Stockton: Tom Hessert race notes

Tom Hessert makes a strong showing at Stockton Speedway.

STOCKTON, CA./CHERRY HILL, NJ MARCH 31, 2003 . . . "It was a small track with a greasy, slick surface but I was happy with the way we ran," said Tom Hessert after finishing seventh in the United States Auto Club National Championship Midget race at the Stockton, CA Speedway on Sunday evening.

J.J. Yeley won the 40-lap feature leading from the 5th through 40th lap on the quarter mile, semi-banked asphalt oval.

Hessert, driving the Cherry Hill Classic Cars Mopar powered midget prepared by Keith Kunz Motorsports, ran with the leaders for much of the feature race after having started 11th as a result of his 12th fastest effort in time trials.

"I was happy with our efforts for the first time out this season. We ran up front. We were competitive," said the Cherry Hill, NJ high school student.

This was the first midget racing effort for Hessert this season as he gets ready to run the entire USAC National Championship Midget Series schedule. Hessert has had early year outings in the Barber Dodge Series and was the youngest driver ever to compete in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in early February.

Hessert's next outing in a midget will be on April 18th at Madera, California Speedway followed by the MOPAR TWIN 25's at Irwindale, CA Speedway on April 26th. The MOPAR TWIN 25's offers a driver the opportunity to earn a $50,000 bonus for winning both 25-lap feature events on the half-mile asphalt oval.

-cccc-