EDMONTON, AB. – Castrol Raceway continues to emerge from its long winter slumber. On an overcast and breezy Saturday afternoon, a handful of oval officials were at the facility testing equipment in advance of the 2013 season opener scheduled on May 4th. Two weeks ago track officials cancelled the April 27th oval test ‘n’ tune for all competitors due to a record snowpack. Officials were concerned that the track would not be ready in time for a proper open test session. They were right.

Standing pools of water have now replaced the four foot snow drifts that covered the oval track for most of the winter season. No track prep has taken place due to excessive moisture still embedded in the clay racing surface. Officials hope to begin massaging the clay oval surface this week. Flickering to life for the first time in 2013 was the track lighting system. The halogen lights remained illuminated for about 60 minutes.

Several Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series race teams had planned on shaking off the winter cobwebs at the Saturday test session. They will now have to wait a few more weeks before being able to hit the track.

Central Alberta Raceways has invited NPP Series teams to test at their facility on May 27th. Weather and facility conditions permitting, the Rimbey, Alberta race track is currently considering adding an earlier oval test ‘n’ tune date on Saturday, May 11th.

2013 NPP SERIES SCHEDULE
April 27th Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta (test ‘n’ tune)
May 11th Central Alberta Raceways – Rimbey, Alberta (test ‘n’ tune/tent.)
May 25th Central Alberta Raceways – Rimbey, Alberta (test ‘n’ tune)
June 8th Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta
June 9th Central Alberta Raceways – Rimbey, Alberta
June 29th Dinosaur Downs Speedway – Drumheller, Alberta
June 30th Dinosaur Downs Speedway – Drumheller, Alberta
July 19th Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta
July 20th Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta
July 31st Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta NEW** (ALL STAR RACE)
August 3 Flatlanders Speedway – Kindersley, Saskatchewan
August 4 Flatlanders Speedway – Kindersley, Saskatchewan
August 17 Castrol Raceway – Edmonton, Alberta
August 31 Merritt Speedway – Merritt, British Columbia (tentative)
September 1 Merritt Speedway – Merritt, British Columbia (tentative)
September 8 Rimbey, Alberta (tentative)
September 14 Edmonton, Alberta (tentative)
September 28 Rimbey, Alberta (tentative – rain out date)