WHITECOURT, AB. – It was not the news Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series competitor Kevin Wheeler wanted or needed to hear last Thursday. “I was expecting a phone call saying come pick up your engine. Instead I was told my engine blew up on the dyno.” This is the same engine that failed in Wheelers race car at the 2011 Season Championship weekend in Lethbridge, Alberta. “There wasn’t much left this time,” sighs the driver of the KW Mechanical #3 Dodge, “the crank, rods and pistons are gone. They think the block can be salvaged but things look pretty grim.”

Wheeler currently sits second in the NPP Series Championship points chase heading into a major two-day show at Central Alberta Raceways on June 8th & 9th. “We put the backup motor in the car again on Saturday. The good news is we’ll be ready for the race in Rimbey.” Wheeler has been one of the most consistent NPP Series competitors the past several seasons. The Whitecourt, Alberta driver has finished second in three of the last four NPP Series Feature events including the 2012 Season Opener last month in Edmonton. Wheeler had three consecutive runner-up finishes during the 2010 season. Over last three seasons, Wheeler has had an average finish of 4.4 in NPP Series Feature events. “Consistency pays off but a win is way sweeter. We need a win real bad right now.” His last trip to victory lane was at Grays Harbor Raceway [Elma, Washington] in September of 2008. Wheeler is looking forward to the opportunity to end his winless drought in Rimbey. “Can’t wait to go back. It’s been a few years since we’ve raced there.”

CENTRAL ALBERTA RACEWAYS
Rimbey, Alberta

FRIDAY, June 8th
Spectator Gates @ 6:00PM
Racing @ 7:00PM
Friday General Admission – $5.00
Family Pass (2 Adults / unlimited children) – $20.00

SATURDAY, June 9th
Spectator Gates @ 4:00PM
Racing @ 5:00PM
Saturday General Admission – $10.00
Youth (9 – 12) – $5.00

The NPP Late Model Series is racing both nights. IMCA Modifieds, Mini and Hobby Stocks race Saturday only but have the option to test ‘n’ tune on Friday night.