ELMA & ROCHESTER, WA. – The race weekend started off strong for both Lane Zerbin and Darrell Midgley down in Washington State. Mechanical woes on Saturday night unfortunately stopped both Team NPP drivers in their tracks. Victoria, British Columbia’s Zerbin was behind the wheel of his Northern Provincial Pipelines/Alien Chassis #81 Modified at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington. Sidney, British Columbia’s Darrell Midgley piloted the Northern Provincial Pipelines/Alien Chassis #81 Late Model at South Sound Speedway in Rochester, Washington. “We ran pretty good on Friday night,” says Zerbin, “we locked ourselves into Saturday nights (24 car) Feature which was a goal from the start.” Zerbin had a win and a sixth place finish in his Friday night qualifying Heat races. “We started the A Main in 14th. In the first few laps my right front shock mount broke. I stayed out as long as I could but had to pull in.” Zerbin was credited with a 21st place finish in the 17th annual Shipwreck Beads Modified Nationals.

Just 35 minutes away Darrell Midgley was competing at the 21st annual Miller 200 Super Late Model race. “We had a private practice session on Thursday,” says Midgley, “the car was strong.” On Saturday afternoon Midgley qualified 5th (out of 22 cars). At the drop of the green Midgley roared to the race lead before 10 laps were on the board. Midgley held the lead for more than 40 laps before relinquishing top spot to Rossburg, Oregon’s Riley Watson. Just past the halfway point (Lap 105) and while running second, Midgley was forced to pit with a flat tire. “I have never had so many flat tires,” sighs Midgley, “it’s unbelievable the number of races we’ve run strong at have ended with a flat tire.” Midgley returned to the track but down several laps. Realizing he would not be able to improve on his position, Midgley returned to the pits after 12 laps and retired from the race. He was credited with a 17th place finish. “We had a winning car tonight. Unfortunately the results show something different.” There was some consolation in the Saturday night event for Midgley as Saanich, British Columbia’s Wade Bland navigated through some late race carnage to win the Miller 200. “Good to see a fellow BC driver take the win.”