STOCKTON, California — This past weekend the NASCAR Whelen All American Modified series presented by Star Racing Supply opened the NASCAR K&N Pro West Series featuring a 40 lap main event at Stockton 99 Speedway. The series is also supported by the Star Grand American Modified series which allows older cars to compete within the series. 18 modified drivers made it to the track for the division on Saturday and Scott Winters was the driver to beat. Winters fast as usual topped all three practice sessions with fast time and Jason Fensler took home the trophy dash victory. No heat races were scheduled for the division so the drivers geared up for their 40 lap main event.
PJ Pedroncelli and Scot Alves led the 18 car field to the start if the race and Pedroncelli jumped to an early lead. ARCA driver Joey Licata Jr started third and quickly jumped to the second position on the start to run down the leader. On lap two, Pedroncelli had made a three car length gap on Licata. On lap five turn four Mike Regelman and David Crouch trade paint as the two battled for third. Tough break for Wes Miller as he looped his car in turn two on lap seven with what appeared to be a broken Axle. Pedroncelli and Licata Jr restarted the field and Licata jumped to the lead on lap eight. Pedroncelli suffered an engine problem on the restart and fell to the back of the pack. On lap ten, the top five cars were all nose to tail following Licata’s every move. Oregon driver, Keegan Walmer started from the back of the pack and was definitely the driver on the move as he was up to ninth when he suffered bad luck as his motor blew heading into turns one and two on lap 15. Licata and Regelman were set to lead the field on the restart and Licata took over the top spot again. On lap 16 turn four, Jason Philpot and Jason Bamberg battling for third collided ending Philpot’s night with right front damage. On the restart, the top four cars Licata, Regelman, Winters and Romano raced side by side for a full lap. On lap 17, Regelman gained the lead over Licata as Licata, Winters and Romano went three wide in turn four for second. A fast Winters looked multiple times to the inside of Licata and finally made a pass for the second position as the two battled for a lap. David Stricklin and Jason Bamberg collided in turn one on lap 22 bringing out the next yellow. Regelman and Winters led the field to the restart and Winters took the early lead as Jason Fensler and Licata made contact for third. David Crouch and Nik Romano got mixed up in turn two on lap 23 collecting Bamberg. Romano and Bamberg got the most damage from the wreck which ended their night short. At this time the feature was close to the race time deadline making this last restart a green, white, checkered finale. Winters got the whole shot on the restart and never looked back as Regelman couldn’t run Winters down in two short laps. Scott Winters captured the victory followed by Mike Regelman, Jason Fensler, Joey Licata Jr, and Alan Rider the final five.
Next up for the Whelen All American Modifieds Presented by Star Racing Supply is May 26th as the division heads into the first Tri Holiday Classic Series at Stockton 99 Speedway. The Modified division will kick off Memorial Day Weekend contesting a 60 lap main event. For More information on Stockton 99 Speedway or the Whelen All American Series Modifieds Presented by Star Racing Supply race series, visit www.stockton99.com website or call 209 466-9999. For more information on Star Racing Supply visit www.StarRacingSupply.com. The Racer's store is located 8581 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828 or call (916) 914-1284
| 2012 Whelen All American Series Modifieds Presented by Star Racing Supply Schedule |
|---|
| April 28th Twin 40s May 5th w/K&N 60 laps May 26th Tri Holiday Race 1 & 60 laps June 9th Twin 40s w/SRL June 16th Twin 40s June 30th Tri Holiday Race 2 & 60 laps July 21st Twin 40s August 4th Twin 40s September 1st Tri Holiday Classic Race 3 & 60 laps September 15th Twin 40s |
