STOCKTON, California -- NASCAR fans had a week off and a chance to catch-up on some Grand National West and AutoZone Elite Southwest Series action.
But now, it's time to refocus on NASCAR DODGE Weekly Series excitement and the short-track action that Stockton 99 Speedway has been providing for the past 59 years!
On Saturday, April 16 race fans will be treated to a 50-lap Grand Grand American Modified main event, 30-lap HAVOLINE Western Late Model and CL BRYANT American Limited Stock Car main events and those up-and-comers in the California Mini Cup Series!
Expected back in the on super-quick, paved NASCAR quarter-mile oval is HAVOLINE Western Late Model points leader Scott Masellis of Modesto and last weeks first and second place finishers Pete Anderson Jr. and Gary Shafer Jr., both of Stockton. In the 100-lapper Anderson Jr. proved that its never too late in a race to make a move for the front and Masellis showed that it takes more than a main event win to climb to the top of the points ladder.
Last season Galts Jason Kerby drove to a championship in the number 2 Grand American Modified. Kerby isnt expected back, but the car will be. Driving it will be Salidas Sam Solari. Hell be taking on last seasons second place finisher Ted Montague IV of Newark. If Solari drives the car anything like its predecessor did, then fans can expect a skilled show up front. If Stocktons Stewart Cullom and Joe Allen enter, along with Citrus Heights Jay Linstroth, then the crowd is sure to be in for some great NASCAR action!
During the April 3 season opener Stocktons Kannai Scantlen took the checkered flag in CL BRYANT American Limited Stock Car competition, but Mantecas Boyd Camper was close on his tail, all the way to the tech inspections. This week both are expected to return, and this time the cars might be a little more evenly matched!
Due at the track is PRO-4 Trucks points leader Mark Henslee of French Camp, record-holder Danny Basto of Lodi and Chris Drysdale of Campbell. This trio is always good for some exciting NASCAR action!
The up-and-coming California Mini Cup Racing Association drivers will be making their first 2005 appearance. Those minis may not motor around the track as fast as their Western Late Model big brothers, but fans never know, they could be watching the next Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon being born.
For Saturday, April 16: ADULTS $12; FAMILY PACK $29.99 - 2 ADULTS AND UP TO 4 KIDS; JUNIORS/SENIORS $10, 13 to 17 and 65 AND OVER; KIDS - 6-12 $5; KIDS 5 AND UNDER FREE WITH A PAYING ADULT. Grand Stands open at 2 p.m. Master Card and Visa accepted at ticket gates.
1:00 PM PITS OPEN / 2:30 PM PRACTICE STARTS / 3:00 PM GRANDSTANDS OPEN / 4:30 QUAL / 6:PM NATIONAL ANTHEM, TRIBUTES / 6:10 PM GREEN FLAG
Stockton 99 Speedway is located at 4105 North Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95205. Traveling south on Highway 99, take the Wilson Way exit. The track is two blocks up the road just past the first stop light. On Highway 99 north, take the Cherokee Road exit, loop over the freeway to Newton Road and turn right. Drive one mile and turn left at the Wilson Way stoplight. From Interstate 5, get on the Cross-town Freeway and head east to Highway 99 north, then drive north on Highway 99 to the Cherokee Road exit. For information, call (209) 466-9999, or visit www.stockton99racing.com.
Don't forget race fans, this season the Grand National West Series will visit Stockton 99 Speedway twice and the AutoZone Elite Series Southwest tour is scheduled to race at Stockton 99 Speedway three times. On Saturday, April 30 race fans will be treated to a big NASCAR doubleheader, which includes 300 laps of Grand National West Series, AutoZone Elite Series Southwest Tour and other races. During those Grand National races, and the April 30 Elite Series race, HDNet will broadcast live!
Stockton 99 Speedway is a NASCAR sanctioned track, known as the fastest quarter-mile oval west of the Mississippi. Now in its 59th season, it features three local divisions that race in the NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES, including the tier I Western Late Model (WLM), tier II American Limited Stock Cars and Tier III Pro-4 Trucks. Also featured at the track each season are the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Series Southwest Touring Division, NASCAR Grand National West Touring Divisions, NASCAR Grand American Modified, Mini-Cups, USAC Midgets, Kids Night, Powder Puff and a giant school bus destruction derby. www.stockton99racing.com and Stockton 99 Racing News are the official Web site and newspaper of Stockton 99 Speedways NASCAR and other racing events.
