is Race City Motorsports Park in Calgary for the Mopar 500 Weekend and then onto Sun Valley Speedway in Vernon, BC.   

The CASCAR Super Series is Canada’s only sanctioned National touring stock car racing series competing from coast to coast.  CASCAR stages events at the most famous oval tracks in Canada such as Cayuga Speedway and Delaware Speedway and also competes on the temporary street circuit at the Molson Indy Toronto.   

For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge log onto cascar.ca. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Brad Graham, Driver, Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge - (519) 671-4095 

John Logel, Owner/Operator Logel’s Auto Parts- 1-800-818-9118 Ext 221 

Lynn Couch, Spokesperson Challenger Motor Freight - 1-800-265-6358