By NOAH REED

Bulletin correspondent

STOCKTON — The culmination of 15 events across seven months has set up climactic championship showdowns in the 75th anniversary season at the Stockton 99 Speedway.

From the Pure Stocks to the Pro-4 Modifieds, fans can expect a variety of tight battles in the season finale that offers double points. That being said, when the checkered flag flies over the Late Models on Saturday night, five more champions will be crowned in this historic season.

In the Stockton Late Model Division, a heated battle between two hometown heroes is set to take place. Stockton’s own

JoJo Stearns and Larry Tankersley are eyeing another track championship to add to their resumes. Stearns took the lead in the most recent race of the season and now holds a narrow three-point margin over the two-time champion of Tankersley. The duo has found themselves up front for the win more times than not in 2024, and fans can look forward to another tight battle come Saturday.

Moving to the Pure Stocks, the once clear title favorite of Lodi’s Brandon Jones may be in danger of losing the lead. After starting the first six months of the season undefeated, Jones suffered a loss to Jeremy Tucker of Stockton in the September Kids Night showdown.

Tucker had been runner-up for all but one race this season and kept himself close enough to have a shot at the title. Should any trouble befall Jones early in the event, Tucker has a chance to capitalize.

In the Legends of 99 series, Tracy native Brenden Ruzbarksy has seen it all. He has been the first to cross the line several times, but has also faced a great deal of adversity. Ruzbarsky has gone toe-to-toe with the best talent on the West Coast; 2018 SRL champion Jeremy Doss, MMI Legends Tour points leader Tyler Reif, and 2024 NorCal Legends champion Brandon White.

Now, with only one race remaining, he holds a 50-point lead to Linden’s own Wyatt Sansom. Despite entering the weekend with the advantage, Ruzbarsky's road to victory has been and continues to be far from simple.

Taking a look at the Nor Cal Mini Stocks, Jordan Mast of Manteca is primed to lock up his second consecutive championship. The Nor Cal Mini Stock drivers have put on a fantastic show each and every weekend, but Mast has stood head and shoulders above his competition.

From finding his way to victory lane to colliding with the wall after a bout with John Sproule, Mast has been through the highs and lows. However, that hasn’t stopped him from amassing over 100 points to the next driver, the largest lead in this 75th season at the Stockton 99 Speedway.

The AAA Energy Pro-4 Modifieds division features the second-closest battle for the title. Wade Eldredge, the driver from Morada, is tasked with holding off Ukiah native Mike Peterson. After a season of rotating winners, the two are separated by only nine points. Qualifying will be key in determining which driver gets the all-important points advantage prior to the green flag.

Adult tickets cost $20 for ages 16-59. Race admission for juniors between ages 11-15, Seniors ages 60 and up, along with service members carrying a Military ID are $15 each. Both parking and all children under 10 are free. Gates will open at 5 p.m. followed by racing at 6.

Lastly, these events would not be possible without the support of all of the sponsors, Michelo Ultra, Lovotti INC, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire, Raising Canes, Chase Chevrolet, J Milano Co, Baker Roofing, Masellis Drilling, Kleen Blast, Shambin Softwash, Central Valley Community Bank, KAT Country, 104.1 The Hawk, Franks Radio Service, Sunoco Race Fuels, Kelly–Moore Paints, Garton Tractor INC, and Reeve Trucking Co INC.