Green flag drops on 99's 66th season

By Scott Linesburgh

Record Staff Writer

April 05, 2014 12:00 AM

STOCKTON - Matt Scott did a few things to take care of his need to race during the offseason, but there's no substitute for taking the green flag.

Now, he and the other competitors at Stockton 99 Speedway are ready to go.

The speedway's 66th season begins at 6 p.m. today with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series featuring the Western Late Models, Modifieds, Legends Pure Stocks, and Mini Cups divisions.

Scott, a resident of Pine Grove, hopes he can start the way he began last season - winning the opening Western Late Model main event, and capturing nine-of-11 events on his way to the division title.

"We feel good," Scott said. "We have the same car, which we tore down over the winter, and we tested on (March 28) and shook the car down. We're ready to go."

Scott tried to keep himself busy during the offseason. He spent some time driving indoor go-karts and about a month ago tested for a Camping World Truck Series team.

"I did some stuff to keep me involved in racing," Scott said. "But there's no substitute for being out there on the track with other cars."

The racing season officially began in Stockton on March 22, when a crowd of 9,812 watched the World of Outlaws at Stockton 99 Dirt Track. Among the featured events on the Stockton 99 Speedway schedule is the Tri-Holiday Classic (May 24, July 5 and Aug. 30), the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (May 3) and the SRL Southwest Tour (July 26).

The Stockton 99 Dirt Track at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds will host Winged 360 Sprints and BCRA Midgets (May 17, June 20), West Coast Late Model Shootout (July 12) and King of the West Sprints (Aug. 2, Nov. 1).

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