Stockton 99 Speedway
2005 Powder Puff
Derby
NEXT
9/17/05
The annual Powder Puff derby started 12 cars on the track and the once-a-year
drivers didn't hold anything back! The rough-and-tumble 25-lap race drew caution
after caution and even saw the number 3 car of Tamara Rider flip completely
over! No one was injured in the event and Modesto's Mary Saunders claimed the
2005 Powder Puff title. What was so incredible is that Tamara had obviously
never driven on the track, not being able to practice friday night because the
car wasn't ready, but had definite ideas on what she wanted. She had requested
the "Intimidators" #3 and as a surprise her husband had prepared a surprising
replica of the Great Man's car! She then proceeded to get the proper attire at
the 99 Speedway Souvenir Store, (where I heard this story), an did she was off
to the races. Little did she know what kind of night she was in for. As she
practiced during hot laps, she under negotiated turn 2 and climbed the wall.
Surely her night was over before it started. After quick repairs, she was back
at it and competing in the events. As reported above, she flipped the car on
it's lid and caused a lengthy delay as a fork lift was used to right the
belly-up vehicle. It was flat as a pancake. But obviously, the Intimidator was
watching, (remembering his famous "Crash Car" day when he returned to finish the
race after barrel rolling down the front stretch at Daytona, then finishing the
race), and somebody tried staring Tamara's #3's engine. It started and to the
amazement of the crowd #3 was back!! She even participated in the nose to wall
group burn-out the Powder Puffer's celebrated with. Nobody was more surprised
than myself after meeting this demur mother who was going to race in the "Powder
Puff"!