STOCKTON CELEBRATES STRMISKA FAMILY IN THE BIGGEST SHOW OF THE SEASON

STOCKTON, Calif. – On Thursday July 3 the Stockton 99 Speedway will host the Strmiska Firecracker 90, featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation.

Stockton Late Models headline the event honoring the career of the late two-time track champion Ron Strmiska. Dubbed as the “Manteca Missile” Strmiska built an impressive resume across 30 years of racing and was the patriarch of a prolific racing family who are active in the sport today.

Tracy’s Justin Philpott is the defending race winner of the season's longest race. Philpott won the event for the third time, beating out Las Vegas native Kyle Keller and Blaine Roche of Oakdale.

As for 2025, Stockton Late Model drivers are set to shine for 90 laps of racing action. Stockton’s own JoJo Stearns rides a two-race win streak but trails Escalon’s Sammy Solari in series points.

Stearns took home the checkered flag in the most recent race on June 14 after taking the lead on lap 21. Meanwhile, Solari recovered from contact and a spin on lap 43 to finish in second place.

Another notable entry is that of Joey Stearns in the No. 8 Stockton Fence machine. The 2017 Strmiska Firecracker winner returns to the track in a head-to-head matchup against his son JoJo.

Before the green flag, the Stockton Late Models will be rolled onto the frontstretch for staging. Then, a major firework showcase will take place above the backdrop of the historic speedway.

Looking at the other divisions, the Pure Stock race on June 14 saw Jeremy Tucker of Stockton visit victory lane. Tucker ended Valley Springs native Donny Darter’s bid at four-straight wins.

In the Nor Cal Mini Stocks, the championship battle heats up between Stockton drivers Natalie Harper and Ethan Rumsey. Both have won a pair of feature wins and are separated by two points.

Justin Gantt of Highlandville, Missouri leads the Legends of 99 points at 145 after the fourth race of the season. Legend rookie Erin Brandt of Stockton sits second with 137 points earned.

Now for the Fast Kar Solutions Mini Modifieds, two drivers have split three wins in the 2025 season. Patrick Geiger of Fresno has two trophies while Easton’s Kyle Labrie scored the other.

Pit gates open for drivers and crew members at 3 p.m. while admission gates open at 5 p.m. The opening ceremonies will start at 7 p.m. with main event racing to follow the national anthem.

Adult tickets for this special event can be purchased for $25 at the front gate. Ages 11-15, seniors and military members with a valid ID can get tickets for $20.

Children under the age of 10 and parking at all Stockton 99 Speedway events are free. Visit Stockton99.com to find the full 2025 schedule and more information regarding the track.