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Stockton 99 Is Back
Track to re-open in March '09Historic Stockton 99 Speedway is returning to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Track promoters Carol and Tony Noceti announced during a press conference Friday, that the Stockton, Calif. track — which has been closed for the past two years — will re-open in March 2009.
“This re-opening has generated enthusiasm in the community that words cannot express,” Carol Noceti said. “My husband and I feel blessed that we are able to be the ones that make it happen. It’s a privilege and an honor.”
Stockton 99 originally opened in 1947 and joined NASCAR in 1955. It was the longest-running NASCAR-sanctioned track in the West until it closed in September 2006.
“We are very pleased to see NASCAR racing back at Stockton 99 Speedway,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations. “The track is steeped in tradition, and we look forward to working with Carol and Tony Noceti to bring the great competition and exciting racing that is the hallmark of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series to Stockton.”
The quarter-mile asphalt oval will feature Western Late Models as the premier division. The track also will run Grand American Modifieds, Street Stocks and a Bomber division.
Stockton 99 will become the fifth NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track in California. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is the grassroots, short-track level that serves as the foundation of NASCAR.
“We’re elated that NASCAR racing will return to Stockton 99 and the greater Stockton area,” said Ken Clapp, veteran track promoter and former NASCAR executive.
The track’s legacy includes a long list of great drivers. Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ernie Irvan got his start there in 1975 while he was still in high school. He won 15 races and the track championship in 1977.
Stockton 99 is the home track for the last three NASCAR Camping World Series West champions. Mike David, the 2006 champion, began racing in 1993 in the modified class. He won the Late Model rookie of the year in 1994. Eric Holmes, who recently added the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West title to the one he won in 2006, ran Late Models at Stockton 99.
Three-time track champion Harry Belletto is the track’s winningest active driver. He will be joined on the Stockton 99 oval next year by his son Jeff and grandson Nic. Harry’s son Steve, now an engine builder, won two track championships as a driver. Guy Guibor won the Stockton 99 Western Late Model title in 2006.
For more information on Stockton 99, please visit the track’s official Web site, www.stockton99.com.
