STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY

Weather could dampen event

By The Record

March 22, 2009 6:00 AM

STOCKTON - Tony Noceti is a farmer and spends a good portion of his time checking weather patterns.

He finds himself doing the same thing as a track promoter.

Stockton 99 Speedway's grand re-opening is set for 2:15 p.m. today. There was rain Saturday with the possibility of more today, but as of Saturday evening the program was still on schedule.

"We still plan to run," Noceti said. "Hopefully, everything works out and we get the program in."

Noceti said the fact show is scheduled for an afternoon start is in his favor, since it gives him more time to wait out a possible rain delay. The biggest problem with Stockton 99 in these situations in the past is the all-dirt parking lots can flood. But Noceti has worked to make improvements.

"They are dirt, but we've done a lot of work clearing them and we think they should drain better than they have," Noceti said.

The main event is a NASCAR Western Late Model race featuring drivers such as Greg Potts of Stockton, Ross Strmiska of Manteca and Justin Philpott of Tracy. The Grand American Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bombers divisions will also compete.