STOCKTON, California — Last Saturday night was the 30 lap Summer Shoot out race for the 2012 USAC NorCal Ignite Midget series at Stockton 99 Speedway. The division headed into round seven with new drivers participating in the series providing exciting racing action. The division's newest driver and youngest driver, Cole Glasson from Texas debuted his first race in the Midget rookie program with restrictors. The new rookie program will consist of allowing young racers 12 and up to start in the back of each race to gain experience and learn the race car. Once the young drivers complete a few tasks they will then be approved to run without restrictions in the big class. Heading into this event Garret Peterson leads the way in points with a 49 point advantage over Ricky Bowers.
Garrett Peterson has claimed all six victories thus far for the 2012 USAC Ignite Midget Series and looks to continue his winning streak. This time however, Peterson was not fast out of the box as Ricky Bowers claimed fast time in the first practice and Tyler Edwards in the second practice. Peterson set fast time in qualifying with a time of 13.665 seconds followed by Ricky Bowers, Tyler Edwards, Molly Helmuth and Sheldon Didinger the fast five. The top four drivers were invited to run in the four lap trophy dash and Tyler Edwards took home his second consecutive dash victory.
No invert was set for the 30 lap feature with Peterson and Bowers set to lead the field to the green flag. Peterson jumped to an early lead and contact was made with Helmuth which sent her spinning on the front stretch and Didinger gaining some air as he climbed her tires. All cars had no physical damages and were set to restart. Peterson took the early lead again and Didinger from the back had gained two positions within the first lap. As the top four cars all nose to tail the next battle was for Fifth with Didinger looking on Shawn Buckley. By lap five, Didinger took over the fifth position and began to set his sights on the lead pack. Tough break for Molly Helmuth as she pulled off track on lap 12 with motor problems. Didinger got loose and spun in turn four on lap 15 bringing out the yellow flag. Peterson took the lead as Bowers and Edwards battle for second. On lap 19, Edwards crossed up Bowers in turn three and claimed the second position. Garret Peterson went on to a 1.963 second victory over Tyler Edwards, Ricky Bowers, Sheldon Didinger and Collin Milroy the final five.
Next up for the drivers is race number eight a 30 lap feature at Stockton 99 speedway. Drivers regroup from the seventh race of the season making changes to improve for the next event.
For more information about the USAC NorCal Focus Midgets Series can be found at www.NorcalFocusMidgets.com. Stay up to date with the series on their facebook page by searching NorCal Focus Midgets.
About USAC NorCal Focus Midgets
How can the Star USAC Norcal Focus Midget Series be affordable? Two races at each event for the same cost as one entry fee, set of pit passes and set of tires. The Long Blocks cost $2500 and the engines last for 3-4 years with no rebuilds. The engine cost works out to under $25 a day and tires are long lasting, thus, estimating $3100 total annual tire budget. There are many great used cars for sale in the marketplace for $10-$15,000 turn-key. Free help online can be found at www.FocusMidgetResource.com.
Star Racing Supply is the new Stockton 99 Track Vendor, with a physical store at the track offering over 400 brands of racing parts & supplies. Star Racing Supply is the official source for tires & fuel and is the Focus Midget headquarters for Northern California. Star Racing Supply offers 2 brands of Focus Midget chassis, KPC & Spike including a full fabrication shop, plus all the parts and materials to build, race & maintain Midget race cars.
For More information on Stockton 99 Speedway visit www.stockton99.com website or call 209 466-9999. For more information about the USAC NorCal Focus Midget series visit the website at www.NorcalFocusMidgets.com. For details on test-n-tune days and Midget test drives, contact Ron Sutton at 916.834.8051. For new & used cars, parts or supplies visit the www.StarRacingSupply.com website; The Racer's store is located at 8581 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828 or call (916) 914-1284
