Shannon Mansch of Roseville, CA leads the Westcar Late Model Series as it enters its final round, Saturday, at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, CA.
Mansch is in the thick of a heated battle with Gary Glenn of Orangevale, CA, who is just eight points back in the race for one of Northern California’s most coveted championships.
Both drivers are searching for their first ever Late Model title, and Glenn is looking for the first championship of his career.
Through nine rounds, they’ve exchanged blows at a furious rate. Each driver enters the finale with three wins and eight top-tens – a strong record for a series that has averaged 25 cars per event in the 2006 season.
Glenn carries a wave of momentum with two straight wins. Glenn took victory at Lakeport Speedway on July 22nd, with Mansch finishing second, however. Glenn and Mansch went one-two again at Altamont Motorsports Park on August 12th.
Mansch has a win at Stockton, while Glenn’s best finish at Stockton is third.
The two drivers are nearly equal in all categories. The only thing separating them is where they finished in their worst performances.
Mansch’s worst performance was a 15th at Stockton on opening day. Glenn came home a dismal 19th at Stockton in the second Westcar appearance there. This difference of four positions—eight points—is the only difference between Glenn and Mansch.
Without those races in the picture, the two would be equal. It has been that close of a hunt for the title.
Saturday’s race will feature a field of over 20 cars, including debut appearances for Sammy Solari of Salida and Paul Hansen of Richmond. Craig Swim of Orangevale, CA will attempt to sew up his Rookie of the Year crown as well.
Racing action kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Competition Carburetion Dash for Cash followed by the 100 lap feature.
For more information on Saturday’s race, visit www.westcarseries. com For any media inquires about this event, please call Steven Blakesley, Westcar Media Relations, at (916) 316-4854 Stockton 99 Speedway (1/4 mile asphalt oval) Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 Previous race winner: Jason Fensler, Wilton, CA Previous fast time: Chris Monez, 14.288 Westcar track record: Chris Monezt, 14.288 7/1/06
Who: Westcar Late Model Series
What: Round 10 of 10 in the 2006 season
Where: Stockton 99 Speedway, 4105 North Wilson Way, Stockton, CA Posted awards: $12,000
Distance: 100 green flag laps/25 miles
Media Contact: Steven Blakesley, Westcar Late Model Series PR Director, (916) 316-4854 Track Contact: Pat Patnaude, General Manager, (209) 983-1689
Preliminary Entry List for September 2nd at Stockton
99 Speedway:
* indicates rookie
05 Eric Schmidt ATT Yellowpages.com Chevy Roseville, CA 1x Troy Shirk Microsoft XBOX/MSN/JME Chevy Oakley, CA
*2 Michael Wendt Wendt & Sons Construction Chevy Lodi, CA 3x Chet Danburg Re/Max Darrell and Patti Page Chevy Carson City, NV
6 Sammy Solari Royce Farms BBQ Chevy Salida, CA
*9 Craig Swim Swim's Auto Repair & Towing Dodge Elverta, CA 11x Chris Monez Ayers Racing Dodge Stockton, CA
16 Andy Livengood West Construction Chevy Richmond, CA 20 Paul Hansen Chevy Richmond, CA
25 Randy Reeves Scenic Towing & Autocare Chevy Modesto, CA
32 Richie Crowell Colorcraft Pontiac Cottonwood, CA
44 Brock Monroe Roy Reeves Sand & Gravel Chevy Escalon, CA 50 Gary Glenn G. Glenn Plastering Chevy Orangevale, CA
51 Brian Koski Groth Brothers Chevrolet Chevy Pleasanton, CA
55 Zane Lovelace Sidelifter.com Chevy Roseville, CA
61 Shannon Mansch Performance Electrical Chevy Roseville, CA
81 Reinie Naeb Martha's All Natural Baking Mixes Chevy Jackson, CA
*88 Michael Clarke Saki's Spin a Yarn Restaurant Chevy Pleasanton, CA
*89 Bobby Hodges Nevada Automotive Test Center Chevy Carson City, NV
98 Glenn Cook Tracy Boat Sales Pontiac Fremont, CA
98 Byron Gonzales La Placita Mexican Food Chevy Carmichael, CA
Summary:
21 cars
2 driver making his Westcar debut (Paul Hansen, Sammy
Solari)
4 rookies (Michael Wendt, Craig Swim, Michael Clarke, Bobby Hodges)
2 drivers from Nevada, 19 from California
