Andrew Ranger left a struggling CHAMP Car team for a chance to drive a fairly competitive stock car in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this year and the gamble paid off as he won the inaugural Championship trophy.

Andrew, who will be 21 in November, won just one of the 12 races that comprised the season, but with a bunch of top 5's (4 second place finishes) he was too consistent for the other competitors.

The title win also gets him a ride in this Saturday's 'NASCAR All-Star Showdown', in Irwindale, Calif., which has been promoted as the Daytona 500 of the developmental series of NASCAR.

Although he won't be driving his NCTS car, he will be in a car that has been especially prepared for him.

I have read conflicting reports about what Andrew has planned for next year. Some reports state that he is going to remain in the Canadian Tire Series and defend his title, while others have him driving in either the Truck or Nationwide series, or both!

What ever Andrew decides I'm sure he'll make the right choice for himself and excel at it. He may be 20, but his maturity level is years beyond that - that would be his maturity as a driver.

Don't forget to get my new widget, like Marc at Full Throttle did.