The K&N Racing Series invaded Stockton 99 speedway on Saturday for the Pick ‘n Pull 150, producing some great on track racing in all the categories contested.

The series, one of the important steps for drivers desiring to get into the upper levels of NASCAR racing, (including the Sprint Cup level) featured racers from throughout the country. Two drivers (Daryl Harr of Edmonton and Cameron Hayley of Calgary) came all the way from Canada. There were also two female racers (Jessica Brunelli of Hayward and Cassie Gannis of Phoenix).

Local area racers included Eric Holmes of Escalon, Jacob Gomes of Manteca, Tommy Regan of Tracy and Ryan Philpott of Tracy. There were 24 cars qualified for the 150 lap premier event on the 1/4 –mile bank oval, making for some very crowded racing conditions. On the pole was young Dylan Kwasniewski of Las Vegas, Nevada. Eric Holmes qualified 3rd, Jacob Gomes 10th, Ryan Philpott 12th and Tommy Regan started in the 22nd position. The near capacity crowd was brought to its feet several times throughout the 150 lap event, as each driver battled door to door and fender to fender for position. Gomes, a local favorite, was forced to leave the field with an overheated engine. In his absence, 17-year-old Dylan Kwasniewski sped to first place finish ahead of Holmes in the 150-lap main event.

Oakdale’s Ryan Stepps (2010 Rookie of the Year) also raced in the Grand American Modified division and was 10th. Oakdale’ s Mike Graham was also sixth in the Super Stock category while fellow Oakdale driver Brock Monroe was seventh.

To catch more information on the K&N Racing Series showdown in Stockton, catch the May 9 print edition of the Oakdale Leader.