SASKATOON, SK – The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series was represented well at the inaugural race of the Dakota Dunes Casino Late Model Series in the province of Saskatchewan. Three-time NPP Series Champion Trevor Emond drove his Hitchworks #17 Chevrolet to a second place finish at Auto Clearing Speedway Saturday night. Calgary, Alberta’s Chris Skelton, who competed in one NPP Late Model Series event in 2009, was the race winner. Despite limited seat time in his brand new pavement race car (missed first practice), Emond was still second fastest in qualifying on the 3/8 mile oval track. Saskatoon’s Greg Vangool qualified in the #1 spot. Both Emond and Vangool would accept the front row challenge and give up their prominent track position to start the 150 lap feature from the back for bonus prize money.

Emond managed to stay out of trouble during a caution marred race as he navigated his way through the field. The Leduc, Alberta driver would end up just one car shy of completing an amazing back to front charge. On severely worn tires, Emond would get by Trent Seidel for second then challenge race leader Skelton (started 7th) in the closing laps but was unable to complete the pass. Skelton would drive on to victory with Emond a close second. Emond’s strong performance in Saskatchewan puts him in the Dakota Dunes Casino Late Model Series point’s lead. Emond, who sits fifth in the NPP Late Model Series Championship point’s chase, now prepares for his next race event in Edmonton. The NPP Late Model Series backs up the open wheel ‘360’ Sprint Car division at the 55th annual Gold Cup at Castrol Raceway’s 3/8 mile dirt oval July 9th and 10th.