EDSON, AB. – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series is one of the toughest dirt track series in Western Canada. Despite a few on-track challenges in 2011, two Edson, Alberta drivers saw their best ever finish in the NPP Series championship points chase. Darin Borysko finished third, while Crystal Kennedy became the highest finishing female racer in NPP Series history wrapping up her season in sixth. “Looking back, losing a tire at the season opener (Edmonton) definitely hurt us,” admits Borysko, “but we clawed our way back. Our strong weekend in Lethbridge (2nd and 4th place) gave us a decent finish to the season.” Borysko’s previous best finish in the NPP Series points race was 10th back in 2007.

Borysko, who is the Utility Supervisor for the Town of Edson, Alberta, says he had some huge help behind the scenes. “My long time mechanic came back on board this year. Jim (Mears) wrenched for me when I started racing street stock back in the mid 90’s. Back at the shop, having Kevin (Cashmere) and Billy (Bodine) work on the car in between races was a major plus as well.” Borysko is looking forward to this years Championship awards banquet. “A podium finish in this Series feels pretty good. Can’t wait to grab the trophy.” Just across town at Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd., Crystal Kennedy looked back on her successful season. “We spent a lot of time focusing on car set-up this year and it worked out really well for us. Having a proper set-up in these cars is huge.” Kennedy entered the final race of the season fifth in NPP Series championship points and had a realistic chance at a podium finish. “Mathematically, I could have finished third in points but back to back DNF’s in Lethbridge ended that chance.”

Kennedy broke a wheel spindle on the very first lap of the Saturday night Feature after being pushed into the front straight wall at Bridge County Raceway. “On Sunday night I lost my steering in the feature and had to pull off. I still think this was directly related to Saturday nights crash.” Despite the disappointing end, Kennedy is still pleased with her season. “We challenged for position every time we were on the track. We lost a few positions but then turned right around and fought to get them back. Its too bad the season is over. Sure looking forward to next year.”