When I was 16 years old, the closest I ever came to a high-powered auto race was when mom was late to church or when I forked over my allowance to ram into unsuspecting motorists at Boomers go-kart track in Modesto.

Boy, was I missing out.

Manteca racers Jacob Gomes, Josh Gomes and Michael Sandoval truly live life in the fast lane.

Jacob Gomes, 16, recently earned the nationwide NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Rookie of the Year honor after winning three races at Stockton 99 Speedway.

Sandoval, 16, Gomes’ junior-year classmate at East Union High, is coming off another Baby Grand win at Stockton 99 and is in second in Western Scale Racing Association points.

Josh Gomes, the youngster of the group at 13, is third in WSRA points and hot on the trail of his older brother with his own long list of accolades in the Baby Grand and Mini Cup classes.

I’ve had the chance to watch all three race, and though I’m blown away by their aggression on the track, I can’t help but feel small twinges of jealousy as I watch kids 10 years my junior speed around corners that would probably roll my Toyota Yaris if I gave it a go.

I’m proud Manteca has managed to develop these racing prospects, and I can’t wait to see how the elder Gomes does in the coming years as he is thrust into bigger races and continued opportunities to shine.

Sandoval picked up racing a little later than the Gomes brothers, but he’s had a terrific year in the Baby Grand division and is eager to give the Late Model division a shot after witnessing Gomes’ success. He won the 25-lap WSRA main Saturday, Sept. 19, only to get involved in a nine-car pileup the following race. Sandoval told me he spun into the infield following the crash and, after rejoining the race in the back of the pack, managed to work his way to fourth despite a missing bolt that forced him to constantly turn the wheel just to drive straight.

These Manteca racers are tough kids in a sports world that often babies the young and talented, and I’m happy to see them do well.

If you get a chance, catch one of their races in Stockton or at Madera Speedway or All-American Speedway in Roseville, and you may just see what I’m talking about.

• To comment on the Weekly Ramble, call Sports Editor Ike Dodson at 239-6351,

ext. 306, or e-mail ike@sunpost.net.