Stockton 99 Speedway
2005 Powder Puff Derby
9/17/05
BACK
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 #91, 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), and 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). Somebody tried starting 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 about this performance than myself after meeting this demur mother who was going to race in the "Powder Puff"!
