Stocktonian cruises in Pure Stocks

By Scott Niendorf

Record Correspondent

July 21, 2013 12:00 AM

STOCKTON - Ben Lewis of Stockton likes taking victory laps so he worked his way through the Pure Stocks field to grab the checkered flag again in front of an estimated 1,000 fans Saturday evening in Kid's Night action at the Stockton 99 Speedway.

"I just took the openings when I saw them (to pass)," said Lewis, who earned his third victory of the season in the 30-lap main. "I've been racing for 10-plus years and having a lot of fun. I just enjoy going fast."

Lewis finished ahead of Brandon Jones of Lodi and Guido Bindi Jr. of Stockton in the main, while Jones beat Lewis and Joey Sarafin of Stockton in the trophy dash.

Jason Philpot of Sacramento was a double winner in Grand American Modifieds twins by easily finishing ahead of Stockton's A.J. Ryder in the first race and ahead of Mike Regelman of Ripon in a much closer race in the twin.

"I tried to get out in front and stay smooth," Philpot said. "I tried to get a safe (lead) and then tried to save the car for the second race. It doesn't happen very often that I win two races, but I'll take it."

Regelman had the pole in the first race but lost his transmission coming out of turn two on the opening lap. He and his crew furiously prepared the car after a parts run and just made it in the gate for the start of the twin to help him try to stay atop the points standings.

Philpot also won the dash ahead of Ryder and Regelman, respectively.

Brad Mast of Manteca out-dueled Stockton's Mark Jacke in the B-4 main, while Dave Kong of Stockton finished third. Jacke easily took the checkered flag in the dash ahead of Kong and Chris Corder of Modesto.

Gordon Rodgers of Winton grabbed the checkered flag in the NCMA sprint main ahead of Audra Sasselli of Fresno and Eric Humphries of Chowchilla. It was Rodgers' second main victory of the series. Denny Burrell of Ripon won the dash ahead of Ed Amador of Modesto.

Competition got underway following the opening ceremonies with nine-year-old Kaylie Gregg of Galt singing the national anthem and 13-year-old Matt Vincelet serving as the speedway's flagman for the races.

Several dozen children raced in their respective age divisions on Big Wheels and tricycles over the start-finish line prior to the evening's lineup.

Racing resumes Aug. 3 at the Stockton 99 Dirt Track at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds featuring King of the West Sprint Car Series action.