Modified drivers from all over Northern California participated in round two of the Tri Holiday Classic series at Stockton 99 Speedway. This past weekend promoters Carol and Tony Nocetti put on a stellar event for the drivers and the fans including the valleys best 30 min long firework show. The NASCAR Whelen All American Modifieds Presented by Star Racing Supply division saw some surprises as well as a new division winner for 2012.
Jason Philpot showed consistency of posting fast times in practice as well as Jay Linstroth right there with him. Linstroth edged out Philpot in the last practice-qualifying session with a fast time of 14.407 seconds around the 1/4 mile oval. Followed by Scott Winters, Jason Philpot, Cody Thompson and Wes Miller the fast five. The top four fast qualified drivers were entered into the trophy dash and Jason Philpot stole the show and took home the trophy dash victory from the outside of the front row.
17 drivers entered the 60 lap main event with an invert of four picked for the division setting Thompson and Philpot on the front row. Both Thompson and Philpot battled side by side for the lead and Thompson edged out Philpot. Scott Winters and Linstroth battled for third and continued to do so for a few laps. On lap four, Nik Romano and Rich Lindgren raced hard against each other for the seventh position and Lindgren took 7th. By lap six, Thompson began to check out from the rest of the field to maintain his clean air while Philpot, Linstroth and Winters all nose to tail fighting for the second position. On lap 16, leader Thompson approached lap traffic as William Camera got spun in turn one and two. Thompson and Philpot led the field to the restart and again Thompson edged out Philpot for the early lead as Linstroth got by Philpot as well. Tough break for Scott Winters as he stopped on the front stretch with a broken drive shaft causing a yellow flag on lap 19. On the restart Linstroth got the jump on Thompson from the outside and moved out front to lead the field. On lap 35, Rich Lindgren broke into the top five as he passed Wes Miller. Lap traffic for the leader Linstroth on lap 48 allowed Thompson to close in on him. Caution flag on lap 50 as Rick Anderson spun and hit turn three and four wall. The field got ready to go green again as soon as the green flag was thrown Wes Miller spun in turn two causing Nik Romano to spin as well trying to avoid hitting the 57 car. In the meantime, Keegan Walmer 's transmission locked up leaving oil on the track. Stockton 99 officials quickly swept the track and racing was under way with 10 laps remaining. Linstroth took the early lead on the restart however, Thompson beat him to the line on lap 51 regaining the lead. Thompson went on to a .674 second victory over Jay Linstroth, Mike Reggelman, Jason Philpot and Rich Lindgren the final five. Cody Thompson has had quite the struggle returning to his modified for the 2012 season and has earned this first victory for 2012.
Next up for the NASCAR Whelen All American Modifieds Presented by Star Racing Supply is round ten, July 21st for USG Night at Stockton 99 Speedway. The division will be featuring twin 40 lap main events. For more information on Stockton 99 Speedway or the Whelen All American Modified Series presented by Star Racing Supply 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 Dr, Sacramento, CA 95828 or call 916-914-1284
