Ranger added to Montreal field

Andrew Ranger

Stock car prospect Andrew Ranger has nudged his way into what was supposed to be an all-Quebec showdown between Patrick Carpentier and Jacques Villeneuve at the NAPA Auto Parts 200.

The 21-year-old from Roxton Pond, Que., is a late addition to the NASCAR Nationwide series race to be held Saturday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where he'll be driving the No. 22 Fitz Motorsports Dodge.

That's the same car Carpentier used to launch his NASCAR career a year ago on the same track, where he took pole position and finished second in the inaugural Montreal race. The former Champ Car and IRL pilot had test driven a stock car for the first time less than a week earlier.

“We got a great opportunity,'' Ranger said Thursday as cars were unloaded from their rigs and pushed to their garages. “NASCAR Canada helped.

“They said no one was available to drive the No. 22 car and they called us to see if we were interested. It's unbelievable to have that drive. I'm so proud. I'll do my best. To finish in the top 10 would be great for us.''