RIMBEY, AB. – Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series Rookie of the Year contender Pete Head was all smiles after a successful test ‘n’ tune session at Central Alberta Raceways on Saturday. “I needed this big time,” says the Whitecourt, Alberta driver, “this was some much needed time on the track.” Head suffered catastrophic engine failure at the Castrol Raceway test ‘n’ tune back on May 5th. “I think I got in only two laps [in Edmonton] and that was it.” Head missed the 2012 NPP Season Opener [May 12th]. “I’m definitely looking forward to finally getting my season going.” The former resident of Bishops Falls, Newfoundland had three on-track test sessions with his Westpoint Energy Servces #48 Chevrolet in Rimbey, Alberta. “I was a little surprised at the banking. It’s a bit of a tricky track but we did a few changes and managed to put in some pretty good laps towards the end.”

There was a bit of a scare during Heads opening test session on the 3/8 mile Oval track at Central Alberta Raceways. “We started out strong then the engine started acting up after about 6 laps. I thought ‘here we go again’.” Head would pull into the pits and find that a spark plug wire had come off. “A person could get a little gun shy about using the gas pedal if stuff keeps breaking.” Heads on-track test ‘n’ tune sessions were held during the 2012 Season Opener on the Oval at Central Alberta Raceways.

“This is a pretty nice facility,” says Head, “looking forward to returning.” Head and his team won’t have long to wait as race #2 and #3 of the 2012 NPP Late Model Series Season is Friday and Saturday June 8th and 9th in Rimbey, Alberta.

The NPP Late Model Series congratulates the 2012 Season Opener Feature winners at Central Alberta Raceways.
HOBBY STOCK – #30 Terry Barr; Rimbey, Alberta
MINI STOCK – #17 Shawn Bugula; Rimbey, Alberta
QUAD – #78 Mike Bakken; Red Deer, Alberta