Late Models Star In Twin 100’s At Stockton 99 Speedway On Saturday
The holidays are
traditionally big weekends for racing and they don’t come any bigger than
Saturday’s May 27th Memorial holiday weekend program at Stockton’s 99
Speedway as the Havoline Western Late Models, featuring round #4 of the HOTWOOD
1000 Series by JM Environmental, and the West Car Series Late Models take on the
high-banked ¼ mile in twin 100 lap features.
The battle for the 2006 Havoline Western Late Model track championship at Stockton is quickly becoming one of the most competitive in its 60-year history having already produced five different winners in five races.
Chowchilla’s Eric Humphries.
(left),
exciting wire-to-wire victory in last Saturday’s
Western Late Model race
completely reshuffled the top of the season standings. Former track champion
Dave Byrd, (right), of Pacific Grove now leads the pack, but Humphries, defending track
champion Pete Anderson Jr., (lower left), of Stockton, Guy Guibor of Manteca and NASCAR
diversity driver Pete Hernandez of Chicago, Illinois are all within just seven
points of Byrd.
Several other drivers who
are still within striking distance of the leaders - including Stockton’s.JPG)
Ron Strmiska Jr., Mark Holeman of Los Altos, Salida’s Sam Solari, Oakdale’s Joey
Stearns, former two-time track champion, Harry Belletto of Modesto and the
father son dual of David, (right), and Justin Philpott of Tracy - are also all expected to be
racing on Saturday night.
The 2006 prize money for
the Havoline Western Late Models, which was already
the richest in the history
of the speedway, has now grown even larger. Promoter Ken Clapp recently
announced that the special season prize fund for the HOTWOOD 1000 series has
been increased to $25,750 and for any Western Late Model event with 30 or more
cars the total payout will be over $15,000 with $2,500 going to the winner!
Stockton fans have eagerly
awaited the return of the popular West Car Late Models after the Northern
California touring series put on a spectacular opening day show back on April 9
in which newcomer Byron Gonzalez of Carmichael scored a dramatic late race
victory. Gonzalez, Troy Shirk of Oakdale and Gary
Glenn of Orangevale are all
tied at the top of the West Car Series standings after two races of 11 scheduled
events in 2006. Other drivers in the series familiar to Stockton fans include
Roseville’s Eric Schmidt, Turlock’s Chris Monez, Stockton’s Gary Shafer Jr. and
Roseville’s Shannon Mansch.
In addition to the Western
and West Car Late Model features, the American Limited Stocks and Pro 4 Trucks
presented by C.L. Bryant will also be racing on Saturday.
Both of these series have tight points battles raging as well. Escalon’s #28, Darrell Hughes leads the American Limited Stock standings and Lathrop’s Mark Henslee holds a slim lead in the Trucks.
If you are a fan of the late models you don’t want to miss this show. So come out early this Saturday to make sure you get your favorite spot as Stockton’s 99 Speedway continues its season long celebration of 60 years of thunder and excitement.
TIMES AND PRICES FOR 5-27-06
· 11:30 -2:30 PITS OPEN FOR HAULERS AND REGISTRATION
· 2:30 – 4:30 PRACTICE
· 3:00 PM GRANDSTANDS OPEN
· 4:30 QUALIFYING
· 6:00 PM NATIONAL ANTHEM
· 6:10 GREEN FLAG FIRST RACE
PRICES
· ADULTS $30.00
· FAMILY PACK $59.99 2 ADULTS AND UP TO 4 KIDS 12 AND UNDER
· SENIORS $20.00 65+
· JUNIORS $15.00 12 – 17 YEARS OLD
· KIDS $5.00 6 – 12 YEARS OLD
· KIDS 5 AND UNDER ARE FREE WITH A PAYING ADULT
MASTER CARD AND VISA ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED AT GATE NUMBER 2
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.
