California Hardtops Return To Stockton 99 Speedway

Stockton, CA...The California Hardtop Association is looking forward to coming back to the quarter-mile paved oval at Stockton 99 speedway. Stockton is the only paved oval on the schedule for the group this season, and they had five dates booked there this year. Unfortunately, their most recently scheduled event had to be cancelled.

The Hardtops were competing at Merced Speedway, and things didn't go so well for the group as an early crash left three of the cars unable to continue and in need of repair. Rather than have a disappointing showing, Club President John Philbert made the decision to call Stockton Speedway and cancel the race. Things are looking good for this Saturday night.

Last time out, it was Ron Ruiz scoring the feature victory. Ruiz has done well so far this year with a third place finish at both Placerville events and a win at the Merced race. He is establishing himself as the driver to beat on the tour this year.

However, Bay Area Hardtop competitor Ken Retzloff gave everybody a good run when he won the Tom Tilford Tribute race for the Hardtops at the most recent Placerville event. To get that win, Ken had to beat the previous Placerville winner, Dave Reed. The competition is getting tougher. To show you how tough, Jason Armstrong won quite a bit last season, and he has yet to win this year. In fact, he only has one podium finish so far.

That podium finish came at the last Stockton race when Armstrong tried to reel in the flying Ruiz and settled for second. Ruiz ran a patient race at the beginning as Jason's father Dennis Armstrong battled Kim Clifford for the lead for the first few laps. Once Ron made the pass, he took off into another time zone for the victory. It was pavement only racer Dave Stewart collecting the third place finish after Roger MacShain pitted from third.

Joe Shenefield has seen some respectable results this season, and this includes his third place finish behind Ruiz and MacShain at Merced and the fourth place finish he had at Stockton ahead of Ken Clifford and Dennis Armstrong.

For Saturday night, they're anticipating a half a dozen to eight racers in the field. Ken Clifford has the "Acme Rocket" repaired and ready to go. He'll be ready for another battle with Dennis Armstrong as the two have enjoyed some good side by racing so far this season. Shenefield will be out to see if he can improve a few more positions on the podium, and Tom Grady will be back after finishing fourth at the recent Placerville race. Others are anticipated, and that could include Larry Wells if he is able to resolve his carburetor issues in time.

Stockton enjoys having the Hardtops on the program, and they generally put on a good show for the fans. Saturday night should be no exception.