LAKE BALBOA, California — Twenty year-old Joey Licata Jr. drove the number 21 Royal Purple/ K&N Filters Modified to a strong fourth place finish at Stockton 99 Speedway, for Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle. Licata, member of the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, who opened his first ARCA race last year at Daytona with Cunningham Motorsports, made the return adding more seat time in the NASCAR modified.
Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle is a nationally-renowned driver development program that prepares racers for a career in motorsports. Licata joined the team in 2009 before winning back-to-back ASA Truck Series championships. The ASA championships and years of karting experience brought Licata much attention and landed him in ARCA for the Daytona races last year and will return to the celebratory series this year.
Licata qualified eighth out of the 18 car field and started third in the 40 lap feature on the one-quarter mile asphalt oval. Licata had a good run on the start to claim the second position and challenging the leader. A restart on lap eight led Licata an advantage to get the lead as the ARCA driver had a great running start on the high side to control the field.
On lap 17, Licata lost the lead however he battled with teammate Nik Romano for the second position. After another restart, Licata and another competitor made contact for the third position, Licata finished with a solid fourth place finish at Stockton 99 Speedway.
“This weekend didn’t start off as we planned when we were struggling for speed in the morning practice. After all the hard work from every crew member on the RSWC Royal Purple #21 car, we were able to turn the day around and lead several laps to contend for the win,” stated Joey Licata Jr.
Up next for Joey Licata Jr will be driving for Andy Ponstein Racing in a CRA Super Late Model this weekend, May 12th at Berlin Speedway in Michigan.
For more information about Joey Licata can be found at www.JoeyLicata.com
