EDMONTON, AB. (February 6) – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series marks its 7th consecutive season of racing action in Alberta this year.  “Planning for this season got underway almost immediately at the end of the 2006 season,” says NPP Tour announcer Gord Craig, “our Series has drivers that love to race and that is reflected in our 6 track, 21 race event schedule for 2007.”  Several teams are already counting down the days to the season opener at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway May 5th.  “Our goal this year is to win a championship,” indicates Stony Plain, Alberta racer Mike Tom, “we were so close in 2005 (finished second) unfortunately last year was a completely different story.  We were playing catch-up all season.  From the season opener we were behind the eight ball.  Forced to pit early at the season opener in Rimbey and finished dead last, then we wrote the car off (accident) at the next race in Edmonton.”  Tom did manage a respectable 11th place finish in the season standings despite missing 3 consecutive race events.  “2006 was our worst season in 10 years of racing,” sighs Tom, “my dad (Allen) and I hope to make 2007 our best.”  Defending NPP Late Model Series Champion Dwight Kennedy knows there will be a lot of pressure going into this season to repeat.  “We fought hard for the 2006 Championship,” smiles the Edson, Alberta driver. “Trevor has set the benchmark for performance in the series.  I guess it’s my turn to have the big target the back for a change.”  Three-time NPP Series champion Trevor Emond has already indicated he won’t be a threat to take the championship in 2007.  “I want to spend more time with Jennifer, my son Tyler and my new daughter (Tara),” says the Leduc, Alberta driver, “I’ll be picking and choosing the races I compete at this year.  It will be a bit more relaxing but the races I do compete at I won’t be holding back.”  Emond won three consecutive N.P.P. Championships (2003, 04, 05) and finished second in the standings last year.