WHITECOURT, AB. – The race season is still more than five months away but that didn’t stop Wayne Wheeler from parading his race car through the streets of downtown Whitecourt, Alberta Friday night. With light snow falling, the newcomer to the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series debuted his Whitecourt Auto Sales #4 Dodge to thousands of parade watchers at the annual Whitecourt Santa Claus Parade. “It was a winter wonderland,” exclaims Wheeler, “the light snow was just perfect for the Christmas parade.” There were some questions leading up to the outdoor spectacle as to whether Wheeler would even have his car ready in time. “We definitely cut it down to the wire,” admits Wheeler, “it was just chassis and wheels at the beginning of the week. We painted the car Thursday and got the car number on it Friday afternoon.”

Wheeler plans on having a busy summer of racing in 2013. “Along with the NPP Series, I’m still going to be racing my motorcycle.” During the 2012 Alberta Oldtimers Motocross Association season, Wheeler had the points lead twice but finished a mere five points back of claiming his first Championship. “So close. It would have been great to grab a championship like my brother did.” Wayne Wheeler is the brother to Kevin Wheeler, the 2012 NPP Late Model Series Champion. “We’ve always had a bit of a rivalry,” laughs Wheeler, “actually he won best entry at last year’s Whitecourt Christmas Parade.” Despite the friendly rivalry both Wayne and Kevin will be teammates in 2013. “The two yellow cars will be pitted side by side next year.” Wayne Wheeler will be aiming for Rookie of the Year honors next season. The 2013 season of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series starts in May.