The southern and central divisions of the Ultra Wheel Spec Trucks return to Mesa Marin Raceway this weekend -- their second appearance since racing before the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series "Dodge California Truck Stop 300" on April 11. When the Spec Trucks meet in the valley they typically bring 35-40 trucks to race.
Saturday will be the fourth in the points series for the southern division and third for the central division. The southern leader is Steve Smith in the GMAC #8. Smith won the April 11 event. Jim McGill is 35 points behind him. In the central division Mike David leads followed by Eric Seely and Todd Mumma, who are tied for 2nd.
Saturday night the 1999 season will begin for Campus Motorsports -- the High School Series. The partnership with the Kern High School District encourages students interested in auto technology to build the Street Stock during the school year and upon graduation the series begins. Graduates qualify to drive the school car built by teams in after school programs led by teachers and parent and community volunteers.
The series sponsored by The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge will have a minimum of six cars competing in 1999. North, Kern Valley, West, South and Centennial competed last year. All will return along with newcomers, Mt. Whitney from Visalia. Mt. Whitney's first race will be July 3.
North High won the 1998 series in a close battle with Kern Valley High School. A special presentation will be made to the teams by Young Wooldridge for the start of the Campus Motorsports Main event at about 8:15.
Also on the program are the Grand American Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 911 Race For Youth with new competitors from the CHP, Bakersfield Fire and Police and Kern County Fire and Sheriff's Departments.
Racing begins at 7:20 with a special presentation by The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge for the Make a Wish Foundation and a parade lap in the pace car during the National Anthem.
Tickets are $8 for general admission and kids 12 and under are free.
