EDSON, AB. – Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series competitor Crystal Kennedy is heading to the heart of NASCAR country this week. After touching down in Charlotte, North Carolina, the 23 year old Kennedy will immediately head to the McDonald Motorsport race shop located just forty minutes away in Mooresville. With the support of Randy McDonald, the Edson, Alberta resident will be running laps in a pavement Late Model at a track where racing legends Buddy Baker, Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip once competed.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” exclaims Kennedy, “this really is uncharted territory for me right now.” Historic South Boston Speedway near Danville, Virginia has been booked for a day-long practice session. “I’m pretty excited about this opportunity. If all goes well [test session] the next step will be to try and qualify at a NASCAR K & N Series race sometime next year.” Kennedy has 85 race starts [on the dirt] in the NPP Late Model Series. “I basically grew up at a dirt track,” exclaims Kennedy, “I watched my dad race for over ten years. Now I race against him [in the NPP Series].” Ironically, Dwight Kennedy will be accompanying his daughter on this trip. “She’ll do just fine,” says the owner of Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd., “it’s definitely going to be a eye-opener for her.” It’s been more than a decade since Dwight Kennedy ran a few pavement races in Northern California and in Medicine Hat, Alberta. “I’m passed my prime to run the pavement,” laughs the two-time NPP Series Champion, “when Crystal’s done her test session she’ll probably have more laps in a pavement car than me.” South Boston Speedway is a 4/10 mile paved oval and is located 100 kilometers east of Martinsville Speedway.

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