EDMONTON, AB – A sunny sky and strong westerly winds greeted race teams Saturday afternoon as the 28th consecutive season of oval action began in Edmonton.  Castrol Raceway was holding its open test and tune for competitors.  Six classes/divisions, including the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series, participated in the first oval event organized by new track management.  Ginja Ninja Dirt Promotions has taken over the operation of all Nite Thunder events on the 3/8 mile oval track in 2018.  Although not advertised to the public, at its peak, more than 50 race fans were in the grandstands watching the afternoon test sessions.  Kevin Larocque and Dylan Potter were two of 30+ drivers to hit the track for several on-track test laps.

LAROCQUE AND POTTER TESTING IN EDMONTON

Larocque was extremely happy with his track time Saturday.   “First time I’ve ever run in Edmonton,” admits the Fox Creek, Alberta driver, “what a great track.”  Larocque was surprised at how smooth the track was for the first event of the season.  “For running the test during the day, I thought the track was very fast.  It will be even faster when they run at night.  Can’t wait to run back here later this year.”  The driver of the #02 Dodge hopes to run a full season with the NPP Late Model Series this year.  “I’m on a one weekend on, one weekend off shift schedule with work right now.  It just depends on where the race dates land.”

Dylan Potter meanwhile made his on-track debut in a NPP Late Model Saturday afternoon.  “It was an awesome day,” exclaims the driver from Stony Plain, Alberta, “had a real good time.”  After spending the last several years racing an IMCA Modified, Potter will be running for NPP Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2018.  “The handling difference between the two cars is way different.  With the modified and the smaller tires, you headed into the corner and hoped for the best.  With this car (NPP Late Model) I feel that you can judge what it’s going to do.  It’s a way nicer car to handle.”

A HOT SUNNY SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN EDMONTON

Potters #22 Dodge will be undergoing a major cosmetic upgrade before the next track visit.  “It’s not going to be white,” explains Potter, “the car is getting a full wrap.  The colors are going to be blue, orange and florescent yellow.”  Race fans at Sangudo Speedway will be the first to see the new paint scheme.  “I’m heading to Sangudo on the May long weekend.  NPP drivers have been invited so I’m going there to get some extra laps.”  The 2018 season opener for the NPP Late Model Series is May 25th and 26th at Central Alberta Raceways in Rimbey.