STOCKTON — The Stockton 99 Speedway celebrates 76 years of racing in the opening race of the season on Saturday.
The oldest operating race track west of the Mississippi welcomes its first of 17 events in 2025 when the Stockton Late Models, Nor Cal Mini Stocks, Legends of 99, Pure Stocks and Fast Kar Solutions Mini Modifieds will take on the quarter-mile track.
In the Stockton Late Model division, expect another dogfight between the local legends Larry Tankersley and JoJo Stearns, whose battle for the championship came down to just one point last season.
Tankersley was able to hold off a hard charge from Stearns late in 2024 to claim his second straight title and Stearns, who captured the 2024 Pro Late Model championship, came up just short of sweeping both Late Model titles.
The Nor Cal Mini Stocks saw Manteca driver Jordan Mast take home his second consecutive championship trophy in 2024. However, Mast will not be competing at Stockton in 2025 as he transitions to Las Vegas, which opens the door to a wide array of drivers who performed well behind him.
Keep an eye on Natalie Harper of Stockton — she wheeled her No. 5h car to second in points without a race win.
Also, Manteca teammates Josh Cross and Joe Flowers, both former two-time division champions, will be strong contenders, if they choose to compete full time this season.
As for the Legends of 99, reigning champion Brenden Ruzbarsky of Tracy returns to defend his crown. His 51 Enterprise cars ran well in the most recent race at Kevin Harvick's Kern County Raceway, earning top ten runs.
The 2024 Pure Stock season saw Brandon Jones of Lodi defeat Stockton’s Jeremy Tucker. These drivers traded the top two spots consistently last season and anticipate more of the same in 2025.
Finally, the Pro-4 Modified class has been rebranded into the Fast Kar Solutions Mini Modifieds. Morada native Wade Eldredge beat Mike Peterson of Ukiah by 15 points last season.
Adult tickets for the season opener can be purchased for $20 at the front gate. Ages 11-15, seniors and military members with a valid ID can get tickets for $15.
Children under the age of 10 and parking at all Stockton 99 Speedway events are free. Check out the Stockton99.com and www.stocktondirttrack.com websites for the full schedules and more information.
Stockton 99 Speedway also thanks its sponsors Black Oak Casino Resort, Tracy Ford, Raising Cane’s, Bass Pro Shops, N&S Tractors, Lovotti Incorporated, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire, J. Milano Co., Masellis Drilling, Kleen Blast, Shamblin Softwash, Central Valley Community Bank, KAT Country 103, Franks Radio Services, 104.1 The Hawk, Sunoco Race Fuels and Garton Tractor.
