After the longest rain season anyone can remember it looks like summer has actually arrived and the racing season can really get going. On June 11th, Stockton 99 Speedway presents the NASCAR Whelen All American Series on USG Night at the Races with the Western Late Models in Twin 50s, Grand American Modifieds, Super Stocks, Bombers and Basically-4- Cylinders. Also of note on this night: Since the schedule had to be reshuffled to accommodate the SRL Southwest Tour’s rain-out, Father’s Day at the Speedway will be observed this weekend, which equates to all fathers being admitted free of charge. That, alone, is worth the price of admission. And, of course, this promises to be a great night of racing as well.
In the Western Late Models, Modesto’s second generation driver Jeff Belletto (12) continues to ride high at the top of the Charts. His lead has grown, if only slightly, to 14 points over third generation driver and 2009 WLM Champ, Justin Philpott (05) of Tracy (190-176). Seaside’s Legendary driver, Dave Byrd (78), sits another 6 points back in third. However, with Twin 50’s on the card, anything can happen and everything can change in the blink of an eye. Expect the same great, hard-nosed racing we’ve become accustomed to with the Top Ten separated by only 74 points.
With car-counts up this year, the Grand American Modified Division is enjoying some of the best racing over the last three years. Modified Sensation, Wes Miller (57) of Turlock boasts a great Season so far with two wins and a 30 point lead over second place Nicholas Lyons (11x) of Lincoln (176-146). On the podium in third, Andy Vanderveer (49) of Santa Rosa sits, minus another 16 points. These drivers have some catching up to do, but it is still early in the Season and the possibilities are endless.
Stockton’s own Richard Harper (5) has raised himself to the top tier of the podium in the Super Stocks by his undeniable consistency. His lead over West Modesto’s Garland Tyler (73) now rests at a close 10 points (386-376). Mike Graham (93) of Hughson sits another 16 points down in third. These racers put on an absolutely great show, and anyone can win on any given week. Look for the points in this Division to continue to fluctuate, but remain extremely tight.
In the Bombers, Jeremy Tucker (351) of Stockton, by virtue of his two wins, remains on the top rung in this Division. His lead is now 10 points over second place driver Mike Massone (007) of Linden (213-203). Stockton’s Tony Karsting (312) is perched firmly on the third rung another 10 points back. This is another Division where the points will remain tight all the way through to the end, barring catastrophe.
What a wonderful surprise the Basically-4-Cylinders have been this year. Car-counts are up and so is the competition. Joseph Reichmuth (6) of Manteca heads the field with a perfect four for four on the Season. He leads up-and-coming young star and third generation driver from Manteca, Matt Anderson (5) by 19 points (239-210). Sitting another 4 points back, 2010 Champ Larry Toon (88) of Modesto, driving a new car this year, is starting to shake out the handling kinks and is coming on strong. With Reichmuth’s dominance so far this year, someone will have to step up to the plate and, at the same time, hope the #6 falters or this might just be a long year for the rest of the pack.
Pit Gates open and registration begins at noon with practice commencing at 2:00 PM. The Grandstands open at 4:00 PM with qualifying set for 4:00 PM and green flag racing slated for 6:00 PM. Ticket prices for the evening will be as follows:
General Admission (16+) $15
Juniors (11-15) $10
Kids 10 & Under FREE
Seniors (60+) $10
Military (W/ Military ID) $10
Family $40
(2 General + 2 Junior’s)
Stockton 99 Speedway Press Release.
Photos courtesy of Jessica McAnelly from Jessie’s Fast Photos.