EDMONTON, AB – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series begins its 2018 race season this weekend in Edmonton.  The race season should have officially started back in May but a low car count forced NPP Series officials to cancel its appearance at Central Alberta Raceways.  One month later the second scheduled race weekend for race teams was cancelled due to Drayton Valley Speedway having problems with operating permits.  “We have a two-day season opening weekend at Castrol Raceway this Friday and Saturday night,” exclaims NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, “no excuses now.  It’s time to get the season rolling.”  Due to the cancellation of the 2017 season, the last scheduled NPP Series event was September 25th, 2016 at Central Alberta Raceways. Edson, Alberta’s Shawn Kennedy was the Feature event winner.  “I don’t even care how I do this weekend (in Edmonton),” laughs Kennedy, “I’m just excited to get the car on the track again.”  Kennedy will once again pilot the car originally campaigned by his father from 2001 – 2015.  NPP Series founder Dwight Kennedy drove the familiar red and white #81 Dodge to two season championships.  “The car is in the trailer. We are ready to go.”

Son of three-time NPP Series Champion Trevor Emond will make his official NPP Series debut Friday night at Castrol Raceway.  Tyler Emond will be “filling-in” for NPP Series newcomer Troy Sheridan in the Hitchworks/High Roller Energy Drink #10 Chevrolet.  Emond will be the first three-generation driver in the NPP Series and will be following the tire tracks of his father and his grandfather Gerry Emond.  Sheridan gets behind the wheel of his race car Saturday night.

Along with NPP Late Model Series action Team Northern Provincial Pipelines will be in competition in two other classes this weekend.  Team NPP driver Wade Fleming will be racing his open wheel ‘360’ Sprint Car Friday and Saturday night at Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway.  Team NPP driver Lane Zerbin will be racing his Modified at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington on Saturday night July 21st.

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UPDATE: (Friday, July 20th @ 1:15pm) Castrol Raceway track officials have cancelled Friday nights scheduled oval race.  Showers and thundershowers late Thursday night and early Friday morning soaked the facility.  A less than promising Friday night weather forecast made the decision to call off the event easier to make.  Track officials will try to run Saturday nights event as scheduled with racing starting at 6:00pm.

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UPDATE: (Saturday, July 21st @ 11:33am) Lets go racing!!  Facility preparations continue for Saturday Nite Thunder at Castrol Raceway.  No delays expected for Saturday night race action at Castrol Raceway. Spectator gates open at 4:00pm and racing starts at 6:00pm.