STONY PLAIN, AB – While many Alberta race car drivers have put their machines away for the long off-season, one driver from the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series has other ideas. Dylan Potter is competing in the province of British Columbia on the Thanksgiving long weekend. “This is the first time travelling outside of Alberta with a race car,” admits Potter, “I am going by myself. It’s going to be a good time.” Four classes of cars are scheduled to compete at Merritt Speedway for their invitational race weekend. Despite having a distinct horsepower advantage over a majority of the cars that will be running at Merritt Speedway, track officials have told Potter that he can run the car as is.

“They are not making me add any weight to my car,” says the driver of the All Star Signs/Roca Modular Homes #22 Dodge, “I already know I’ll be running in the Hobby Stock class.” More than a dozen cars are expected to be registered in the Hobby Stock Class. The Stony Plain, Alberta driver will not look out of place on the track in the Hobby Stock class in British Columbia. Several ‘retired’ NPP Late Model race cars have found a home at Merritt Speedway. Back in August of 2012 the NPP Series ran their only point’s race at Merritt Speedway.

“I’m excited to bring a NPP car back here,” adds Potter, “maybe we can get something going for the future.” Potter will also be test driving a new piece of equipment in his NPP Late Model this weekend. “I have a special pull bar designed by Mr. Shawn Kennedy. It’s supposed to help with the handling. Going to go with what Shawn says.” Potter will be meeting up with several other Edmonton competitors that will run in the Mini Stock class in British Columbia. “The Ellis brothers (Ryan and Curtis) told me about this event and said I should come.” Edmonton, Alberta’s Ryan Ellis won the Mini Stock Feature on Sunday at last year’s Invitational at Merritt Speedway.  Both Ellis brothers ran a limited season in the NPP Late Model Series back in 2011 and 2012.

2018 MERRITT SPEEDWAY INVITATIONAL
> Saturday/Sunday, October 6th/7th
Gates Open at 11:00am
Time Trials at NOON
Racing at 1:00pm

Spectator Admission
$10.00 – Adult
$6.00 – Youth (age 11 – 18)
$6.00 – Senior
FREE – Child (age 10 and under)

CLASSES RACING
– 4 cylinder (Mini Stock)
– 6 or 8 cylinder Bombers
– Street Stock
– Hobby Stock (modified engines/suspension)

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UPDATE: A pretty good weekend overall for Dylan Potter in the province of British Columbia.  In his first ever visit to Merritt Speedway the Stony Plain, Alberta driver scored a Heat race win on Saturday and finished second in the big Feature on Sunday.  Potter had double trouble on his #22 Dodge during the Saturday afternoon Feature.  A right rear tire went flat, then his #22 Dodge experienced brake problems.  Potter registered his worst Feature finish of the season (last) on all the tracks he’s competed at in 2018.  After a brief early Sunday morning rain shower, Potter was fastest in time trials despite the wet track conditions.  Potter finished third in his Heat race.  For the Sunday afternoon Feature, Potter started at the back of the pack.  Near the midway point, Potter found himself leading the field.  With less than 5 laps remaining an engine misfire developed which dramatically slowed his car.  On the white flag lap, Potter relinquished the lead and had to settle for second in the Sunday afternoon Feature. =========================