EDMONTON, AB – In less than four weeks, the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series begins its 9th incredible season of race action. Facility preparations for the April 25th test ‘n’ tune and the May 2nd season opener continue at Castrol Raceway. “What a difference a week makes,” says NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, “thanks to above normal temperatures I would say close to 80% of the snow has now melted at the track site. Now whats needed is for the frost to leave the ground beneath the racing surface.”

CASTROL RACEWAY TURN 4

FRONT STRAIGHT INTO TURN 1

With another day of dry weather forecast for today (Monday), the forecast takes a rather wet turn for the next 36 hours. “The extended forecast is looking good with lots of sunshine,” adds Craig, “but the unfortunately the forecast is calling for rain changing to snow tonight and overnight.”

MIDDLE OF CORNER 1&2 LOOKING WEST

“If the track gets hammered with a lot of rain or snow, this will definitely set back track preparations for several days.” The weather could also set back the ongoing reconfiguration of the oval and pit area. “The exit from the back straight into the brand new pit area is basically completed,” says Craig, “the reconstruction of the front straight entrance (onto the oval track) has not taken place yet because it’s still a little too wet from the spring run off.”

FIRST LOOK – NEW OVAL EXIT REDESIGN

This is the first time in Castrol Raceways 19 year history that all race teams will pit outside of the 3/8mile clay oval track.