EDMONTON, AB. – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series touches down at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway this long holiday weekend.  Saturday and Sunday night, race teams will compete at the 13th annual NPP Oilmen’s Invitational.  “There is $75,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs this weekend,” says NPP tour announcer Gord Craig, “this is a big dollar Late Model Stock Car race event for everyone involved.  It’s also the first back to back race weekend of the 2006 season.  So far, race teams have had only single race nights to contend with. Now it’s a two night battle (Saturday and Sunday).”  One driver that can’t wait for the ‘battle’ is Mike Tom from Salmon Arm, British Columbia.  Tom was involved in a serious 3 car crash in Edmonton back on May 27th and hasn’t raced since.  “The number 55 car was unfortunately written off and believe it or not, I’m still a little sore from that wreck.  One thing’s for sure I can’t wait to get back at it in my new car.”  Another driver that is ready is 3 time NPP Late Model Series champion and current point leader Trevor Emond.  “I’ve got a great car and a great crew so it’s up to me to take this car to the front both nights.”  The Leduc Alberta driver is on a hot streak in 2006.  Emond has never finished worse than second in a Feature event this season.  Conditioning will be an important factor going into this weekend also.  Both Saturday and Sunday nights Feature events will be 50 laps in length, double what the drivers are normally used to running (25 laps).  “It’s a long tough two nights of racing,” says Edson Alberta’s Dwight Kennedy, winner of the last NPP series event in Lethbridge, “if I can put this Dodge up front again this weekend I’ll be happy.”