Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2007 Fall Spectacular for Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway is just around the corner. This year’s final event will mark the close of the 50th year of racing action at the historic facility. Joining Redwood Acres’ local classes of limited street stocks, mini stocks, real stocks and thunder roadsters will be the I.M.C.A./Grand American Modifieds and the late models.

There are some noticeable changes for the Spectacular this year. Instead of the traditional two-day show of racing, all of it will be held on one night. Another difference is that the Northwood Chevrolet 100 is a North State Challenge Series sanctioned points event. The changes should only make for an even more exciting and action-packed night of racing at the Acres.

Last season’s Northwood Chevrolet 100 was won by Redding, California’s Ryan Foster in dramatic fashion. Foster notched an astounding 15.184 lap time in qualifying but started from the tail end of the field. Foster diced his way through the field and wrestled the lead away from Lakeport, California’s Derek Thorn on lap 65 to go on for the win. Mike Doss took third, Howard Ford fourth and Mike Sackett fifth.

A veteran racer from Oregon, Willie Thompson lead all 50 laps of last year’s I.M.C.A./Grand American Modified holding off Jerry Dubach, Scott Winters, Ed Laws and Gary Lowblad to score the victory. One of the great things about the modified race at the Acres is that it attracts numerous drivers from all over Northern California and Southern Oregon. Last season’s race featured drivers who raced at tracks such as Lakeport Speedway, Ukiah Speedway, Shasta Raceway Park, All American Speedway, Stockton “99" Speedway, Madera Speedway, Douglas County Speedway and Altamont Motorsports Park.

Friday September 28th is an open practice for any and all drivers and teams who wish to get their cars tuned to the 3/8 mile paved oval. Afterward, a free barbeque will be held in the pits for all drivers and crew members. Saturday September 29th is race night. The grandstands open at 4:00PM for qualifying while racing will begin at 6:00PM. Don’t miss out on your chance to see some exciting racing at one of the finest facilities on the west coast!