RACE DATE: Saturday, May 25

ROUND TWO OF MIDGET THUNDER SERIES SET FOR STOCKTON

When the Midget Thunder Series returns to the Stockton "99" Speedway this Saturday night, some might ask, "who is Jerome Rodela?" The youngster from El Monte in Southern California is the most recent winner in the series, co-sanctioned by the Bay Cities Racing Association and the Western States United States Auto Club. Making only his third appearance on a paved oval, USAC's Rodela won the feature last Saturday night at the Madera Speedway. The same "who" question could be asked of second-place Rob Russell of Fremont. A winner on BCRA's dirt track circuit, Russell made his first feature attempt on pavement last week and placed an astonishing second to Rodela, beating the wiry veterans Wally Pankratz of Orange and multi-time champion Sleepy Tripp of Costa Mesa who placed third and fourth. Joining veterans Pankratz and Tripp in pursuit of first place this Saturday night will be defending BCRA champion and current point leader Floyd Alvis of San Carlos and John Sarale of Stockton. Among other top BCRA entries will be former Stockton winner Pete Davis of Pleasanton, Cliff Servetti of San Francisco, 2000 champion Glenn Carson of Newark, Cameron Beard of Turlock, Greg Nelson of Citrus Heights and Ken Molica of Soquel. Among USAC's top contenders will be current point leader Shane Scully of Encino, Danny Stratton of Fontana, Ricky Shelton of Huntington Beach and Josh Wise of Riverside. A champion in both BCRA and USAC, Marc DeBeaumont of Clayton will be eying the big prize, as will USAC's Dallen McKenney of Clovis in the BCRA Bill Ferrari Pontiac/Stealth. Former BCRA champion and now USAC campaigner Matt Streeter of Stockton is expected. The exciting evening of racing will include the Hot Wood Tri- Holiday Classic 100 Hot Wood Western Late Models, as well as the pure stocks. Gates open and practice begins at 3 p.m. with qualifying at 5. Racing is set for 6 p.m. 

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