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Track officials, drivers and fans were all chomping at the bit to get the 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway NASCAR racing season underway last Sunday, but they were all forced to settle for an open Play Day on Saturday afternoon due to the torrent of rain during the week that left much of the track’s parking lot better suited for a mud bog competition.
Last Friday it seemed that the Play Day would also fall victim to mother nature, but when the skies unexpectedly cleared Saturday morning the team haulers began parading through the track gates and unloading their equipment. By the end of the afternoon practice over 60 cars had turned test laps on the tight ¼ mile high-banked oval as dozens of fans enjoyed the roar of the engines up in the grandstands.
The traditional 99 Speedway afternoon opener has been rescheduled for Sunday April 9.
The program will remain the same with twin 100 lap features for the Western Late Models and the Westcar Late Model Series. The Pro 4 Trucks and American Limited Stocks, presented by HAVOLINE and C.L. BRYANT, will also be making their 2006 season debut.
This Sunday’s Western Late Model feature will be the first round of the much anticipated “HOTWOOD 1000” in which the speedway has joined forces with long time track supporter HOTWOOD and associate sponsors JM ENVIRONMENTAL and HAVOLINE, to give the drivers and their teams the chance to earn bonus prize money in a series of ten 100 lap special features that will take place throughout the 2006 season.
The excitement generated by the “HOTWOOD 1000” series and the fact that the 99 Speedway’s 2006 season will be it’s last, were the dominate topics in the pits last Saturday. These are also two of the primary reasons that several veteran drivers – not to mention fan favorites - such as Manteca’s Ron Strmiska Jr., Roseville’s Eric Schmidt, Modesto’s Kevin Gottula plus former track champions Harry Belletto of Modesto and Dave Byrd of San Jose have all decided to return to the historic 60 year old facility this season to take on the track regulars including defending Western Late Model champion. Pete Anderson Jr. of Stockton.
The pits will open at 7:00 AM this Sunday, the grandstands will open and qualifying will begin at noon, and the green flag will fall for the start of racing at 2:00 PM.
Ticket prices are $25.00 for adults, $20.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older and juniors age 13-17, $6.00 for kids age 6-12 and kids 5 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. A family ticket is also available for the bargain price of $59.99. VISA and MasterCard are accepted at Gate 2.
Of course, this Sunday’s rescheduled opening day will once again be contingent on the cooperation of the weather. Track officials are keeping a very close eye on the forecast this week and should conditions necessitate another delay, the opener will be moved to Saturday night April 15 so as not to conflict with the Easter holiday.
Due to last weekend’s postponement, track officials have scheduled an additional Play Day for Saturday afternoon April 8. The Play Day pit registration will begin at 10:00 AM, inspections at 11:00 AM and drivers can practice from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The grandstands will open at noon and admission is free.
The Stockton 99 Speedway is located just off Highway 99 at 4105 North Wilson Way. If you are traveling south on Highway 99 take the Wilson Way exit. If you are heading north on Highway 99 take the Cherokee Road exit, loop over the freeway, turn right onto Newton Road and then turn left on Wilson Way.
Stockton 99 Speedway Info/Race Line (209) 466-9999.