MERRITT, BC – For the first time since 2012 a NPP Late Model Series driver was competing in the province of British Columbia.  Dylan Potter hauled his All Star Signs/Roca Modular Homes #22 Dodge to Merritt Speedway on the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.  The British Columbia race track was hosting their annual Invitational Race weekend. Potters first ever visit to Merritt Speedway will not be his last.  “It was a blast,” exclaims the Stony Plain, Alberta driver, “I am definitely going back to Merritt Speedway next Thanksgiving.”  With only four designated classes for the race weekend, Potter found himself competing in the Hobby Stock class.  Ironically the current NPP Late Model race car evolved from the Hobby Stock class back in the late 1990’s.

“Made some good friends here but some drivers did comment on my cars horsepower.” After grabbing the checkered flag in the Saturday afternoon Heat race, Potter had double trouble in his Feature event. A right rear tire went flat then his race car experienced brake problems. Potter finished last in the Saturday Feature which was his worst finish on all the tracks he’s competed at this season. “It was going to happen sometime,” admits Potter, “it might as well happen at a track I’ve never run at before.” Day 2 of the Invitational race weekend at Merritt Speedway got off to a bit of a wet start for all competitors. “Had some rain showers move through the area in the morning.” Despite the wet track conditions, Potter was still fastest in time trials. “We finished third in our Heat race,” says Potter, “I already knew that I was going to have to start the Feature at the back of the pack.” At the drop of the green Potter paced himself for several laps then started his march forward. Near the midway point of the Feature, Potter found himself in the lead. “The car was flying.” With less than five laps remaining an engine misfire developed which dramatically slowed his car. “There was really nothing I could do but keep going.”

On the white flag lap Potter relinquished the race lead and had to settle for second in the Sunday afternoon Feature. Potter becomes just the second NPP Late Model Series driver from Stony Plain, Alberta to compete at Merritt Speedway. In August of 2012 the NPP Late Model Series made their debut at the BC facility. Thirteen teams made the journey to the track. Stony Plain, Alberta’s Mike Tom, the 2011 NPP Series Champion, had back to back top-10 finishes (5th and 6th) at Merritt Speedway.

   Merritt, British Columbia

MERRITT SPEEDWAY 2018 INVITATIONAL
> Sunday, October 7th
Hobby Stock Feature (Top 3)
1. #13 Dennis Smith – Kamloops, British Columbia
2. #22 Dylan Potter – Stony Plain, Alberta
3. #75 Jake Mills – Merritt, British Columbia