RIMBEY, AB – Josh Shuflada returns to the track where he made his official racing debut almost one-year ago.  On August 19th, 2023, Shuflada drove his #4 RCE Dodge to a fifth place finish at Central Alberta Raceways.  Shuflada is back in Rimbey once again however this time he’s behind the wheel of the Northern Provincial Pipelines/RCE #81 Dodge.

This will be Shuflada’s official Team NPP debut at Central Alberta Raceways and the Duel in the Dirt race.  It’s also the second consecutive weekend Shuflada makes his Team NPP debut at an Alberta track.  Shuflada had back-to-back 5th place finishes in last weekends Features at Rad Torque Raceway.  Both nights in Edmonton, Shuflada spun the Team NPP #81 Dodge on the opening laps of the Feature.  “Still trying to figure out the car and dial it in,” admits the Edson, Alberta driver, “it’s got a lot of power.”  Shuflada believes he’s now got a handle on the horsepower.  “We’ve actually toned the car down just a little bit (for Rimbey) with a gear change.  Can’t wait to get on the track to see how it goes.”

Shuflada will have more than just horsepower on his mind this weekend.  Terry Shuflada, Josh’s father, will be making his official racing debut in the RCE #4 Dodge.  “I’m pretty excited for him.  He’s really excited too.”  Despite the family connection on the track, Shuflada realizes that running at the front and staying there is the goal.  “I want to do well here (in Rimbey) this weekend.”

The Super Stock car count for this weekend’s race in Rimbey is expected to mirror last weekend’s car count in Edmonton.  “I think there should be around 15 cars here.”  One of the drivers that will be in the pits at Central Alberta Raceways has become good friends with the Shuflada family.  Billy Kearns, the four-time Merritt Speedway season champion, finished second both nights in Edmonton.  “He’s a great racer,” adds Shuflada, “I’m learning lots from him.”  The Power River, British Columbia driver spent the last few days at Shuflada’s home getting his Creative Rusty Stuff #71 Chevrolet ready for the Duel in the Dirt race weekend.  One year ago, Kearns won the Sunday Feature in Rimbey.  Racing starts at 4:00pm Saturday and 2:00pm Sunday at Central Alberta Raceways.

UPDATE (August 17 @ 5:15PM) –  Race officials were a bit optimistic about getting the facility prepared after a deluge of rain late Friday and overnight on Saturday!! Oval race action has officially been cancelled for Saturday night.  The Duel in the Dirt will be a one-day event.  Gates open Sunday at 11AM with racing starting at NOON.