CASA GRANDE, AZ – After more than 3-days on the road, Team NPP driver Lane Zerbin and his father Ted pulled into the pits at Central Arizona Raceway late Monday afternoon.  The Casa Grande facility is hosting the 2026 IMCA Winter Nationals over the next two weeks.  “We’ve had this event on our bucket list for awhile,” exclaims Zerbin, “it’s good to be here.”  This is the 11th different track that Zerbin has competed at in his #81 Northern Provincial Pipelines/Alien Race Cars Modified since his rookie season back in 2015.  The Victoria, British Columbia driver admits this is the earliest he’s gone racing.  “It’s going to be a little different (on a track in January) but it will be good to get some racing in.”

Race nights are January 21, 22, 23, 24 and 28, 29, 30, 31.  Two practice nights are scheduled for January 20 & 27.  “There are eight race nights.  Our goal is to make every show.  We’re not worried about total points at the end.”  Zerbin says his Arizona adventure will be a huge benefit later this season.  “The extra track time here at the beginning of the year, even if we don’t race all the time, is going to help us.”  Zerbin will be taking advantage of some on-track practice time at Central Arizona Raceway Tuesday evening.  The first race of the 2026 IMCA Winter Nationals featuring 5 different classes is Wednesday starting at 4pm.

SIDENOTE: Zerbin is not the only Canadian in the pits at Central Arizona Raceway.  Several drivers, with a former Team NPP connection, are at this years IMCA Winter Nationals including Jason Beaulieu (2007 NPP Late Model Series Champion) and son Chris Beaulieu.  Brian McCaughan, who won the 2008 NPP Late Model Series Championship, is also in Arizona to compete.

>>CANADIAN CONTINGENT<<
# 2 Brian McCaughan – Okotoks, Alberta
#18 Miles Beaulieu – Campbell River, British Columbia
#27 Lawrence O’Connor – Port Hardy, British Columbia
#31 Shawn Burnett – Ponoka, Alberta
#52 Geoff Morris – Victoria, BC
#57 Gage McCaughan – Okotoks, Alberta
#90 Danny Meier – Dunmore, Alberta
#90 Jason Beaulieu – Campbell River, British Columbia
#91 Chris Beaulieu – Campbell River, British Columbia