Big names slated to appear at 99

Stockton 99 Speedway is expecting an increased car count in two divisions when the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series resumes tonight.

Twin 50-lap main events are scheduled in the Western Late Model division, and with it, twin names: Strmiska and Philpott. Ross Strmiska of Stockton and a driver to be named are slated to be behind the wheel of two cars fielded by the legendary Strmiska family of Manteca.

The equally legendary Philpott family of Tracy also is scheduled to have two cars on the quarter-mile paved oval, according to promoter Tony Noceti. Justin Philpott won the main event last Saturday night.

Modesto drivers Kyle Gottula and Todd Corral also are scheduled to race.

"The car count is going up," Noceti said. "We're looking at the largest field this year, due to the level of competition."

Meanwhile, the Street Stock division is looking at its largest field of the season, now that it has been combined with the American Limited Stock Car class. The differences in the classes are parts, body panels and weight distribution. Now they're one.

Stockton 99 officials made one other change this week, moving back the first green flag to 6 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for ages 16-59. Tickets cost $10 for seniors 60 and up, juniors 11-15 and military personnel showing an ID. Family admission (two general, two juniors) is $40, and kids 10 and under get in for free.