STOCKTON, CA (December 1, 2025) — The owner of Stockton 99 Speedway and his wife remain hospitalized with critical injuries following a head-on collision on Highway 88. Tony Noceti and his wife Rowena Noceti were struck by another driver who made an unsafe pass in dense fog.
Accident Details: The California Highway Patrol reported that the head-on collision occurred on Highway 88, just east of Village Drive. A 72-year-old Lafayette man made an unsafe pass in dense fog, entering the Nocetis’ lane while attempting to pass a vehicle in front of him.
The crash happened during what the couple’s daughter described as their routine date night. Tony and Rowena Noceti suffered critical injuries and required emergency surgery. Both victims are being treated at San Joaquin General Hospital.
Danica Noceti, Tony’s daughter, said she was alerted to the incident by her mother’s iPhone watch, which allowed her to hear background noise and instructions from the fire chief. Five days after the crash, Tony Noceti has woken up but remains on a ventilator.
“The doctors say that he’s not out of the woods at all, but he’s awake and so that’s more than obviously we anticipated and we’re very blessed for that,” Danica said.
Danica expressed condolences to the other driver’s family, saying, “We just let them know we’re sorry what had happened and if they need anything, we’re here to help them any way that we can and obviously wish them the best.”
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. The CHP does not know if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
Authorities determined that the 72-year-old driver made an unsafe pass in dense fog conditions, crossing into oncoming traffic and striking the Nocetis’ vehicle head-on.
Legal Considerations: Drivers who attempt to pass other vehicles in dense fog conditions violate basic traffic safety principles and put oncoming traffic at grave risk. Heavy fog reduces visibility to dangerous levels, making it impossible to see whether the opposite lane is clear before passing.
California law prohibits unsafe passing maneuvers, particularly when visibility is compromised. When a driver crosses into oncoming traffic and causes a head-on collision, that driver bears full responsibility for the resulting injuries and damages.
Head-on collisions at highway speeds typically cause catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and lengthy recovery periods. The Noceti family faces weeks or months of hospital care, rehabilitation, and uncertainty about full recovery.
Personal injury claims in cases involving unsafe passing seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income during recovery, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. When fog creates hazardous driving conditions, drivers have a duty to slow down and refrain from risky maneuvers like passing.
The fact that Tony Noceti remains on a ventilator five days after the crash demonstrates the severity of his injuries. Families facing similar circumstances can pursue claims to address both immediate medical costs and future care requirements that may extend for years.
We wish Tony and Rowena Noceti strength and healing during their recovery.
Source: KCRA