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NASCAR GRAND NATIONAL DIVISION, WEST SERIES
Source: NASCAR Public Relations
Date: 05/24/2004
NEWS & NOTES
- The race ... This event is the fourth of 13 races on the series schedule for 2004. It marks a change of pace for the drivers and teams, going from the longest track on the schedule (the 2-mile California Speedway) to the shortest.
- The track ... Stockton 99 Speedway is a quarter-mile paved oval with blended banking of up to 14 degrees in turns one and two and up to 17 degrees in turns three and four. The track has hosted 15 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series races.
- Bonus money ... The championship standings will have added emphasis at Stockton. A combined $50,000 in prize money will be paid out through the first portion of the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series Leader Bonus Program to the top 15 drivers in the championship standings following this event.
- Back from Busch ... Defending series champion Scott Lynch (No. 08 Yerf-Dog/Orleans Racing Dodge) returns to series competition after taking advantage of an off-weekend earlier this month to race in the NASCAR Busch Series.
- Local talent ... West Series events at Stockton often attract entries from local competitors. Area drivers who have indicated they plan to compete in this event include John Moore (No. 20 JM Environmental Chevrolet) of Granite Bay, Troy Shirk (No. 86 JME Motorsports Chevrolet) of Oakley and Buzz DeVore (No. 45 Reynoso Concrete Ford) of Stockton.
- Last year's event ... A spring race was not held at Stockton in 2003. In fact, this is the first year since 1966 that the West Series will visit the historic quarter-mile oval twice in one season.
- Top names ... The list of winners in series competition at Stockton 99 Speedway includes some very well known drivers. Jack McCoy tops the list with four victories, while Dick Bown and Jim Bown each had two wins. Well-known drivers from the past with one series victory on the historic track include Ivan Baldwin, Jim Insolo, Marvin Porter, Johnny Steele and Tim Williamson.
- Most poles ... McCoy was dominant in terms of qualifying, winning five Bud Pole Awards at Stockton. Jim Bown follows on that list with two.
- Most money ... The 2002 race winner, Johnny Borneman (No. 8 Borneman Plastering/Red Line Oil Ford), leads the list of money winners in series competition at Stockton, with $15,726.
- Out front ...McCoy led the most laps of competition at Stockton in the modern era of the series (1971-present). He led in three different races, for a total of 261 laps.
- How they compare ... Among drivers who have competed in four or more series races at Stockton, the late Jim Robinson had the best average finish of 3.5 in four races. Ray Elder is second on the list with an average finish of 4.5 in four races, with Hershel McGriff close behind with an average of 4.6 in five races.
- Top fives ... Two drivers scored top-five finishes in the past two West Series races at Stockton. In addition to his victory in 2002, Borneman finished fifth last year. Mike David (No. 2 Bennett Lane Winery Ford) finished third in both races, meanwhile.
- Dodge dominance ... With five wins, a Dodge has been in victory lane at Stockton more than any other manufacturer.
- Overtime ... Late-race cautions forced the last two series races at Stockton to be extended beyond the scheduled distance for a green-white-checkered finish.
- Stat of the race ... Eight of the last nine winners at Stockton started the race from the front row.
- Leading the pack ... Mike Duncan (No. 9 Lucas Oil Chevrolet) has led the most laps of competition so far this year in the West Series. He has led in all three races, accumulating 123 laps on the point.
- Going the distance ... Scott Gaylord (No. 00 Oliver Gravity Separators/Denver Seminary Chevrolet) is the only driver to complete all 401 laps of competition in the first three races this season.
- Best average finish ... Gaylord has the best average finish among drivers who have run all three races. His average finish in the three races is 5.00 - compared to David and David Gilliland (No. 88 Honda Cars of Corona Chevrolet), who each have an average of 6.00.
- Leading rookie ... Gilliland has taken an early lead in this year's competition for the Auto Meter Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series. He was the top finishing rookie in the three races completed so far.
BIRTHDAYS
Drivers celebrating a birthday during the upcoming month of June include Jason Small, who turns 25 on the 7th; Kevin Richards, who turns 42 on the 13th; Brett Thompson, who turns 27 on the 17th; Tim Smith, who turns 36 on the 19th; Alfredo Tame, who turns 30 on the 28th; and Johnny Borneman, who turns 27 on the 30th
FROM THE ARCHIVES
On May 15, 1971, Jack McCoy charged from seventh on the grid to edge Ray Elder and win a 150-lap NASCAR (Western Grand National) race at Stockton 99 Speedway.
FAST FACTS
- What: Havoline/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Stockton 99 Speedway Dodge Country,
NASCAR Grand National Division, Winston West Series Race #4 of 13
- Where:
- Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, Calif.
- When:
- 8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 29.
- Track layout:
- .25-mile paved oval.
- Distance:
- 150 Laps, 37.5 miles.
- Posted Awards:
- $98,472
- 2003 winner:
- Event not held.
- 2003 polesitter:
- Event not held.
- Pre-race schedule:
- Friday - Optional Practice, 1-8 p.m.
Saturday - Practice, Noon-12:45 p.m., 1:15-2 p.m. Qualifying, 5:30 p.m. Note: Times subject to change.
- Field:
- 22 cars possible. Fastest 18 through time trials. Two provisional positions based on 2004 West Series championship owner point standings, one additional position based on 2004 West Series championship driver standings, one provisional starting position to series champion.
- Records:
- Qualifying: Austin Cameron, Aug. 16, 2003, 63.672 mph, 14.135 sec.; Race: Dick Bown, May 13, 1972, 56.250 mph, 40 min
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