EDMONTON, AB – Bruce Broughton’s disastrous start to the 2008 season was quickly forgotten Saturday night as the Spruce Grove, Alberta driver grabbed his first Feature win of the season at Castrol Raceway. Broughton drove by two-time Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series champion Dwight Kennedy just past the halfway point of the Feature and scored his fourth career NPP Series victory. It was Broughton’s first NPP Feature win since August of 2006. “We dropped back a little at the start of the race but came on strong when we had to,” indicates the driver of the #61 LJB Auto Chevrolet, “it felt pretty good to go by the 81. We got a couple of other fast cars along the way. We really earned this one. The crew did a really good job. The car was hooked up and we were fast.”

With his third place finish at Bridge County Raceway (May 31st) and the Feature win Saturday night at Castrol Raceway, Broughton has moved to 10th in the NPP Late Model Series standings. “We’re not focused on points right now,” adds Broughton, “the moment you do that, you get yourself in trouble. Our goal is to run hard every race. The Oilmen’s race is next (June 28 & 29th). That’s a race this team would love to win.”

Dwight Kennedy finished second Saturday night followed by son Shawn who finished third. “Bruce had the stronger car tonight,” admits the driver of the #81 Lucas Oil Dodge. “the handling went away on my car. It developed a push going into the corners and that’s where Bruce got us. We did manage to get the point lead back from Jason tonight.” It’s the second time this season the Edson, Alberta driver has been number one in points in the NPP Series. After failing to crack the top 15 the first three Features of 2008, Shawn Kennedy finished third at Castrol Raceway Saturday night. “Its not been fun looking at the results this season,” says the Edson, Alberta driver, “we have had no luck at all. Hopefully we’ve turned the season around after tonight.”

Defending season champion Jason Beaulieu’s goal of extending his point lead came to a sudden halt on lap 6 of the Feature. “Had a pretty good car all night long,” indicates the driver of the #46 All Weather Windows Dodge, “it’s one of those two dollar bolt deals. Bolt came loose on the right rear trailing arm. Rear end came out of the car along with the drive shaft.” Despite his night ending early, the Campbell River BC driver lost only one position in the NPP Series standings. Beaulieu now sits second, 46 points behind Dwight Kennedy. The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series takes a rare two week break as teams prepare for the 15th annual Oilmen’s Invitational. Over $50,000 in prize money will be up for grabs on Saturday and Sunday June 28th and 29th. The Oilmen’s weekend kicks off the busiest part of the 2008 NPP Series Schedule with 8 race nights over a period of 6 weekends.

NPP PIT BITS
– Bruce Broughton scores Feature win for mother (Elaine) who was celebrating a birthday Saturday night.
– For the second NPP Series event in a row Mike Tom loses a motor in the ‘A’ Dash.
– Brian McCaughan was late in getting to the track Saturday. Vandals loosened six tires on his car hauler. One tire fell off near Calgary as he headed north on the QE2.
– The father son team of Dwight and Shawn Kennedy have had a top three finish together only twice before:
August 19/2007 – Castrol Raceway: Dwight 1st / Shawn 3rd
May 13th/2006 – Central Alberta Raceways; Shawn 2nd / Dwight 3rd

NEXT NPP SERIES EVENT
15th ANNUAL OILMENS INVITATIONAL
Saturday and Sunday – June 28th / 29th
Castrol Raceway – Edmonton
Racing both nights @ 6PM