The West Coast Enduros Went A-Splishin And A-Splashin For 199 Laps Of Wet And Wild Pleasure
The New Stockton 99 Speedway Media Release – 4-15-2010
Media Relations – David Holman
On Saturday, April 24th, the NASCAR Whelen All American Grand American Modifieds and Street Stocks hit the lightning-fast racing surface to wage all-out war. Also on the agenda for the event were the WSRA Baby Grands & Mini Cups, Basically-4-Cylinders, and 199-Laps of wet and wild excitement with the West Coast Enduros.
A stellar field of Street Stocks from all over Central California converged on the high-banks of the Little Bristol of the West and brought with them some absolutely great racing on this night. Stockton’s own Richard Harper (5) and Lodi’s Robert Daniel (17) paced the field around to greet the green flag with Daniel grabbing the top spot early on only to surrender it to Escalon’s Brock Monroe (42) on lap 8. Monroe would hold off all challenges, great and small, as this appeared to be his race, until lap 47 when fellow Escalonian and current Points Leader, Sammy Solari (79), went screaming by on his way to the checkers and his third win in a row. “This is the way I like to race,” said the always confident Solari, “It’s always more fun when someone is there to challenge you.” Monroe held on to finish what was most likely a disappointing second with Benn Lewis II (22) of Stockton on the podium in third. Daniel fell off the pace a bit but still managed a fourth while Garland Tyler (73), in his first appearance at the track in several years, had a great homecoming finishing fifth.
The Grand American Modifieds hit the speedy asphalt with a rather slight car-count, but nonetheless, they were ready to go for the gold. Larry Tankersley (96) of Stockton and Kyle Dickerson (14) of Manteca faced off in this head-to-head battle with Tankersley leading wire-to-wire for the victory. Of course, Dickerson finished a close second.
In the Basically-4-Cylinder Division, the #61 of Kelle Bobbitt and the #28 of Modesto’s Tommy Wood brought the pack to green from the front row. However, by time they came around to lap 1, Modesto’s JD Silva had jumped below the front two and snagged the early lead. Silva would show some strength until lap 8 when the #14 of Bobby Johnson powered by to take ownership of that all-important real estate out front. On lap 25 Silva would return the favor, but that favor would be short-lived as the #61 of Kelle Bobbitt breezed by both drivers and held on to the checkers for his first win at the Speedway. “That was a good race for us,” said Bobbitt, “we had a lot of fun.” Johnson held strong to finish second with Richard Hull (23) of Modesto making his way to the podium in third. After showing early promise, Silva would have to settle for fourth while Wood rounded out the top five.
The Baby Grands were back in action for their first appearance of the year. This one got underway with William Camara (20) of Fremont starting on pole and David Napier (29) of Scotts Valley at his side. Camara grabbed the holeshot going down into one and held position until lap 6 when Jarrett Kelly worked his way by to the lead. From that point forward it would be all Kelly, despite the occasional gnawing at his back bumper from several challengers, as he roared below the checkers for the victory. “This was a lot of fun,” said the fifteen year old Camara, “I would like to thank everyone who helps me on the car.” The #18 of Manteca’s Josh Gomes worked his way up from P5 on the starting grid to finish second while Modesto’s Michael Ray (46) finished on the podium in third. Chase Grigsby (14) of Rio Linda and Napier finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
The Mini Cups rolled out onto the racing surface with Danny Allen (24) of Lincoln and the #03 of Scotts Valley’s Bryce Napier leading the field to the stripe. Allen jumped out to claim the number one slot where he would remain throughout the entire race going flag to flag for a very impressive win over an equally talented group of drivers. “It’s always fun to win,” said the ten year old Allen, “I want to thank everyone who helps out.” Napier held on to finish a strong second with Tommy McCarthy (23) of Mt. View bringing her home in third. Zackery Case (5), all the way from San Jose, managed a fourth place finish while Adrian Wilson (33) of Galt came home fifth.
Much to the approval of the fans in the stands, the splash-happy Enduros were back in action for the third time this year. Bakersfield’s Ryan Daves (22R) got this one underway from P1 with the #7 of Chris Lancaster flanking him to the right. Daves jumped out at the drop of the green flag and paced the field until lap 10 when Ryan Strmiska (98) of Manteca’s famous racing family, slid by to capture the point where he flexed his racing muscles over the next ninety laps until the competition yellow went flying on lap 100 to give the teams an opportunity to refuel and repair. When the green flag, once again, went waving, Strmiska resumed his position out front with a couple exciting exchanges between himself and Lancaster until lap 156 when Lancaster decided it was his turn to take control this race. And control he did as he led the final forty-three laps in dominating fashion as he came out of turn four sliding beneath the checkers for the wet and wild victory. “I’m really happy to finally win one out here,” said Lancaster, “this was a lot of fun tonight.” Strmiska crossed the finish line almost a lap behind the leader in what was most definitely a disappointment for him on the night. Daves slipped back a bit, but still managed a very respectable third with Lodi Superstar David Papst Jr. running a solid fourth. Adam Baggett, (24x) of Lodi, rounded out the top five.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next Saturday, May 1st, when Stockton 99 presents Open-Wheel Night At The Speedway with the USAC Western Sprint Cars, NCMA Sprint Cars, USAC Western Midgets, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, and USAC Jr Ford Focus Midgets.
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 Lodi Hampton Inn and Suites.
