LETHBRIDGE, AB. – One of the most anticipated season openers in 10 years has been cancelled due to weather. “We got a lot of rain the past 24 hours, “says James Hadnagy, owner of Bridge County Raceway on Friday morning, “unfortunately the forecast looks scary for the rest of the weekend.” Race teams of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series were looking forward to kicking off its 10th anniversary season in Southern Alberta on Saturday and Sunday night. “It’s too bad we had to do this (cancel races),” indicates Hadnagy, “but considering how far everyone has to travel, we feel it is in the best interest of everyone.” At this point there is no word on rescheduling the double header race weekend to a later date. NPP Series drivers are obviously disappointed with losing this weekend’s season opener.

“It figures,” sighs two-time NPP Series Champion Dwight Kennedy, “I was looking forward to getting back on the track again. What can you do?” Kennedy won the inaugural NPP Series event at Bridge County Raceway back in 2006. The driver of the #81 Lucas Oil Dodge is one of NPP Series four drivers that have won a Feature in Lethbridge. Jason Beaulieu (Campbell River, BC), Darrell Midgley (Sidney, BC) and Kevin Wheeler (Whitecourt, Alberta) have also gone to victory lane.

All four drivers had planned on competing in Southern Alberta this long holiday weekend. “It would have been a long drive just to watch the rain fall,” laughs Wheeler, “I can do that at home.” Wheeler, who won a Lethbridge Feature back in 2007, was confident heading into this weekend’s event.

“We were so close to grabbing a Feature win last season,” indicates the driver of the # 3 KW Mechanical Dodge, “however in this class, close enough, just doesn’t quite cut it. Getting a win in this class is very, very tough.” Wheeler had three consecutive second-place finishes in the last three races of 2010 and finished third overall in the NPP Series Championship point chase.

Next scheduled race for the NPP Late Model Series is Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway on Saturday, June 4th.