After a weekend, two weeks ago, of Event-changing weather, which postponed the original date for this race, the light comes to shine, once again, on Saturday, June 18th when the SRL Spears Southwest Tour Series Late Models roll onto the high-banks for their first appearance of the year in the Mid Valley Iron & Metals 150. With little doubt, this is one of the finest touring series on the West Coast. This is one you definitely don’t want to miss. So come early because the Old Girl is going to be full to the brim. Also on the Ticket for the Event will be the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Western Late Models, Super Stocks, Bombers and the Mini Cups.
The SRL has a familiar face heading the field in to Stockton this year, and that face comes in the form of M.K. Kanke (33) of Frazier Park. After three races so far this Season, he leads the youngster, Jacob Gomes (16) of Manteca, by a slim four points (500-496). At this point, both drivers are sitting on a win and both drivers have plenty experience on the tight quarter-mile. However, lurking around another six points off the pace, Jim Pettit II (03) of Prunedale, has felt the magic of circling Stockton 99 Speedway for many years. And, to have him that close in the rearview mirror has to be unsettling, to say the least. This promises to be a fantastic battle with a fantastic star-studded field.
Six races into the Season, Modesto’s Jeff Belletto (12x) has three wins to his credit in the Western Late Model Division, which has enabled him to retain the Points Lead and increase it to twenty over now second place, Dave Byrd (78) of Seaside (282-262). Sitting another fourteen points in arrears, Modesto’s Mike Beeler (6) is enjoying a great Season of his own through consistency and perseverance. With much time left on the year, you can already feel the intensity moving up the scale.
In the Super Stocks, due to mechanical issues, Rich Harper (5) of Stockton lost his lead last week and it is now West Modesto’s Garland Tyler (73) with a five point lead in the Division (431-426). Another twenty-two points back, Hughson’s Mike Graham (93) sits in third and is poised to pounce should one or both of the front-runners falter. This is the tightest Points Race in this Division in quite some time, perhaps ever.
Despite suffering a set-back last week, Jeremy Tucker (351) of Stockton still managed to hold onto the Points Lead in the Bomber Division by nineteen points over second place runner, Mike Massone (007), also of Stockton. A mere two points off second, Stockton’s Tony Karsting (312) has quietly made his way to third. Stay tuned to this one, it’s going to get really good before it’s over.
The Mini Cups return for their fourth appearance this year, and so far, it’s been all about 2010 Champ Cody Johnston (50) of Stockton. He leads by forty-six points over Bryce Napier (03) of Scotts Valley (144-98). Another two points back, Lodi’s Jackson Ezell (15) owns va win this year. Look for Johnston to continue his dominance in the Division.
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+) $25
Juniors (11-15) $20
Kids 10 & Under FREE
Seniors (60+) $15
Military (W/ Military ID) $15
Family (2 General + 2 Junior’s) $70
FRIDAY PRACTICE: Event Testing. SRL, Western Late Models, Super Stocks, Bombers and Mini Cups only on June 17th for Friday Night Oval Testing. In an effort to keep costs down for the fans and drivers with the rising costs of operations, it has become necessary to keep the grandstands closed on practice day.
The New Stockton 99 Speedway is located at 4105 N. Wilson Way, ¼-mile west of Highway 99. For more information on tickets and times, please contact the Speedway Office at (209)466-9999 or visit their Website at www.stockton99.com.
The New Stockton 99 Speedway is sponsored by Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel, California Welding Supply, Budweiser, Alamo Alarm and Stockton Hampton Inn and Suites and Lodi Holiday Express.
Photos courtesy of Jessica McAnelly from Jessie’s Fast Photos.