STOCKTON — The Stockton 99 Speedway is hosting the Ron Strmiska Firecracker 125 featuring the Stockton Late Models, Bombers, B4’s, & Jr B4’s Sunday, July 3.
Before the night ends, a huge fireworks show will light up the sky over the racetrack.
The event honors the late Ron Strmiska Sr. Known as the “Manteca Missile,” Strmiska raced more than 30 years at Stockton 99 Speedway and was the Stockton Track Champion in 1978 and 1979.
What he cared most about was passing the love of the sport on to his family, and that is just what he did. Ron’s son, Ron Strmiska Jr., and grandson, Ross Strmiska, still carry on his legacy of love by racing at the track to this day.
Representing the team this year will be Guy Guibor, of Manteca, piloting the iconic Strmiska Racing No. 90 in the Ron Strmiska Firecracker 125.
Alongside Guy Guibor, will be Nic Belletto, of Modesto, making his long-awaited return to the historic quarter-mile track. The son of Steve Belletto, nephew of Jeff Belletto and grandson of Harry Belletto, all multi-time 99 Speedway track champions, the Belletto family name is synonymous with the 99 Speedway for over 50 years.
And it doesn’t stop there, as Escalon’s Sam Solari, Tracy’s Justin Philpott, Stockton’s Gary Shafer Jr., Granite Bay’s John Moore, Lodi’s Brandon Deide, Lathrop’s Eric “Bubba” Nascimento, and more are expected among the drivers who will be battling to take home the prestigious title of the Firecracker 125 winner.
The competition in the premier Stockton Late Model division has been fierce, with four different drivers posting wins in the last four races. Shafer, the defending track champion, once again leads the 2022 standings, but three other drivers are within 13 points of him.
The B-4 standings are just as close, with six drivers bunched within 31 points of current leader Andy Rumsey, of Stockton. Donnie Darter, of Valley Springs, will be gunning for his seventh consecutive win of the season in the Bomber class.
In addition to the on track action, Sunday race will be filled with food, family, fun and fireworks. There will be giveaways from the race teams, a hot rod car show, track parade, a watermelon eating contest on the front stretch and Patriotic Sprit Outfit contest — be sure to shine like a sparkler wearing your most Patriotic outfit displaying the All-American colors red, white, and blue.
Each contest winner will receive $100 cash, sponsored by Baker Roofing. The VIP Lounge located between turn 1 and 2 will be open to anyone who would like to upgrade their general admission ticket to premier seating to enjoy the best view of the track. Limited tickets will be available for purchase for $10 each.
The pits gates will open at 1 p.m. Followed by the main admission gate opening at 5 p.m. Cars will hit the track to begin racing at 6 p.m. To kick off the night, Happy Hour will take place from 5-6 p.m. at all beer booths. All adult beverages will be on special for $5 each.
Pit passes (all ages) are $50. Adults ages 16-59 and general admission grandstand tickets are $25. Seniors ages 60-over, junior ages 13-15, and Military with ID are $20. Kids ages 12 and under are free. All parking is free, too.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ron-strmiska-firecracker-125-stockton-late-models-bombers-b4s-jr-b4s-tickets-358610442487?aff=s99 or at the gate on race night.
Stockton 99 Speedway is located at 4105 North Wilson Way Stockton, Ca 95205. For more details visit www.Stockton99.com
