After a one-week weather delay, round two of this season’s racing will roar into Stockton on Saturday, May 3 at the Stockton 99 Speedway with the season debut of the Pro Late Models and NCMA Sprint Cars.
The reigning Pro Late Model champion, JoJo Stearns of Stockton, could return to defend the title. However, the Stearns Racing entry also geared up to compete at new tracks across California.
Stearns is coming off the SPEARS CARS Tour race weekend in Roseville. He finished 13th in a field of 25 cars after the 100-lap feature was cut short.
Ripon’s Henk Gaalswyk and Justin Philpott of Tracy both scored feature wins last season. These two perennial contenders are tied to historic racing families who have found success for years.
Philpott himself is a three-time Stockton champion, while his father David has won two titles. As for Henk, his brother Seth is a Kaulig Racing crew member for their NASCAR Cup Series team.
This weekend also will showcase the history of the NCMA series, the oldest non-profit SPEC Sprint Car series in California. The NCMA Sprint Cars has operated for 37 seasons.
It is the only outlet for drivers racing non-winged pavement sprint cars. It has transformed into an homage to former open-wheel stars, running classic cars driven by legends like Johnny Brazil.
Third-generation driver, 10-time USAC champion and film stunt driver Tony Hunt won the most recent NCMA event at Madera Speedway. David Dias and Jerry Kobza completed the podium.
In the Grand American Modifieds division, Tracy native Scott Winters is the defending champ. Expect his iconic red and yellow Ferrari Farms and Panella Motorsports machine to be up front.
The Nor Cal Mini Stock drivers are set for their second race of 2025. Manteca’s Joe Flowers won on opening day in March, besting Stockton’s own Ethan Rumsey by less than half a second.
Legends cars have rumbled across Stockton 99’s surface already in 2025, but this will be the first points race for the Legends of 99 locals. Brenden Ruzbarsky won last year’s title by 46 points.
Ruzbarsky has had a hot start to the 2025 season. He’s picked up a trio of MMI Legends trophies at Kevin Harvick’s Kern County Raceway, Havasu 95 Speedway and All American Speedway.
Pit gates open for crew members at 2 p.m. while admission gates open Saturday, May 3 at 5 p.m.
The opening ceremonies and racing are set to start at 6 p.m.
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.
The Stockton 99 Speedway is now offering a $55 Family 4 Pack. This package covers the price of admission of two adults and two Jr. tickets.
Children under the age of 10 and parking at all Stockton 99 Speedway events are free. Check out the Stockton99.com website for the full schedule 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.
