Ardrossan, Alberta - A simple phone call fourteen months ago may have planted the seed but it was his wife's encouragement and insistence that sprouted the deal. Wade Fleming, the most dominating open wheel Sprint Car driver in Castrol Raceway history, is returning to the track for the first time since 2009. Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd., title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series, is proud to announce the return of the 8-time Castrol Raceway Sprint Car champion for the 2015 race season.

"I think it was over a year ago that Louie (Bossio) contacted me and said that 50 sure sounds better than 49." What the owner of AMS Engines was referring to was the number of Feature wins Fleming has recorded in Edmonton. "I kind of laughed it off," remembers Fleming, "I had no desire to go back racing at all. I was done." Fleming intentionally stayed away from visiting any tracks as a spectator during his time away. "I have not been to any track (including Edmonton) since my last race."

Instead of watching others race, Fleming has been watching his four children grow up. "They are all involved in sports (soccer, lacrosse, hockey). It was a busy time for everyone. It's still a busy time for everyone." Back in February the desire of not wanting to return to the track took a surprising u-turn. "We were all out for dinner and out of the blue my wife (Tracy) asked my kids what do you think about your dad going racing again?"

The feeling about 'dad' going back to the track was unanimous. "I made a few phone calls and visits to some of my old sponsors that helped me win my championships. I told them of my plans (possible return to racing) and that's all it took." Joining Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd. on Flemings #7 Sprint Car once again are Boychuk Ventures, North American Diesel Performance and Northern Collision. "There have been a few changes in sprint car technology but I'm not worried about getting behind the wheel again." Fleming says the car is assembled and the engine is ready to go and that he is ready to go racing. "I don't feel any different but I will get to see what's in the tank when I hit the track (in May).

I'm 46 right now. The good news is that my driving suit still fits." Keilyn, Paxton, Decklyn and Tristan, Flemings children (aged 12 - 18), are still involved in sports but will now help out at the race track this season. "I almost have a full pit crew," laughs Fleming, "like me, they have grown-up with racing around them. The first time I was at a race track was when I was six months old." In his 19 seasons at Edmonton's Castrol Raceway, Fleming recorded 60 Heat race wins and leads all Sprint Car drivers with 49 Feature wins. Fleming also grabbed 8 track championships. "If anyone asks, it was mostly my wife's idea!" If soccer practice does not interfere, Fleming is looking forward to being at the Castrol Raceway test 'n' tune on May 3rd.

"360" SPRINT CAR HEAT WINS - EDMONTON (top 3)
1. Sean Moran 66
2. Wade Fleming 60
3. Marc Duperron 42

FEATURE WINS - EDMONTON (top 3)
1. Wade Fleming 49
2. Sean Moran 38
3. Marc Duperron 30

TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
2008 - Edmonton
2003 - Edmonton
2002 - Edmonton
2000 - Edmonton
1998 - Edmonton
1997 - Edmonton
1996 - Edmonton
1992 - Edmonton
1990 - Calmar