Tracy driver looks to stay hot on track

Record Staff Writer

August 15, 2009 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - Scott Winters, #24, loves to race a car, and he happily admits that it's more fun when he wins.

So far this season, the talented driver from Tracy is having a heck of a good time.

Winters has been on an incredible hot streak in the Grand American Modified division at Stockton 99 Speedway and will be trying to continue it when racing resumes at 6 p.m. today at the track. The program includes two 50-lap NASCAR Western Late Model events and racing in the Street Stock and Bomber divisions.

Today's races

Green flag: 6 p.m., Stockton 99 Speedway

Racing program: NASCAR Western Late Model twin 50-lap races, Grand American Modified, Street Stock, Bombers

Information: (209) 466-9999; stockton99.com

Winters, 41, has many reasons to be happy with the season so far. He will be going for his 10th consecutive victory today at Stockton 99, and he's won 10 out of 11 at the track and 14 of 18 overall this season.

"We love to race, and so far we've had a lot of success that just adds to the fun," Winters said. "We feel at any track we unload at we have a chance to win."

His only loss in Stockton this year is to track promoter Tony Noceti, a longtime driver and former GAM champion at Altamont Raceway who still occasionally races.

"I'm the only one to whip him here," Noceti said with a laugh. "Scott is such a good driver and he's having an amazing run."

He's continuing a string of strong seasons. He won 13 races in 2007 and was victorious in 20 of 28 starts last year. He credits car owner Wayne Ferrari, crew chief Ron Ostorero and the rest of his race team.

"There's no doubt we've done well, and I think it's because of the team we have," said Winters, who won the Sunbelt Regional championship in 2002. "In the modified class, everyone has more than enough power, so it comes down to which team can get their car to handle the best."

Winters has a history of moving around to different tracks and did miss two races at Stockton 99. But he said he is determined to stick around until the end of the season.

"I don't think we'll miss another one," Winters said. "We're out to have fun and compete, and that's what we've been doing."

Contact reporter Scott Linesburgh at (209) 546-8281 or slinesburgh@recordnet.com.

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