In a night filled with high drama and nail-biting action, Stockton’s own JoJo Stearns delivered a performance for the ages at the Night of Champions, securing a hard-fought victory that will be remembered for years to come. The youngest champion in the history of the Stockton 99 Speedway’s Late Model series had to overcome multiple setbacks, including a flat tire, to outduel some of the track’s most legendary drivers.
The evening began with Stearns showing his speed early, topping the charts in the first practice session and narrowly trailing Tracy’s Justin Philpott in the second. However, a front-row start continued to elude Stearns, who found himself beginning the race from the fifth position—a spot that hasn’t seen him start in over two years.
The stage was set as 12-year-old Vito Cancilla from Martinez took pole position, flanked by Justin Philpott, with Manteca’s Bubba Nascimento and Atwater’s Racin’ Jason Aguirre just behind. The green flag waved over 14 Pro Late Models as they launched into a 74-lap battle to honor the late three-time series champion, Harry Bolletto.
The action was intense from the outset. On lap two, Nascimento spun Philpott while battling for second place, triggering a chain reaction that damaged Hank Gaalwsyk’s Ripon-based entry. Despite the chaos, Stearns was unfazed, powering past Cancilla on the restart to take the lead within a few laps, building a five-car-length advantage over his nearest competitors.
But the night’s drama was far from over. A solo spin by Castro Valley’s Chase Lopez brought out another caution, leading to a series of skirmishes that saw drivers like Kyle Gotula and Ryan Philpott jostling for position. The intensity only escalated as Stearns found himself cutting through the field once more after suffering a flat tire from track debris.
With his tire replaced, Stearns rejoined the race at the back of the pack, setting the stage for an epic comeback. As the laps ticked down, Stearns methodically picked off his rivals, eventually catching and passing Bolletto on lap 41. The crowd erupted as Stearns reclaimed the lead, but a spin by Tracy’s Troy Ermish set up yet another restart with just 28 laps remaining.
Despite multiple challenges from Bolletto and Las Vegas native Amilleo Thompson, Stearns held firm, pulling away from the field during the race’s longest green-flag run. With five laps to go, Stearns had a straightaway lead, but a late-race caution brought the field back together for a single-file sprint to the finish. Undeterred, Stearns nailed the final restart, fending off Ryan Philpott to claim his first victory of the season in spectacular fashion.
“I can’t even put it into words,” Stearns said after the race, visibly emotional as he took a Polish Victory Lap around the track. “We’ve had a tough season, but to finally break through and win this race, with all its history, means the world to me and my family.”
In the Pure Stocks division, Lodi’s Brandon Jones continued his season-long dominance, though it wasn’t without a fierce battle. Starting from the fourth position, Jones methodically worked his way to the front, overtaking Stockton’s Jeremy Tucker with just three laps remaining to secure yet another victory. The win keeps Jones undefeated in the Pure Stocks class and extends his points lead.
The Nor Cal Mini Stocks also saw a commanding performance by Rocklin’s John Sproule, who led every lap to secure his second win of the season. Meanwhile, Stockton’s Legends of 99 feature was highlighted by a stunning comeback from Tracy’s Brendan Ruzbarsky, who charged from a sixth-place start to dominate the 35-lap race.
The 75th Anniversary season at Stockton 99 Speedway continues next Saturday, August 17th, with a packed schedule featuring Stockton Late Models, Nor Cal Mini Stocks, Grand American Modifieds, NCMA Sprint Cars, and AAA Energy System Pro-4 Modifieds.
Tickets are available at $20 for adults, $15 for juniors (ages 11-15) and seniors (60+), with free admission for children under 10 and free parking. Gates open at 5 PM with races starting at 7 PM. For more information, visit www.stockton99.com or contact 209-466-9999.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Michelob Ultra, Lovotti INC, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire, Raising Cane’s, Chase Chevrolet, J Milano Co., Baker Roofing, Masellis Drilling, Kleen Blast, Shambin Softwash, Central Valley Community Bank, KAT Country, 104.1 The Hawk, Franks Radio Service, Sunoco Race Fuels, Kelly-Moore Paints, Garton Tractor INC, and Reeve Trucking Co INC.