Thrilling Finale Crowns New Champions at Stockton 99 Speedway

The Stockton 99 Speedway witnessed a night of high-octane drama and exhilarating finishes as the 2024 season reached its climactic conclusion. Drivers from across the region converged on the historic oval, battling for the coveted championship titles in various divisions. From the intense Pro Late Model showdown to the nail-biting Pure Stock finale, the action on the track kept the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the evening.

Capturing the Checkered Flag and the Crown: A Season-Defining Night at Stockton 99 Speedway

Pro Late Model Division: Gaalswyk Dominates, Stearns Secures Championship

The Pro Late Model feature race was a tale of two stories. Hank Gaalswyk, the third-generation driver from Ripon, delivered a commanding performance, cruising to victory after a prolonged side-by-side battle with Galt's Chris Monez. Gaalswyk's triumph was a testament to the hard work and dedication of his family-run Gaalswyk Racing team, who had been chasing this elusive win for the past five years.Meanwhile, Stockton's JoJo Stearns, who had entered the night with a comfortable points lead, faced unexpected challenges with his car's brakes. Despite the issues, Stearns displayed remarkable resilience, nursing his ailing machine to a sixth-place finish, which was enough to secure the Pro Late Model season championship. Stearns' championship triumph was the culmination of a season-long effort, and he now sets his sights on completing the double by capturing the Stockton Late Model division crown in the season finale.

Grand American Modified Division: Winters Wraps Up Title with Dominant Victory

In the Grand American Modified division, Tracy's Scott Winters entered the night with a considerable points advantage, needing only to start the race to wrap up the title. Winters not only started the race but also delivered a dominant performance, leading wire-to-wire to claim the victory and the championship. Winters' success at the 99 Speedway this season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team, who have provided him with a consistently competitive car.

Pure Stock Division: Jones Secures Title, Battles Father in Thrilling Feature

The Pure Stock division saw a family affair as Lodi's Brandon Jones, who had a commanding points lead, took on his father, Bryan Jones, in the 20-lap feature race. Brandon Jones immediately seized the lead and never looked back, crossing the finish line over five seconds ahead of his father. With his closest competitor, Jeremy Tucker of Stockton, failing to make the race, Brandon Jones needs only to start the season finale to lock down the Pure Stock championship.

Mini Stock Division: Rumsey Prevails in Dramatic Race Marred by Oil Spill

The Mini Stock feature race was a rollercoaster of emotions. Manteca's Joe Flowers had jumped out to the lead, but his hopes were dashed when he blew an engine on lap 13, spilling oil all over the track and causing a lengthy red flag period. When the race resumed, Stockton's Ethan Rumsey and season points leader Jordan Mast, also of Manteca, engaged in a thrilling battle for the lead. Rumsey ultimately prevailed, securing his fourth win of the season, while Mast's championship aspirations remained intact.

NorCal Dwarf Series: Shrum Holds Off Grenert and Geils in Intense Battle

The visiting NorCal Dwarf Series provided the fans with edge-of-your-seat action throughout the 25-lap feature race. Lincoln's Dylan Shrum, Fairfield's Mike Grenert, and Auburn's Dan Geils engaged in a captivating three-way battle for the lead, with Shrum ultimately emerging victorious after fending off his determined rivals.As the curtain falls on the 2024 season at the Stockton 99 Speedway, the stage is set for a thrilling championship finale on October 19th. Drivers from the Stockton Late Models, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Legends of 99, and Pro-4 Modifieds will converge on the historic oval, each vying to etch their names in the record books and cement their legacies as champions of the 99 Speedway.