EDSON, AB – Race teams of the NPP Late Model Series were informed Saturday that a controversial ‘Yellow Flag rule’ that was going to be put in place for every Feature event in 2008 has been scrapped. A total of 47 people (drivers/crew) gathered at the head office of Northern Provincial Pipelines in Edson on Saturday to discuss the upcoming race season. The new race format was addressed immediately. “Drivers like most of the race format changes announced back in December,” indicates NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, “most of the concerns raised were directed towards the yellow flag rule.” The new race format cuts the number of Heat races in half but adds two Dash races. The Feature event was increased to 40 laps but yellow flag laps would count.

“The major concern for many drivers was counting these yellow flags at the smaller tracks that we race at.” Many drivers agreed. “If you have a tire go down at a small race track you are done,” said Kevin Clark, “the pits at these tracks are often located on the outside. By the time you get to your pit stall, change a tire and then tighten the last bolt you could be down two maybe three laps. Good luck getting those laps back on a short track race with this new format. At least you have a fighting chance starting at the back of the pack with the traditional format.” The Altario, Alberta driver also pointed out the potential for a new problem. “With time not on the side of a driver, there would probably be more instances of speeding in the pits just to get back onto the racetrack.”

A majority of the drivers and teams were breathing a huge sigh of release that counting yellows would not be taking place in 2008. However the door was left open that counting yellows could still take place at this summer’s 15th running of the Oilmen’s Invitational at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway which features 40 and 50 lap Feature events. Since yellow flags will no longer be counted, regular race nights for the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series will return to the standard 25 lap Feature format. The 2008 NPP Late Model Series kicks off its 8th consecutive season of racing action May 3rd at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta.

NPP Meeting highlights….
– 2008 schedule
– more race car displays/appearances
– television coverage on NPP Speed
– new sponsors
– driver bios/website