Stockton

Billy Vukovich at Stockton 99 Speedway in 1947.

Stockton 99 Speedway, Early Race. Note the goal posts in the infield, St. Mary's High School played football there!!

SCOTT LINESBURGH
Record Staff Writer
Published Friday, Sep 15, 2006

Chris Hunefeld has heard the rumors about auto racing at Stockton 99 Speedway next year. But he's not quite sure how those rumors began.

Hunefeld stated there are no plans for racing at the track next season, and Stockton 99 is still scheduled to close after Saturday's racing program, which begins at 6 p.m.

Chris Hunefeld also said there was no truth to the rumors that the sale of the property to land developers has been cancelled or is in jeopardy. The Hunefeld family are the majority owners of the speedway, which is finishing its 60th season.

"There's been many things said, but I can just tell you that there are no plans for any racing at Stockton 99 Speedway past (Saturday)," Hunefeld said.

Hunefeld said the rumors may have started because the property is expected to be in escrow for several months.

If the track stands vacant for an extended period of time, he said there's always a slight possibility he and his father, Bob Hunefeld, might listen to offers from racing promoters, but there has not been any proposals and he doesn't expect any.

"There's nothing going on, despite what some might hear," Hunefeld said.

"There's always rumors, you get used to hearing them. To us, this is the last race, and we're concentrating on giving the fans a great finale."

After this season, the only NASCAR track in the area will be Altamont Raceway Park.

Suspensions
Track manager Pat Patnaude announced that American Limited Stock Car drivers Darrell Hughes of Escalon and Marc Borges of Manteca have been suspended for the final night because of actions after last week's races.

Patnaude said Hughes, Borges and members of their pit crews were involved in an argument and scuffle with track officials.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department was contacted and officers came to the scene, but there were no arrests or reported injuries.

Hughes and Borges were penalized for conduct detrimental to the sport, and the members of both their pit crews have also been suspended.

Besides the track suspensions, Patnaude also sent a report to NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla.

"We just won't tolerate anyone treating our officials in a disrespectful manner," Patnaude said. "So we took appropriate action."

Attempts to contact Borges were unsuccessful.

"I believe the decision is unjust,'' Hughes said. "I didn't see anybody from my team throw a punch. We haven't had any problems there before.''

Hughes is second in the ALSC points standings, but is 102 points behind leader Chad Holman of Stockton. Borges did not figure in the points race.

Contact reporter Scott Linesburgh at (209) 546-8281 or
slinesbu@recordnet.com