This Saturday, July 29th, the Stockton 99 Speedway roars back into action with the “Night of the Lions” sponsored by the Linden Lions Club. The special five-division “double points” NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series program, presented by Havoline/C.L. Bryant, includes 50-lap features for the Western Late Models and Grand American Modifieds, plus the American Limited Stock Cars, Pro-4 Trucks and Legends.
About the only thing hotter than the July weather in Central California are the battles for the 2006 track championships at Stockton.
The top five drivers in the Havoline Western Late Model standings remain packed tighter than a drum as Manteca’s Guy Guibor continues to cling to a tenuous lead of just 12 points (628-616) over Stockton’s Pete Anderson Jr., the defending track champion. Stockton’s Ron Strmiska Jr. (598), Chowchilla’s Eric Humphries (589) and Sacramento’s Pete Hernandez (579) all remain in the thick of the championship battle which looks as though it will not be decided until the final race of the season on September 16.
While the top four are all veterans of the wars on the ¼ mile, high-banked Stockton oval, newcomer Hernandez could be a sleeper in their midst.
Although technically a rookie, Hernandez, age 28 out of Chicago, Illinois, has been racing all around the Midwest area of the U.S. for over 20 years. Hernandez earned his ride this season with Bill McAnally Racing, through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, by winning the Mid American Stock Car Series Championship in 2005.
After going through a rough mid-season stretch, in which he suffered three DNF’s in four races, Hernandez has clawed his way back into the championship fray on the strength of a strong runner up finish two weekends ago and a dominating win last Saturday.
“I never felt that we were out of it,” said Hernandez, who has earned the respect of his peers thanks to his hard and aggressive, but clean style of driving. “I have a great team and now that things are on track again, we are back in the hunt big time.”
Hernandez knows that winning the coveted 2006 track championship at the Stockton 99 Speedway - the track’s final season of operation – is a tall task, but he feels that his team is up to the challenge.
“The competition is so tough and strong here. You have to be on your game all the time,” states Hernandez. “It is anybody’s deal now. I have the best team in the business and if we can stay strong we have a real shot at the championship.”
The fiercely contested fight for the Grand American Modified (GAM) championship was thrown into a virtual deadlock after points leader Jay Linstroth, of Citrus Heights, was forced to the sidelines early in last Saturday’s GAM feature after he hit the wall on the front straight.
Linstroth still holds the GAM lead, but only by a razor thin two-point advantage (354-352) over defending GAM champion Jason Philpot of Sacramento while Galt’s Jason Kerby (324) and Modesto’s Mike Beeler (305) also hover well within striking range of the leaders.
Stockton’s Chad Holman continues to hold court over the rock‘em, sock’em American Limited Stock Car division. Holman has a 686 to 622 point lead over Darrell Hughes, of Ceres, who moved into second after picking up his first career victory last Saturday.
Lathrop’s Mark Henslee remains top dog in the Pro-4 Trucks by a margin of 601 to 574 points over Ron Robeck, of Milpitas.
The pit gates will open at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 29, grandstands open at 3:00 PM, practice will run from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, qualifying begins at 4:30 PM and the first green flag will wave at approximately 6:00 PM.
Ticket prices this Saturday are only $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $10.00 for juniors age 13-17, $5.00 for kids age 6-12 and kids 5 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. A family ticket is also available for the bargain price of $39.99. VISA and MasterCard are accepted at Gate 2.
Other special upcoming events at Stockton 99 Speedway include the final appearance of the NASCAR AutoZone Grand National West Series in the Dodge Country 200 by Havoline/Napa Belts & Hoses and round #8 of the HOTWOOD 1000 Series on August 5, the Giant Destruction Derby on August 12, the West Car Series/ HOTWOOD 1000 Twin 100’s on September 2 and the grand finale on September 16 which will feature round #10 of the HOTWOOD 1000 Series, the SRL Wild West Shootout and a Giant School Bus Race/Destruction Derby.
If you are interested in entering a car in the August 12 destruction derby contact Stockton 99 Speedway officials Pat Patnaude at (209) 983-1689 or Earl Summers at (209) 957-6756 or email the office at speedway99office@earthlink.net. Additional destruction derby information, rules and entry applications are now available on the official Stockton 99 Speedway website at www.stockton99speedway.com.
The Stockton 99 Speedway is located just off Highway 99 at 4105 North Wilson Way. If you are traveling south on Highway 99 take the Wilson Way exit. If you are heading north on Highway 99 take the Cherokee Road exit, loop over the freeway, turn right onto Newton Road and then turn left on Wilson Way.
For the latest Stockton 99 Speedway racing information call the 99 Race Line at (209) 466-9999.
