VIOLENT STORM BLASTS OILMENS EVENT
EDMONTON, AB – Night #1 of the 2009 Oilmens Invitational race was cancelled before it even began. A vicious summer storm struck Edmonton’s Castrol Raceway just before 5:30 Saturday afternoon. Winds gusting to 90 kilometers signaled the arrival of the massive storm system.
SIGN DAMAGE AT CASTROL RACEWAY
“Couldn’t see a thing in the pits,” indicates NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, “visibility was near zero for probably around five minutes due to blowing dust.”
PARKING LOT PYLONS POINT THE DIRECTION OF THE STORM
Race teams scrambled for cover as rocks and sand pummeled the sides of trailers. “Things got even more uncomfortable when hail and rain began to fall.” Intense lightning also accompanied the hail, rain and wind. “One bolt of lightning struck just outside the pit area,” says Craig, “it was an amazing flash and an incredible loud crack of thunder. That was way too close.”
HARD RAIN FOLLOWED THE DUST STORM
No injuries were reported at Castrol Raceway due to the storm system. However this was not the case about an hour east of Castrol Raceway. This same storm system is being blamed for the death of one person at the Big Valley Jamboree music festival near Camrose. Stong winds collapsed the main stage which came crashing down on spectators who were seeking shelter from the storm. Four people were critically injured. Fifteen others were transported to hospital.
NOTE: Castrol Raceway officials are optimistic that despite the torrential rains that fell Saturday evening, Night #2 of the Oilmens Invitational event scheduled for Sunday August 2nd will proceed as planned. Gates at 4PM and racing at 6PM. Castrol Raceway officials will be at the track site on Sunday morning to evaluate the condition of the facility. If there is any change, the information will immediately be posted on the NPP Series website.
———————————————
2009 OILMENS UPDATE (as of 1:00pm Sunday, August 2nd)
No additional rain has fallen at Castrol Raceway since last nights storm. Night #2 of the Oilmens Invitational will take place as scheduled with spectator gates opening at 4PM. Track officials are confident that racing will start on time at 6PM.