SOLARI SPINS, REBOUNDS TO WIN SEASON OPENER

STOCKTON, Calif. - Sammy Solari overcame a spin from the lead to win the first Stockton Late Model race of the season at Stockton 99 Speedway on Saturday.

The Escalon native took home the checkered flag after getting spun out by Stockton’s Garry Shafer Jr. during a restart on lap 24. Solari battled back on the next restart, outdueling Manteca driver Ty Carlson to take home the trophy.

“Just want to thank everyone for coming out,” Solari said to the fans in attendance for the 76th season opener. He also thanked his sponsors L5 Farming, the Laird Family, Meridith Farms, American Crane, Escalon Tire, Davids Racing Products, and All Pro Power Coating for their support of his team.

Shafer Jr. started on pole for the 30-lap main event with fellow Stockton driver JoJo Stearns to his outside. Shafer led the first 24 laps before a caution for Galt’s Nick Mello set up a restart.

After the green flag waved, Shafer Jr. slid up the track and Solari got past him. Then in turn three, Shafer Jr. tagged the back of Solari’s car, spun him around and brought out the yellow.

On the next restart, Solari fought to get the lead back. He battled with Carlson through the first lap and took control of the race for the final six laps. Shafer Jr. was parked for the spin.

Carlson finished second with Danny Devore of Lincoln earning a podium finish after battling from fifth to third on the restart. The Stockton Late models will return to the track on May 10.

The Legends division saw 41 cars across two races. Ukiah native Cole Brown took home the victory in the Pro/Masters class and Chase Burgeson defeated the Young Lion/Semi Pro drivers.

It was a JD Industries sweep of the feature races. The next race for the NorCal Legends series will take place April 19, at Ukiah Speedway.

In the Pure Stock class, Donnie Darter scored the win. Competitors Bryan Jones, No. 31, Brandon Jones, No. 33, and Jeremy Tucker, No. 51 were disqualified from the feature.

In the newly rebranded Fast-Kar Mini Modified series, Patrick Geiger brought Feelin Froggy Motorsports the feature win. It was Geiger’s third-straight win in races he entered at Stockton.

The Nor Cal Mini Stock’s saw Manteca’s Joe Flowers get back to victory lane for the first time since July of 2024. With last year’s champion Jordan Mast not racing, Flowers and second place finisher Ethan Rumsey of Stockton will be favorites in this year’s championship fight.

The next event at Stockton 99 Speedway is Saturday, April 26 for the debut of the Pro Late Models, Grand American Modifieds and NCMA Style Sprint Cars. Also, Nor Cal Mini Stocks and the Legends of 99 will hit the track for their second round of racing.