By: SRL Media Relations

Home Track Advantage Pays Off for Gaalswyk

Stockton Calif. (September 14th, 2002)—John Gaalswyk, #28, of Ripon California picked up his first career SRL Wild West Shootout victory Saturday Night at Stockton99 Speedway. Gaalswyk the 1999 Late Model Sportsman Champion at the famed quarter mile paved oval passed Greg Potts of Manteca California on the 68th lap. “I would like to thank my crew, these guys did an awesome job tonight. The car was real good on long runs, and excellent in the corners. I just had to wait it out, and be patient,” stated Gaalswyk.

Napa California’s Joey Zampa finished second behind Gaalswyk. Zampa also set fast time during qualifications with a lap of 13.912 seconds. Nathan Tucker the 2001 SRL Wild West Shootout Champion finished a solid third. “We just kept our nose clean, stayed out of trouble and finished third” Tucker said. Troy Ermish of Fremont California came home in the fourth position, followed by Trophy Dash Winner Ron Strmiska Jr. of Manteca California.

A four-car invert placed Potts on the pole for the 100 lap main event. Strmiska started on the outside of the first row with Gaalswyk and Zampa in row two. Potts was able to hold his ground heading into turn one and controlled the lead for the first 34 laps. Strmiska ran second with Gaalswyk third. The Racing began to heat up. On Lap 43 Strmiska racing for the lead with Potts and Gaalswyk spun heading into turn one to bring out a caution. Strmiska was able to stay on the lead lap at the back of the field. As the field was set to go green Potts was still the leader, followed by Gaalswyk, Zampa, Chris Wadsworth of Oakley California and Ermish.

Racing Continued as Tim Bost made a move on Ermish for fifth position. At the same time Gaalswyk was putting some serious pressure on leader Potts. On lap 68 Gaalswyk make his move, and never looked back. As the race was winding down Ermish moved back to fourth position, Strmiska made his way from the back of the field to fifth. With seven laps to go Rick Ruzbarsky of Tracy California hit the wall in turn three. Just behind Rick was a pack of cars battling for position. There was not enough room on the racetrack and Michael Carver slammed into the back of Ruzbarsky the current Rookie of the year point leader. With six laps to go, racing came to a halt as the red flag was displayed for track cleanup.

After the track was clean, and ready for racing Gaalswyk took the checkered flag to score his first career SRL Wild West Shootout Victory. Rounding out the top 10 where Potts, current points leader Jeff Anthony, Eric Holmes of Escalon California, Ed Coughenour, and Fresno’s Ray Lawson Jr.

The SRL Wild West Shootout Resumes next Saturday September 21rst on Altamont Raceways ½ mile in Tracy California.

Official Results-- Stockton99 Speedway, Stockton, CA 9/14/02

1. John Gaalswyk

2. Joey Zampa

3. Nathan Tucker

4. Troy Ermish

5. Ron Strmiska Jr.

6. Greg Potts

7. Jeff Anthony

8. Eric Holmes

9. Ed Coughenour

10. Ray Lawson Jr.

11. Howard Ford

12. Michael Carver

13. Tim Stratmeyer

14. Rick Ruzbarsky

15. Tim Bost

16. RB Bracken

17. Chris Wadsworth

18. Chad Pais

19. Bob Strandwold

20. Paul Guthmiller