After major pit improvements and the addition of a television quality MUSCO Lighting system, Stockton 99 Speedway is set to kick off it's 2002 racing season with a huge two-day extravaganza, April 6th & 7th, featuring just about every type of race car available on the west coast.
The Saturday events will showcase a 100-lap Ultra Wheel Super Truck feature with the 350 cubic inch trucks guaranteed to put on a typical hot contest for the fans. The Super Trucks will be joined by the speedways regular Grand American division, with last years champion Paul Henry of Groveland returning to defend. Steve Stacy of Stockton, behind the wheel of a new Ellis chassis from the Welch Motorsports shop, will be considered a heavy threat to end a repeat by Henry.
Also on the Saturday bill will be the ever-popular Pure Stocks and the Mighty Legends of the Pacific with 20-plus cars in tight action on the high banked-quarter mile paved oval.
Sunday action, presented by TRUE VALUE, will see the first of a four race series for the SRL Late Model Wild West Shootout Series as the full-bore stock cars vie for first blood in a 100-lap contest. The tracks new HOTWOOD Western Late Models will take to the track in their first of 21 dates on the year as they contest as the premier division in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge. and sponsored by C.L. Bryant Union 76 Gasoline. 40 asphalt and 19 clay & dirt tracks are grouped into eight regions by NASCAR, with Stockton Speedway assigned to the Northwest Region. The drivers will vie for $40,000 on the regional level and a shot at as much as the $160,000 won by last year's national champion.
Past regional and Stockton champion Mark Welch of Orangevale will be considered one of the top contenders in the Western Late Models, as he moves back to full fendered action after many seasons in open wheel Grand American competition. Most feel it will take the talented Welch some time to readjust to the fenders, and the bets run anywhere from 3-6 laps of practice at most.
Joining Welch will be past track champions and other top contenders such as Harry & Jeff Belletto of Modesto, Dave Byrd of San Jose, Mike David and Steve Johnson of Modesto, Eddie Laws of Citrus Heights, Steve Daniels of Orangevale, and Wes Miller of Delhi. Area fans will also delight in the return to Stockton action of Kevin Gottula of Modesto, a top winner and one of the most popular drivers of the 80?s and early 90?s, who was dubbed, rightly so, with the title of "Mr. Excitement."
On the opposite side of the full-bodied Luminas & Monte Carlos will be the USAC/BCRA Midgets, as they combine forces to ensure a full field of the ultra-quick screamers that blister Stockton Speedway in each appearance. The midgets will be joined by a bevy of Pro-4 Trucks. Making a total of eight divisions set to kick off the two-day show and the new season at the storied 56-year old race plant.
Pit gates will open on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Spectator gates will open & practice will start at 3:00, with time trials at 5:00, and racing at 6:00. The Sunday events will see the pit gates open at 8:00 a.m. with spectator gates to open & practice to start at 11:00. Time trials will take place at 1:00 p.m. with racing to start at 2:20. Saturday prices are set at $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for children (age 6-9) $10.00 for seniors (age 65 & up) & students (age 10-17). A family pack is available for $35.00. Sunday prices are set at $20.00 for adults, $5.00 for children, $15.00 for seniors and students, with a family pack on sale for $50.00. Kids, five & under are always admitted free at Stockton 99 Speedway.
Stockton 99 Speedway is located at 4105 N. Wilson Way, one-quarter mile off Highway 99. For speedway information, call, (209) 466-9999
