With the summer sun hanging on the long end of a wishbone, and autumn’s cool hand mostly in our dreams, on Saturday, July 4th Stockton 99 Speedway will play host to a Fireworks Extravaganza both on the racing surface and in the warm summer skies as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series returns to action on the “Fastest Quarter-Mile In The West.” On the card for the event will be the Western Late Models shooting for the stars in their 150 Lap Feature Event. With 18 Late Models showing up last week, this Tri-Holiday week, as per usual, promises much larger car counts. Also, the Grand American Modifieds (75 Laps), ALSC/Street Stocks (75 Laps) and the Bombers (40 Laps) are set to meet once again on the silky-smooth asphalt of Stockton 99 Speedway. A total of nearly 350 Laps of pure racing pleasure for 99ers to enjoy.
The Western Late Models Points Leader Justin Philpott of Tracy extended his lead over runner-up Vito Ranuio of Modesto to a comfortable 61 points. However, with over half the season to go, nothing is written in stone, and with the tenacity these two show often on the track, this rivalry is sure to continue to grow. Sitting another 138 points back in third, two-time Track Champion David Philpott, also of Tracy, can never be counted out until the final checkers fall. After some absolutely fantastic racing last Saturday night you can’t help but look forward to the racing in store for the fans in the stands this week in honor of our Nation’s Independence.
After leading the Points for most of the season, seventeen year old Michael Ostrowski went missing in action last Saturday for undetermined reasons which opened the door for Stockton’s own Larry Tankersley to lay claim to the top spot in the Grand American Modified Division. Ostrowski now holds down the number two spot a mere 18 points back. Lurking anxiously in the third position is Tracy’s Scott Winters who has been nothing less than sensational this year. This division boasts the tightest points race at the Speedway and the racing continues to get better and better each week.
Jeff Ahl continues to top the charts in the ALSC/Street Stocks. Two weeks ago he captured his second victory of the season, but this past weekend Aaron Coonfield, who sits in second, won his fourth race of the season in a quite convincing manner which edged him to within 25 points of Ahl. The “Old Man” Pete Anderson Sr. occupies the third slot 41 points behind Coonfield.
Ben Lewis still leads the pack in the Points battle for the Bombers. Not-so-surprisingly, Tom Dahl has made his mark in this Division by winning two of the last three outings. Unfortunately for Dahl and the rest of the field, Lewis showed up last week back to his early season form. Russell Johnson Jr. fills the number two hole a not-too-distant 54 points behind Lewis. Mike Massone rounds out the podium with a 62 point deficit to Johnson.
ATTENTION: On Friday, July 3rd a full day of racing is scheduled as the NorCal Vintage Hardtops return to Stockton for their second event of the year. Also on the roster for the evening will be the NCMA Sprint Cars, the always popular Legends of the Pacific, WSRA and the Basically-4-Cylinders. Last time out these divisions put on a great show with no disappointment to be found. So, don’t forget, this Friday and Saturday Stockton 99 Speedway plays host to two full days of racing excitement and a Spectacular Fireworks Show.
Pit Gates open and registration begins both Friday and Saturday at noon with practice commencing at 2:30 PM. The Grandstands open at 3:00 PM with qualifying set for 4:30 PM and green flag racing slated for 6:00 PM. Ticket prices for the evening will be as follows:
General Admission (16+) $20
Juniors (11-15) $15
Kids 10 & Under FREE
Seniors (60+) $15
Military (W/ Military ID) $15
Family $55
(2 General + 2 Juniors)
And, if that isn’t enough, you can purchase a ticket for both Friday the 3rd and Saturday the 4th for the low price of just $30.
As a REMINDER: Any and ALL drivers are eligible to qualify for the Western Late Model Feature Event regardless of your recent racing history at Stockton 99 Speedway.
The New Stockton 99 Speedway is located at 4105 N. Wilson Way, ¼-mile west of Highway 99. For more information on tickets and times, please contact the Speedway Office at (209)466-9999 or visit our Website at www.stockton99.com. And remember, The New Stockton 99 Speedway is always Family Friendly.
The New Stockton 99 Speedway is sponsored by Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel, California Welding Supply, Budweiser, and Alamo Alarm.
