EDMONTON, AB – Race teams of the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series now have a few extra weeks to prepare for the revised start of the 2008 championship chase. Track officials at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta were forced to cancel the May 3rd season opener due to extreme wet conditions. “The capital region had a major midweek rainstorm,” says NPP Series announcer Gord Craig, “combine this with last week’s major snowstorm and it was double hit for everyone. There is still a lot of moisture out at that facility.” Rain amounts totaled around 20mm. Snow amounts totaled around 30cm. The snowstorm also cancelled the scheduled test ‘n’ tune day at the track April 26th. “We sure haven’t had much luck at our home track these past few years.” This is the fourth time in the past five seasons the first race of the year in Edmonton has been affected by the weather. “Its very frustrating not only for all race teams but for race fans who have been waiting very patiently for season opening day. Special promotion’s by Castrol Raceway was ensuring a capacity crowd for the season opener. Ironically the weather would have been perfect. “ No wind, plenty of sunshine and a temperature around 17Celcius Saturday night,” added Craig, “it was pretty tough to look at the empty grandstands on such a perfect night for racing.”

Two time NPP Series champion Dwight Kennedy was ready to see the first green flag of the season wave. “Just barely,” laughs the Edson Alberta driver, “we were applying decals on the car Friday night and still clamping down the motor. Now we can rest a little bit and prepare for Okotoks.” With the rainout in Edmonton, Southern Alberta race fans will get to see a NPP Season opening race for the second year in a row. Rocky Mountain Raceway Park plays host to the NPP Shootout Weekend on Saturday and Sunday May 17th and 18th.