Canyon Lake resident David Stites capped off an impressive season by bringing home the 2024 Factory Stock Division Championship from Perris Auto Speedway.
Stites, who began racing in 2021 after attending an event at the track, won five races this year, including the season-ender last Saturday that secured his championship title.
Stites races a 1973 Camaro, modified and race-ready for the half-mile, banked, oval clay track at Perris. This classic Camaro is built to meet the Factory Stock Division’s strict specifications: it must weigh 3,500 pounds with the driver, and it’s powered by a Chevy 350 engine with stock cast iron heads, manifold, and a two-barrel Holley carburetor.
Though Stites earns around $300 for each victory, the expenses of racing mean he competes purely for the thrill and adrenaline rush. His dedication to the sport has led him to try expanding his interest in the division, encouraging others who want to join. For those interested, race-ready cars in this class typically sell for $6,000 to $9,000, offering a feasible entry point into the exciting world of auto racing.
Stites chose the number 42 for his racing car because it was his high school football jersey number, which he considers his lucky number.
Stites’ journey from attending his first race to becoming a championship winner is a testament to his passion and commitment, and his accomplishments bring pride to the Canyon Lake community.
