On Saturday, July 30th, the NASCAR Whelen All American Racing Series returns for what could well be considered a rain date. The Agenda for this Event will feature the Western Late Models in their 50 Lap Main, Super Stocks in Twin 40's, Bombers and the Basically 4-Cylinders. Heading into the second half of the 2011 Season, some Points Battle’s have tightened and some have stretched out; typical of this time of year as a few teams hit their stride and a few begin to back up due to that Racing God of Luck rearing her horrific head in the wrong direction. But not to worry, the racing will still be as strong as ever with the intensity kicking it up a few notches.
In the Western Late Models, Modesto’s Jeff Belletto (12x), notched another victory last time out, but not without being stricken with mechanical woes during the first Twin, which made the win in the second Twin even more impressive, starting from the back. Runner-up, Dave Byrd (78) of Seaside, took full advantage of Belletto’s misfortune by taking a bite out of the Points Lead, which now sits at a very thin six points (458-452). Sitting in third, Lodi’s Michael Wendt (2), continues to impress as he wages his own war against the points by winning his third of the year and narrowing the gap for his cause.
In the Super Stock Division, Modesto’s Garland Tyler (73) continues to hold service over the field, despite a ninth place finish last time out. And, because of that finish, second place Richard Harper (5) of Stockton, bit a hunk out of Tyler’s Points Lead by finishing on the podium in third, which brought him back to life in the Points Battle and now trails by a manageable seventeen points (569-552). Another eleven points in arrears, Hughson’s Mike Graham (93) is riding high on his four wins, which has allowed him to nibble away at the points separation and has put him right in the middle of things coming down the stretch.
In the Bombers, Stockton’s Jeremy Tucker (351) just keeps rolling along with his fourth win of the year last time out. And due to Mike Massone’s absence, Tucker’s Point Lead has grown to a monumental eighty points over now second place, Tony Karsting (312), also of Stockton (423-343). Of course, Massone is not out of it by any means with so much left of the Season, but now in third, eighty-one points is a tall task for anyone to overcome.
In the Basically-4-Cylinders, Manteca’s Joseph Reichmuth (6) has become a household name, but only if you pronounce it correctly. Nonetheless, with five wins in six starts, the Championship in this Division, without a single doubt, will have to go through him. He now holds a very comfortable lead of forty-one points over second place and young driving sensation from Manteca, Matthew Anderson (5) (337-296). Last time out, Anderson won for the first time in his career and appears to get stronger each week. So you might say, Reichmuth’s lead is comfortably stressful. Stockton’s Kelle Bobbitt (61) sits another twelve points back on the podium in third and with his consistency, it’s simply too early to rule him out.
Pit Gates open and registration begins at noon with practice commencing at 2:00 PM. The Grandstands open at 4:00 PM with qualifying set for 4:00 PM and green flag racing slated for 6:00 PM. Ticket prices for the evening will be as follows:
General Admission (16+) $15
Juniors (11-15) $10
Kids 10 & Under FREE
Seniors (60+) $10
Military (W/ Military ID) $10
Family $40
(2 General + 2 Junior’s)
FRIDAY PRACTICE: No Friday Practice this week due to Drive Tech Racing School.
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 their Website at www.stockton99.com.
The New Stockton 99 Speedway is sponsored by Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel, California Welding Supply, Budweiser, Alamo Alarm and Stockton Hampton Inn and Suites and Lodi Holiday Express.
