Stockton 99 Speedway owner reunites with couple who saved his life after crash
By Anahita Jafary
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STOCKTON, California (KCRA) — Stockton 99 Speedway owner Tony Noceti made a triumphant return to the racetrack for the first time since surviving a head-on car crash, where he was met with an emotional surprise reunion with the couple who helped save his life.
Noceti, who has been recovering for months, expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery. “My biggest challenge has been not being able to get in there hands on and do it. I have to delegate,” Noceti said.
“This is the 77th opener of the Stockton 99 Speedway and we’re giving tribute to Norman David number 77. He raced here for many years,” he added.
“This is the first time I’ve made it out here, so I’ve got my walker going. Thank you all so much for all the prayers, ladies and gentlemen, for helping me and my wife out. We appreciate that,” Noceti added.
In an emotional surprise, the couple who pulled over to help Noceti and his wife the night of the crash were also present at the event. “We’ve never met them other than that night,” said Scott Bollengier, who helped save the Nocetis.
“My dad doesn’t know, but the people who saved his life are also here,” said Noceti’s daughter, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the day.
Sheila Bollengier, who is an RN, recalled her immediate response upon arriving at the scene. “I was there first thing [and what] I had to come up [with] in my mind is I have to make sure they’re okay,” she said.
Scott Bollengier described the situation they encountered. “One of them was wedged under the steering wheel. The other one was in a lot of pain on the passenger side, we released the steering wheel. [Sheila] climbed in the truck with them, and we just kept them awake. We kept them going,” he said.
While Noceti acknowledged that healing has not been easy, relying on his walker, family, and friends made the opening day memorable. “31 days I was in the hospital. I went upstairs and the big boy upstairs pushed the button to send me back down here and said, ‘you’re not done yet’ and it’s been a little tough on me watching everybody do the work around here. But you, the fans, are the ones that make me happy,” Noceti said.
The owner also mentioned looking forward to the 40th Annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival scheduled for April 24–26.
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