Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Miller dominant in Fall Spectacular win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time in several years, Redwood Acres Raceway hosted a two-day, Saturday and Sunday show for the annual season finale, the Fall Spectacular. Much excitement was in the air as the late models and Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds joined the three local classes of real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadsters who still had to decide their final points standings.

Ryan Walters took home the trophy dash win in the real stock division on Saturday evening beating out Doug Way, Nick Green and Casey Mitchell. In the heat race, Mitchell was able to score the victory over Green, Ryan Robinson, Walters and Way. Walters was able to avoid a lap one incident in the main event that slowed some of the faster cars down to easily take the win. Green finished second followed by Robinson, Way and Steve Kimberling.

Mitchell notched the trophy dash win in the Sunday sunshine ahead of Walters, Green and Way. Walters took the heat ahead of Green, Mark Williams, Bill Middleton and Ray Middleton. Going into the final main event for the real stock division, Mitchell had the championship already sewn up. Mitchell was able to withstand a furious charge from Robinson to cap off his championship effort with a win. Walters narrowly beat Green to the line for third while Williams crossed the line in fifth, just inches ahead of Way.

Curt Lewis won the dash for the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds Saturday night beating Chris Straka, Chris Sarvinski and Doug Pulver. Pulver took the heat race win over Sarvinski and Straka. In the main event, Straka was able to hold off Sarvinski to take the victory while Pulver finished in the third position. On Sunday, Timber Cookson took the trophy dash victory over Marty Lewis, Johnny Barker and Cory Thomas. Sarvinski won the heat race over Curt Lewis, Marty Lewis, Kevin Barba and Pulver. A big accident in the early stages of the main event knocked out several competitors including Pulver, Barba, Marty Lewis and Thomas. Sarvinski took the win handily beating Marty Lewis, Barker and Cookson.

In Saturday night’s roadrunner trophy dash, Nick Hansen was able to take the win over Raleigh Willoughby, Ukiah Speedway visitor, Caity Miller and Dax Kinsey. Kinsey was able to hold off Willoughby in the heat race to win followed by Hansen. In the main event, Hansen was able to used slower traffic to get by Willoughby late in the event and take the race victory. Miller took third, Kolby Jackson fourth and Kinsey fifth.

Miller won Sunday’s dash over Kinsey, Willoughby and Hansen. Miller followed up with the heat race win beating Hansen, Robbie Nelson, Willoughby and Kinsey. The track championship for the roadrunner class was locked up by Willoughby going into the final main event. The main event featured a spirited duel between the two youngsters of Nelson and Willoughby. Willoughby was able to briefly take the lead late in the going, but drove too hard in turn one allowing Nelson to sneak back by. Nelson was able to take his first-ever main event victory beating Willoughby, Hansen, Kinsey and Jackson.

Paul Peeples, Jr. won the thunder roadster trophy dash over Randy Olson, Fergy Ferguson and Bruce Ziemer. Olson held off Peeples in the heat race to take the win followed by Chris Sarvinski. Unfortunately for Olson, his car suffered engine woes and he was forced to start at the back of Sunday’s main event due to him changing cars. Meanwhile, Peeples started fourth due to an inversion from the heat race finish.

Peeples grabbed the lead early in the main event and appeared to have the race well in hand until at the halfway point when controversy took place. AABLM starter, Johnny Miskill who was doing the flagging for the event gave the field the crossed flags signaling the halfway point of the race. Peeples slowed down allowing Payne, Olson and others to get by. Peeples realized his mistake and got back on the gas and just after that the caution was thrown. Peeples was moved back to his first place position and went unchallenged the next 20 laps taking the victory. Payne took second and the 2010 track championship in the division over Olson, Sarvinski and Ferguson.

28 late models in all showed up for the events on Saturday. Unfortunately, Mike Lovell broke and was unable to even qualify. Junior Roddy set quick time with a 15.595 time. Race officials scratched the trophy dash due to drivers not lining up in a timely fashion. The first heat determined the starting positions for Sunday’s B main event. Redwood Acres Raceway driver, Donnie Brown ran away from the field to take the victory over Jeremy Donahoo, Roger Sanderson, David Dillinger and Joe Aiken.

The second heat determined the 11 through 20 starting positions in Sunday’s 100-lap affair. Two more Acres locals, Joe McDonald and Larry Pries fought for the victory with McDonald coming out ahead. 2010 Redwood Acres Raceway Sportsman champ, Mic Moulton placed third while another local, Jerry Peterson was fourth and Allen Gibney took fifth. The third and final heat race determined positions one through 10 with a possible invert of two, four or six cars for Sunday’s feature. Randy Houston crossed the line first over David Miller, Kevin Ostern, Jeremy Hopkins and Mike Doss.

Aiken had engine failure in Sunday’s practice and was unable to start the B-main event. Donahoo and Dillinger finished first and second and took the two transfer positions to the 100-lap main. The draw for the invert was two giving the pole position to Miller. Literally from the drop of the green flag, Miller pulled away from the rest of the field. Houston held up in second head of Ostern and others. There was a lot of give-and-take action from all the drivers throughout the field as the race was clean and green with nary the sign of a caution flag. Miller’s torrent pace may have been the undoing for Doss and Ostern as both drivers appeared to have problems, pulling their cars into the pits before the halfway point.

By the 50-lap mark, it looked as though nobody had anything for Miller as he was half a lap ahead of second place, Houston. The caution finally flew on lap 61 when Pries spun off the second turn. At this point, only seven cars remained on the lead lap and while the caution closed the gap between Houston and Miller, there were six cars between the two drivers. Miller pulled away once again on the restart while Houston and others tried to manage their way through lapped traffic.

As the race entered its closing stages, Howard Ford began to make his presence known. With less than 20 laps to go, Ford managed to make his way past Houston in second. It appeared as though Ford’s only hope to catch Miller would be a caution flag as Miller was again half a lap ahead of his competition. In the final 10 laps, the gap between first and second closed dramatically with Miller appearing to be suffering some sort of issue. Coming to the white flag, Ford had the gap to just 10 car lengths on Miller. Between turns one and two, the lapped car of Pries broke between the front two cars pounding the wall. Coming off turn four, Ford closed the gap to five car lengths. It was enough for David Miller to take the checkered flag first with Ford crossing the line second. Houston placed third while David Braund ran a solid and clean race all day to place fourth, an impressive finish in his first race at the Acres. Dennis DelBiaggio had what is likely the best race of his career, finishing in fifth place. Junior Roddy was sixth while Alan Cress placed seventh, the final car on the lead lap.

Information regarding the annual awards banquet will be made available soon on the track’s phone 707-442-3232. Congratulations to the 2010 Redwood Acres Raceway track champions; Mic Moulton in the sportsman division, Tommy Payne in the Thunder Roadster division, Raleigh Willoughby in the roadrunner division, Casey Mitchell in the real stock division and Scott and Craig Baker in the mini stock division.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Champions crowned on Memorial night at the Acres

Champions crowned on Memorial night at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final points race of the season for the two of the five local divisions came and went this past Saturday night at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. In addition to champions being crowned, the event held a special air as it was the annual memorial night at the 3/8-mile paved oval facility, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Going into the night, the points race for the mini stock track championship was already locked up by the brother combination of Scott and Craig Baker. Craig Baker was behind the wheel of the car this night and took the win in the trophy dash over Brian McIntosh, Brian Murrell and Brian Murrell, Jr. Due to the car count, the division had to forego a heat race and ran a 10-lap main event. Baker had issues from the drop of the green flag and fell out of the event. McIntosh briefly took the lead but got loose off turn two allowing Murrell, Jr. to take the win. A brief caution flag served as a delay to Murrell, Jr’s victory celebration as he was able to take the main event victory ahead of his father, Murrell, Sr., Ken Barrett and McIntosh.

Ryan Walters won the real stock trophy dash over Steve Kimberling, Casey Mitchell and Ryan Robinson. Bill Middleton’s night was ended prematurely in the heat race when Nick Green pushed Middleton going into turn one. Middleton jumped on his brakes in attempt to slow down but was unable to as he hit the wall hard ending his night. Mitchell took the heat race victory ahead of Kimberling, Robinson, Doug Way and Matt Simon. Green took the race lead in the early stages of the main event. Mitchell proved to be the fastest car on the track but had to maneuver through the field before finally getting to the second spot with eight laps remaining in the 20-lap feature. Mitchell closed in with three laps remaining but could not mount a charge to get by Green. At the checkered flag it was Green winning over Mitchell, Robinson, Kimberling and Jim Redd.

Raleigh Willoughby won the roadrunner trophy dash over Nick Hansen, Robbie Nelson and Dax Kinsey. Nelson took the win in the heat race over Hansen, Kinsey, Kolby Jackson and Willoughby. Jackson held the lead at the start of the roadrunner main event while the faster cars tried to maneuver through traffic to get to the front. Hansen had power issues and pulled his car behind the wall on the second lap of the event. At the same time Hansen had his issues, Kinsey and Nelson got together on the back stretch resulting in Nelson getting a flat tire and the caution flying.

Kinsey was sent to the rear and the race restarted with Jackson leading brand-new father, Michael Lawrence on the restart. Willoughby looked poised to capitalize on his championship win with a main event win on the night as he got by Lawrence on lap 12. Willoughby worked on Jackson until finally finding the inside line coming off turn two on lap 16 to take the lead. The caution flew on lap 20 when Nelson spun Kinsey on the front stretch. Nobody was able to touch Willoughby after the restart and at the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning over Jackson, Lawrence, Tim Abeyta and Kinsey.

Paul Peeples, Jr. won the roadster dash over Tommy Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Bruce Ziemer. Rob Nelson held off Peeples to take the heat race win followed by Belinda Ward, Ziemer and Payne. Fergy Ferguson took the lead at the start of the main event, but after a brief caution flag and a restart, he could not hold off the faster car of Peeples as Peeples moved into the lead on lap two. Payne did his best to try to put pressure on Peeples, but it wasn’t enough for Peeples to make a mistake as he took the win over Payne, Ferguson, Ziemer and Ward.

The championship in the sportsman division was still wide-open between Mic Moulton and Angelo Marcelli. Moulton struck first with the trophy dash win followed by Joe McDonald, Larry Pries and Marcelli. McDonald took the heat race victory over Marcelli, Moulton, Jerry Peterson and Pries. Kenny Demello seized the lead in the main event from his pole position starting spot but by lap two, McDonald was there to take the spot away. On lap three, Demello spun between turns three and four. Marcelli spun to avoid Demello but unfortunately Jimmy Yarberry spun into Marcelli’s car damaging his front end. Fortunately Marcelli was able to return to action, unfortunately the track position he lost diminished his hopes for the sportsman track championship.

After the restart, McDonald pulled away as second place Ken Hallis did his best to hold off Pries for the second spot. On lap 11, the two came together with Hallis spinning into the infield bringing out the yellow. Pries was sent to the rear moving Moulton into second. This set the stage for a showdown that fans had been waiting for all season as McDonald and Moulton led the rest of the field to the restart. Moulton rode in McDonald’s mirror for the duration of the race. With six laps remaining in the race, the two ran into slower traffic. McDonald was better able to maneuver through the cars while Moulton lost a bit of ground. Moulton was able to close the gap but unable to make the necessary maneuver to take the lead away from McDonald. At the checkered flag it was McDonald victorious over Moulton, Peterson, Pries and Hallis. Nevertheless, Moulton’s strong finish was enough for him to take the sportsman division crown.

The annual Fall Spectacular is still to be run. Joining the real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadster cars will be the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds. The featured attraction for the weekend will be the 100-lap late model event. For the first time in several years, the Fall Spectacular will return to being a two-day event, Saturday September 25th and Sunday September 26th. Any questions concerning the Fall Spectacular should be made to Redwood Acres Raceway’s track office at 707-443-2118.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tight racing, wrecks highlight Fan Appreciation Night

Tight racing, wrecks highlight Fan Appreciation Night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Hundreds of fans showed up this past Saturday night for Fan Appreciation Night at Redwood Acres Raceway, the 11th race of the 2010 season. Race fans were able to witness the night’s action for free thanks to Bear River Casino sponsoring the event. The racers in the five local divisions as well as the visiting Northern California Pro-4 Modified cars did not disappoint as there was everything one would expect watching a race wrapped up into one night; tight racing, close finishes and a couple wild incidents.

Things got off on a bad note in the mini stock trophy dash for Ricky Davis as he got loose off turn two and hit the backstretch wall nose-first, ending his night prematurely. Craig Baker took the dash win over Brian Murrell and Brian McIntosh. Baker then went on to win the heat race ahead of McIntosh and Murrell. McIntosh took the lead early in the main event but Baker was quick to get to the front. On lap two, Baker moved outside and past McIntosh for the lead. Brian Murrell, Jr. and Murrell were able to move into second and third by McIntosh a lap later. Baker appeared to be on his way to an easy victory before getting caught up with Steve Stone while trying to pass him. The caution flew with Murrell, Jr. in the lead but his engine blew under the caution period in spectacular fashion. Murrell, Jr. exited his car okay while the flames died down from under his hood. Murrell restarted in the lead but could not hold off Baker as he took the lead the next lap. At the flag it was Baker sweeping the night over Murrell, McIntosh, Ken Barrett and Stone.

Ryan Robinson took the flag first in the real stock trophy dash over Casey Mitchell and Nick Green. Jim Redd held off Ronnie O’Neill in the heat race for the win followed by Green, Doug Way and Mitchell. Way took the lead from the start of the main event ahead of Green and Mitchell. Way did his best to hold off the two cars but on lap four Mitchell moved under and by Way coming off turn two. Green was able to follow Mitchell to move into second. O’Neill began making his way to the front as he took third away from Way on lap six but unfortunately O’Neill got sideways off turn four collecting Robinson and bringing out the caution flag. O’Neill was sent to the rear and after the restart Mitchell and Green pulled away from Way as he fought off the faster cars of Redd and O’Neill. O’Neill looked poised to take the third position away from Way on lap 12 but his engine came apart coming down the front straight ending his night. Mitchell was able to fend off Green in the final laps to take the win followed by Way, Robinson and Bill Middleton.

The roadrunner trophy dash win went to Nick Hansen over Kolby Jackson, Raleigh Willoughby and Robbie Nelson. Hansen then took the heat race win ahead of Nelson, Dax Kinsey, Willoughby and Michael Lawrence. It was a land rush from the drop of the green flag of the main event as Ken Barrett took the lead ahead of Brett Murrell and the rest of the field. On lap two, Jackson and Nelson both moved by Murrell into the second and third positions. On lap four, Nelson found a line under Jackson going into turn three to take second. Kinsey took third from Jackson a lap later just as Nelson moved under Barrett for the race lead. Going into turn one, Kinsey got into the back of Nelson got then got into Barrett sending the two into the infield and bringing out the caution flag. Hansen was able to take the lead amongst the confusion and led Kinsey and the rest of the field to the restart. Kinsey briefly regained the race lead before Hansen took it back. Hansen held a comfortable lead until the last two laps when he ran into slower traffic. Kinsey was able to close in on the final lap and made a move under Hansen coming off the fourth turn. The two raced to the checkered flag and crossed the line in a dead heat. Hansen was determined to be the winner over Kinsey followed by Willoughby, Nelson and Jackson.

The Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds made their first appearance at the Acres this season. Greg Van Cleave won the trophy dash over Kyle Tellstrom, Jake Tillman and Neo Nuno. The heat race win went to Nuno over Tillman and Tellstrom. The main event proved to be one of the best races of the season so far at the Acres. Nuno, Tellstrom and Tillman proved to be the class of the field by separating themselves from the pack and having their own race. Nuno held the lead until lap 12 when Tellstrom found the high line to his liking. The two raced into turn three wheel-to-wheel with the slower car of Robbie Robinson just in front. Coming off four, it was three wide between Nuno, Robinson and Tellstrom with Tellstrom taking the lead and Tillman following behind into second while Nuno fell to third. Tillman shadowed Tellstrom for the duration of the race, even as the two had to maneuver through heavy lapped traffic. In the end, Tellstrom fought Tillman off to take the win while Nuno held on for third.

David Henderson took home the thunder roadster trophy dash win over Paul Peeples, Jr., Tommy Payne and Chris Sarvinski. Peeples won the heat race over Henderson, Payne, Ray Elliott and Fergy Ferguson. Elliott took the lead from his pole starting spot in the main over Al Olson in the early going. On lap two, Payne moved under Olson to take the second position bringing Henderson and Peeples with him. Henderson was able to get under Payne the next lap and the two fought for the second position. On the fifth lap it was settled as Henderson slotted into second with Peeples following into third and Payne in fourth. On lap six, Olson got severely sideways coming off turn four. Amazingly, he saved his race car but lost fifth and sixth spots to Ferguson and Bruce Ziemer in the process. The top four ran nose-to-tail for the duration of the event with Elliott doing everything he could to fight off Henderson and the others. With just a handful of laps left, Henderson moved outside and by Elliott coming off the second turn. Henderson remained unchallenged from that point on crossing the line first over Elliott, Peeples, Payne and Ferguson. Unfortunately, Henderson’s car did not pass post-race technical inspection and the event win went to Elliott.

The sportsman division saw its strongest turnout of cars for the season with 12 showing up for the evening. Joe McDonald claimed the victory in the trophy dash ahead of Mic Moulton, Larry Pries and Dennis DelBiaggio. Donnie Brown won the first heat race over Scott Baker, Angelo Marcelli, Al Acuna and Kenny Demello. Jerry Peterson took the second heat followed by Moulton, McDonald, Ken Hallis and Pries. The feature event for the sportsman cars proved to be the roughest race of the night. Brown spun on the initial start bringing out the caution flag and a complete restart. On the second lap the caution flew when Pries spun between turns three and four after contact with Hallis. After the restart, Marcelli held the lead over Peterson and McDonald. McDonald moved under Peterson for second on lap six. Coming off turn two, Peterson spun bringing out another yellow.

McDonald did not waste any time taking the lead after the restart as he moved under and by Marcelli on lap seven. DelBiaggio tried to use the high line to get by Marcelli but could not get the traction necessary and lost the third spot to Moulton on lap nine. McDonald was in his own area code while Marcelli fought off Moulton, DelBiaggio and Pries for second. The caution flew on lap 19 when Acuna spun into the turn four infield. On the restart, DelBiaggio moved under Moulton going into turn one. The two tangled with DelBiaggio’s car climbing on the side of Moulton’s. Behind them Peterson and Brown had nowhere to go and were collected in the melee. DelBiaggio and Brown were finished for the night while Peterson was able to continue and Moulton was able to later rejoin the race. It looked as though McDonald’s biggest challenge would come from Pries after the restart but unfortunately Pries suffered a flat tire and had to pit. McDonald was on cruise control the rest of the evening and handily took the win ahead of Marcelli, Peterson and Baker.

The next race at the Acres is the Memorial Race on Saturday September 11th. It will be the final night of points racing for the mini stock and sportsman divisions. A schedule change has been made for the Fall Spectacular. It is now a two day show scheduled for September 25th and 26th. Divisions scheduled for the end of the year race include the local real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadsters. Joining will be the late models for the 100-lap event.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Moulton, Olson victorious again

Moulton, Olson victorious again

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was race number 10 of the 2010 season at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday evening. With only three races remaining in the season after the night, competition for position in races was even more crucial. It lead to a brutal night in several of the five local divisions as a couple incidents knocked out several competitors on Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

Prior to qualifying in the mini stock division, Wyatt Roach who was driving Ryan Ahrens car lost an engine in practice and was unable to race. In the trophy dash, Brian Murrell, Jr. got loose in turn four on the first lap, overcorrected and hit the concrete wall. Murrell was able to walk away from the incident but was finished for the evening. Brian McIntosh took the dash victory over Brian Murrell and Scott Baker. With only four cars remaining, the division skipped the heat race and ran a 10-lap main. Murrell made a daring pass inside of McIntosh for the lead and was able to take the win over McIntosh, Baker and Harry Walford.

Jim Redd won the real stock trophy dash over Ronnie O’Neill, Nick Green and Bill Middleton. Ryan Robinson took the heat race win ahead of Casey Mitchell, O’Neill, Middleton and Green. Robinson used his pole-position starting spot in the main event to full advantage as he took the lead from the get-go from Mitchell. While Robinson ran away, Mitchell fought hard to fall into second but unfortunately was unable to use the high line to his advantage as Green, Redd and O’Neill all were able to move past for position. On lap four, Middleton hit the wall on the backstretch and was finished for the night. After the restart, Green briefly challenged Robinson for the lead but Robinson was eventually able to pull away. Redd moved by Green for second on lap 10 bringing O’Neill with him. Two laps later, O’Neill moved by Redd for second. Robinson’s lead was insurmountable though and unfortunately for O’Neill he lost power coming to the white flag. Robinson crossed the finish line first over Redd, Green, Mitchell and Doug Way.

The roadrunner trophy dash went to Kolby Jackson over Raleigh Willoughby, Dax Kinsey and Robbie Nelson. Willoughby passed Jackson on the last lap of the heat to win while Dylan Cook, Kinsey and Nelson rounded out the top five finishers. Ken Barrett held the lead at the start of the main event but lost the position to Michael Lawrence on lap two followed by Jackson. Unfortunately for Lawrence, his time up front was short as Jackson took the lead on lap three bringing Willoughby with him. Meanwhile, Kinsey methodically maneuvered his way to the front, getting by Lawrence on lap 8 for third. Kinsey closed in as the front duo of Jackson and Willoughby fought for the lead. Kinsey got by Willoughby on lap 13 and then moved under and past Jackson for the lead on lap 16. Kinsey was able to hold on from that point as he took the win over Jackson, Willoughby, Nelson and Lawrence.

Chris Sarvinski won the thunder roadster trophy dash over Tommy Payne, Randy Olson and Mike Ward. The heat race proved to be a very interesting race. After a caution flag for Jay Bahner’s spin off turn two, Allen Olson spun in the first turn. Mike Ward hit Olson’s left-front wheel severely damaging the suspension on Olson’s car. Ward’s car came out of the incident clean. After the restart, another caution flew when Payne and Ward came together in turns three and four. Luckily nobody suffered any damage. Coming to the white flag, Sarvinski spun coming off turn four. As Sarvinski came back across the track, Ward had nowhere to go and slammed into the side of Sarvinski’s car ending the night prematurely for both drivers. Just after taking the yellow flag, Randy Olson and Ray Elliott who were first and second pulled into the pits believing they had taken the checkered flag when it had not been thrown. The end result put Belinda Ward into the lead on the restart and she was able to hold on and won over Bruce Ziemer, Rob Nelson, Bahner and Olson.

Bahner got a good start in the main event and took the race lead initially but he had his hands full by the end of the first lap as Elliott and Randy Olson had moved to second and third place. On lap two, Elliott looked for room under Bahner for the lead. Olson seized the opportunity and took the high line past Elliott for second. Olson worked the high line on Bahner the next two laps and took the race lead on lap five. At the same time, Payne hit the wall on the front stretch but continued on in the race. Moments later, Elliott and Bahner made contact sending Bahner spinning into the infield on the back stretch and bringing out the yellow flag. After the restart, Elliott began to make a charge back to the front along with Payne. Unfortunately for Payne, he spun off turn two and ended up losing a lap to the leaders. Elliott began racing Nelson for third on lap 10 and on lap 11 he moved under Nelson going into turn one. The two came together though. Nelson was able to slow up and avoid hitting the wall but Elliott was not so fortunate as he hit the wall and damaged his suspension. When the checkered flag flew it was Randy Olson winning handily over Ziemer, Nelson, Allen Olson and Belinda Ward.

Mic Moulton proved superior in the sportsman trophy dash beating Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries and Dennis DelBiaggio. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over DelBiaggio, Moulton, Donnie Brown and Scott Baker. Brown pulled into the lead in the initial stages of the main event ahead of Peterson. Brown tried as best he could to hold the top position but finally on lap five, Peterson moved under to take the lead. On lap seven, Marcelli made contact with Baker sending Baker spinning and bringing out the caution flag. Marcelli was sent to the rear of the field for initiating the contact. Racing resumed for two laps before DelBiaggio made contact with Brown coming off turn two while racing for second. Brown did a 360 and everyone avoided contact as the yellow flew. Like Marcelli, DelBiaggio was sent to the rear for his role in the spin.

After the restart, Peterson had his hands full with Moulton who was now in the second position. Moulton wasted little time, taking the lead on lap 10. Peterson desperately hung on to Moulton but as the laps wound down, Moulton was able to build his margin over Peterson to approximately five car lengths. At the checkered flag it was Moulton winning over Peterson, Pries, DelBiaggio and Marcelli.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday August 28th for Fan Appreciation Night.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Upset winners highlight night at the races

Upset winners highlight night at the races

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Race nine of the 2010 season took place this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway’s 3/8-mile paved oval. Though the weather was cool and cloudy, a full house packed the grandstands to witness the five local divisions and some of the best racing on the west coast.

Craig Baker took the reigns of his brother Scott’s car for the evening and took the trophy dash victory over Rick Stone, Brian McIntosh and Brian Murrell, Jr. Baker then went on to win the heat race ahead of Stone and Murrell, Jr. The division had its best turnout of cars for the season with eight drivers starting the feature event. The early stages of the main featured a side-by-side duel between front row starters McIntosh and Stone. Baker made his run to the front quickly, narrowly avoiding Murrell, Jr. who spun out of third coming off the fourth turn bring out a caution. On the restart, Stone did his best to try to hold off Baker and was successful until lap 12 when Baker maneuvered high and past Stone between the third and fourth turns. From that point on Baker was able to pull away to the checkered flag with no pressure, taking the victory. Stone finished a solid second followed by McIntosh, Ricky Davis and Murrell, Jr.

After several races away from the raceway, Jim Redd returned to action and showed no signs of rust by taking the real stock trophy dash victory ahead of Casey Mitchell, Mark Williams and Bill Middleton. Ronnie O’Neill took the heat race win over Ryan Robinson, Mitchell, Middleton and Williams. O’Neill put his pole position starting spot in the main event to good use as he was able to grab the lead from the start and pull away from the Robinson and the rest of the pack. Middleton was the first driver to pick his way up to third, but Mitchell quickly maneuvered past him for the position. Nobody had the ability to catch O’Neill and at the checkered flag it was O’Neill winning over Robinson, Mitchell, Redd and Middleton.

Nick Hansen took the roadrunner trophy dash win ahead of Raleigh Willoughby, Dax Kinsey and Robbie Nelson. Kinsey ran away in the heat race, taking the win over Kolby Jackson, Willoughby, Nelson and Hansen. Kinsey looked to be the dominant force on the night and was able to maneuver into the lead by lap six. However as the laps clicked off, Kinsey’s car appeared to lose some of the power that it once had. On lap 12, Willoughby moved by Kinsey easily to take the lead. Hansen followed by just moments later. Hansen began to close on Willoughby and on the last lap Hansen attempted a pass under Willoughby. The two came together slightly with Willoughby holding the lead and Hansen losing his momentum. At the checkers it was Willoughby winning over Hansen, Jackson, Kinsey and Charlie Anderson.

The excitement in the thunder roadster division got going from the drop of the green flag in the trophy dash. Going into the first turn, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Randy Olson came together sending Olson into the water barrels that protect the wall going into pit road and Peeples into the wall just a few feet farther down the track. Fortunately both drivers were able to return to the track later on. Tommy Payne won the dash over Brandon Barnwell. Rob Nelson won the first heat race ahead of Fergy Ferguson, Jay Bahner, Jim Rich and Belinda Ward. Payne held off Peeples in the second heat to win followed by Barnwell, Bruce Ziemer and Mike Ward.

Bahner took the lead from the pole at the start of the feature event while the mass-exodus of faster cars tried to quickly maneuver from the back to the front. On lap 7, Peeples, Olson and Barnwell came together off turn two with Barnwell suffering extensive right-front damage ending his event. After the restart, the caution flew two laps later for Peeples spin off turn two. The next restart saw Payne move to the high line from third to pass Belinda Ward in second and then Bahner for the race lead on lap 11. Olson had quickly moved to third at that point and had to fight Baher until lap 13 before he got into second. Peeples moved by Bahner into third on the nineteenth lap. It appeared as though Payne had enough of a margin on Olson to cruise to victory but a caution on lap 23 bunched the field up. With the two experienced drivers of Olson and Peeples behind him, Payne restarted the event with two laps to go. Payne did not falter and was able to hold on to take his first-ever main event victory at the Acres, sweeping all three events on the night. Olson finished second with Peeples third, Mike Ward fourth and Belinda Ward fifth.

Mic Moulton took the sportsman trophy dash win over Dennis DelBiaggio, Kenny Demello and Donnie Brown. Al Acuna took the heat race victory ahead of Scott Baker, Brown, Moulton and Angelo Marcelli. Acuna used the pole position to the lead in the main event while outside front row starter Baker slotted himself into the second position. Baker looked impressive in only his second sportsman start holding off the faster challengers while also trying to find a way past Acuna for the lead. On lap 4, Brown got into the back of Peterson in between turns three and four sending him spinning from the third position. Behind them, other drivers spun to slow down. Unfortunately for DelBiaggio, he suffered extensive front-end damage which forced his crew to tear off the entire bumper for him to return.

On the restart, Moulton quickly moved by Baker into second. The best action on the track for the duration of the event was at the front as Moulton tried everything he could to find a line by Acuna for the lead. Acuna used everything he knew to fight off Moulton and at the end it worked as he crossed the finish line first beating Moulton, Baker, Peterson and Marcelli.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway in just one week on August 7th for Back-To-School Night.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Season winding down as the AABLM series returns to the Acres

Season winding down as the AABLM series returns to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Only five races remain in the 2010 season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. After seven events the true contenders for the track championships in the five divisions have become clear. Besides the points races drawing to a close, the final five events are all special events with the AABLM touring series making its second of two schedule points visits this weekend followed by Back-To-School Night on August 7th, Fan Appreciation Night on August 28th, the September 11th Memorial Race and the September 25th Fall Spectacular which the AABLM will be returning for a non-points, all-money event.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Scott Baker appears to have the mini stock points title well in hand as he holds a 57 point cushion over second place, Ken Barrett. Brian Murrell, Jr. sits third 97 markers behind Baker while Brian Murrell, Sr. and Brian McIntosh rest in fourth and fifth positions in the standings.

As usual, the real stock division has been ultra-competitive as six different drivers have taken home main event victories. Through it all, Casey Mitchell has been the most consistent as he has accumulated 525 points. Nick Green has been strong all season and is second with 502 points, 23 behind Mitchell. Ryan Robinson was the points leader earlier in the season, but issues during the June 26th Fair Night main event cost him dearly and he now is third with 486 points. The duo of Shawn Craig and Ryan Walters hold fourth with 463 points while Bill Middleton is fifth with 348.

The roadrunner division holds the distinction of having the most cars that have raced at the Acres this season, 20 in total. Raleigh Willoughby dominated the early portion of the season and though he’s had bad luck of late, he still holds a commanding lead over second place Dax Kinsey, 542 points to 471 points. Nick Hansen has been a strong competitor as the season has progress. He is third with 442 points. Jimmy Murray is fourth with 431 points and Dustin DelBiaggio is fifth with 369 points.

Although Paul Peeples, Jr. has been the commanding force in the thunder roadster division this season, he did not race on July 10. His absence allowed Tommy Payne to take the lead in the standings with 509 to Peeples 504. Brandon Barnwell in third and Mike Ward in fourth are still within striking distance with 488 and 482 points apiece while Chris Sarvinski is sixth with 414 points.

Ironically, the top two positions in the sportsman division are the same as in the thunder roadster division. Like Payne, Angelo Marcelli has 509 points and is the leader while Mic Moulton is second with 504. However, the gap to third is much closer with Dennis DelBiaggio at 501 points. Larry Pries still has an outside chance of taking the division title with 481 points while Jerry Peterson is out of it with 453 points.

As previously noted, the AABLM series joins the five local divisions at Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend, July 31st. In their last visit on May 22nd, David Miller was the dominant force taking the lead in the early stages of the race and running away by the end. With the series having been on break for more than a month, it’s likely that there will be a full field of cars and drivers who are excited to get back to racing.

Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (After 8 races)
Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Scott Baker 352, Barrett/Walford 295, Brian Murrell, Jr. 255, Brian Murrell, Sr. 210, Brian McIntosh 191, Ryan Ahrens 182, Craig Baker 79, Robbie Robinson 57, Ricky Davis 51

Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Casey Mitchell 525, Nick Green 502, Ryan Robinson 486, Craig/Walters 463, Bill Middleton 348, Ronnie O'Neill 333, Ray Middleton 269, Jim Redd 246, Doug Way 225, Dustin Walters 179, Wyatt Roach 125, Aaron Sandifer 97, Bob Lima 64, Landon Newell 50

Roadrunners
Track Record: Raleigh Willoughby 21.307
Raleigh Willoughby 542, Dax Kinsey 471, Nick Hansen 442, Jimmy Murray 431, Dustin DelBiaggio 369, Michael Lawrence 345, Charlie Anderson 321, Kolby Jackson 281, Robbie Nelson 279, Ken Barrett 264, Bill Snow 253, Kent Campbell 249, Tim Abeyta 233, Dylan Cook 221, Brett Murrell 208, Eric Rice 117, Pete Smith 64, Jake Moxon 63, Mark Benzinger 58, Kaveeta Chand 44

Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
Thomas Payne 509, Paul Peeples, Jr. 504, Brandon Barnwell 488, Mike Ward 482, Chris Sarvinski 414, Belinda Ward 412, Bruce Ziemer 410, Rob Nelson 363, Fergy Ferguson 298, Dave Henderson 290, Randy Olson 286, Jay Bahner 197, Jim Rich 157, Dan Maxwell 79, Robert Miller 62, Allen Olson 53, Dave McMurray 11

Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Angelo Marcelli 509, Mic Moulton 504, Dennis DelBiaggio 501, Larry Pries 481, Jerry Peterson 453, Kenny Demello 379, Joe McDonald 344, Al Acuna 221, Donnie Brown 212, Aaron Byers 181, Jim Walker 62, Scott Baker 51, Ken Hallis 48.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Crashes highlight racing at the Acres

Crashes highlight racing at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a surprisingly cool summer evening this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. The five local division returned to the 3/8-mile paved oval after a two-week layoff. Unfortunately, numerous accidents highlighted the events throughout the evening and by the end of the night, several drivers were hot under the collar.

Nick Green held off Casey Mitchell, Ronnie O’Neill and Bill Middleton to win the real stock trophy dash. Mitchell went on to win the heat race over Green, Ryan Robinson, Doug Way and O’Neill. The real stock main event proved to be the highlight of the evening and likely the best race thus far at Redwood Acres in the 2010 season. Mitchell and O’Neill raced a clean, nose-to-tail race for most all of the 20-lap feature. O’Neill was unable to use the high line to his liking as he tried it several times on Mitchell. At the checkered flag it was Mitchell beating O’Neill, Way, Middleton and Robinson. Surprisingly, the main event win marked Mitchell’s first of this season.

In mini stock action, Scott Baker won the trophy dash over Brian Murrell, Ricky Davis who was making his first-ever start and Brian McIntosh. Baker followed up with the heat race victory over Brian Murrell, Jr., Murrell, Ryan Ahrens and McIntosh. Baker was able to make it a clean sweep on the night as he ran away with the main event beating Murrell, McIntosh, Murrell, Jr. and Ken Barrett.

Nick Hansen took the roadrunner trophy dash victory ahead of Raleigh Willoughby, Dylan Cook and Michael Lawrence. Kolby Jackson held off Hansen to take the heat race victory followed by Lawrence, Cook and Willoughby. The feature was a rough and tumble affair. In the initial start, Brett Murrell and Cook made contact going into the third turn bringing out a restart. On the next start, Willoughby and Jackson came together as they were completing the first lap with Jackson getting into the wall. The next restart saw contact between Ken Barrett and Dax Kinsey going into the first turn. As both cars headed for the wall, Cook was caught up and he spun and hit the wall with his rear-end. Barrett and Kinsey were finished for the evening while Cook was able to continue. The race was cut to 10 laps with Hansen taking the win over Jackson, Willoughby, Cook and Murrell.

The thunder roadster trophy dash went to Randy Olson over Tommy Payne, Brandon Barnwell and Chris Sarvinski. The heat race for the roadsters looked more like a demolition derby than a race. When trying to pass Rob Nelson on the outside of turn four, Sarvinski got too high, got loose and hit the wall coming off the corner finishing his evening prematurely. After a restart, Nelson and Fergy Ferguson got hung together in turns one and two sending both drivers into the water barrels entering pit road. Both drivers were okay but were also finished for the evening. After all the chaos, Olson took the heat race win ahead of Mike Ward, Barnwell, Payne and Ziemer. Barnwell took the lead from the start of the feature event but by the end of the first lap, Olson was on his bumper in second. Going into the third turn on lap five, Olson took the lead and never looked back. Olson took the win handily over Barnwell, Payne, Ward and Ziemer.

Jerry Peterson took the sportsman trophy dash honors ahead of Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries and Mic Moulton. Aaron Byers was able to beat Peterson by inches in the heat race followed by Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio and Pries. Byers was able to take the lead early in the main event over Marcelli until lap two when DelBiaggio got loose going into turn three, spun and hit the wall ending his race. After the restart, Marcelli began to work hard on Byers for the lead. On lap 9, Marcelli found the line under Byers for the top spot. On lap 16, Peterson moved by Byers for second with Moulton following the next lap. On lap 20, Pries tried to make a move under Byers for fourth going into turn three. The two touched and went into the wall. Both drivers were fine but out of action. After the restart, Marcelli showed surprising strength holding off Peterson and Moulton. Neither was able to put a serious challenge to Marcelli’s lead and at the checkered flag it was Marcelli winning over Peterson, Moulton and Kenny Demello.

The racing action at Redwood Acres Raceway goes on a three-week hiatus before returning on Saturday July 31st. Joining the five local divisions will be the return of the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series. It will be the second of the two scheduled points paying events for the series.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Olson goes back-to-back, sweeps fair races

Olson goes back-to-back, sweeps fair races

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The annual Redwood Acres Raceway fair night races took place this past Saturday night at the 3/8-mile paved oval in Eureka, California. As expected, the presence of the fair brought in additional drivers and fans to the track for one of the biggest weekends of the racing season. With races on back-to-back nights, it was important for drivers and teams to keep their cars in one piece, not only for the regular season points battles but for the special fair race title as well.

The weather on Friday evening proved to be cool and crisp, but that didn’t deter the racing on the track. In the real stock class, Ryan Walters took the trophy dash victory over Nick Green, Casey Mitchell and Ronnie O’Neill. Green won the heat race over Mitchell, Walters, Bill Middleton and O’Neill. Middleton held the lead in the opening stages of the main event before being challenged by Walters and Ryan Robinson. On lap 5, Walters made contact with Middleton off turn four sending Middleton out of the lead. During the caution period, Walters was sent to the rear giving the lead to Robinson. Robinson was able to withstand a last lap charge by Green to take the victory. Mitchell, Walters and Middleton rounded out the top five.

Scott Baker took the Friday night mini stock dash win over Brian Murrell, Brian Murrell, Jr. and Ryan Ahrens. The heat race victory went to Murrell, Jr. over Murrell, Baker, Ahrens and Ken Barrett. Due to the car count, the minis did not run a main event.

Kolby Jackson won the roadrunner trophy dash ahead of Bill Snow, Dax Kinsey and Raleigh Willoughby. Jackson followed up with the heat race win over Kinsey, Willoughby, Dustin DelBiaggio and Jimmy Murray. The main event proved unfortunate to two of the faster competitors. Willoughby’s tire blew just as he made the pass for the lead five laps into the race. Later on, Jackson had a tire blow taking him off the track. Kinsey was able to maneuver his car through the field and held on for the win over Murray, DelBiaggio, Ken Barrett and Tim Apeyta.

Paul Peeples, Jr. was the victor in the thunder roadster trophy dash over Randy Olson, David Henderson and Tommy Payne. Bruce Ziemer won the first heat over Jay Bahner, Fergy Ferguson, Rob Nelson and Belinda Ward while Henderson took the second heat ahead of Chris Sarvinski, Olson, Peeples and Brandon Barnwell. The opening laps of the feature event proved costly to two drivers. On lap two, several cars began spinning. Most notable of those was Henderson who spun going into the third turn, hitting the wall hard. It became evident that fluid was on the track and after a lap under caution it was evident that the culprit was Barnwell’s car which had leaked fluid heavily around the track. After the restart, Ziemer held the lead until Olson found a way by on the inside on lap 12 bringing Peeples with him. From that point on, Olson and Peeples raced nose-to-tail for the lead. Peeples was unable to put a move on Olson and at the checkered flag it was Olson winning over Peeples, Payne, Sarvinski and Mike Ward.

Friday night’s sportsman trophy dash victory went to Mic Moulton over Jerry Peterson, Joe McDonald and Dennis DelBiaggio. Peterson won the heat ahead of McDonald, Angelo Marcelli, Moulton and Al Acuna. Peterson held the lead from the get-go of the main event while Marcelli and Moulton settled in for a battle for the second position. On lap 21, Moulton and Marcelli tangled going into the first turn sending both cars spinning. Behind them, DelBiaggio had nowhere to go and hit Moulton. Marcelli was able to continue while DelBiaggio and Moulton were finished for the event.

With just two laps to go, Larry Pries and Aaron Byers got together in turn one resulting in a yellow flag. After the restart, McDonald led Peterson and Marcelli. Coming to the white flag, Peterson nudged McDonald and took the lead. Coming to take the checkered flag, McDonald got into Peterson sending Peterson spinning off the fourth turn. The end result was that Marcelli was awarded the victory while several cars including Peterson and McDonald were unable to race on Saturday due to choice or official’s ruling.

Saturday evening proved to be completely different from the night before. Beautiful sunshine spread over the raceway while there was only one caution period in all of the night’s action. Ronnie O’Neill won the real stock trophy dash over Casey Mitchell, Nick Green and Ryan Walters. Ryan Robinson held off O’Neill to win the heat race while Walters, Mitchell and Green rounded out the top five. Inexplicably Robinson, who was the real stock points leader going into the fair night weekend, was unable to get his car to the line for the main event. After starting from the pole, O’Neill ran away from the competition and handily took his first ever main event victory ahead of Walters, Doug Way, Mitchell and Green. Walters was awarded the fair night crown for the real stock division.

Brian Murrell, Jr. held off his father, Brian Murrell for the mini stock trophy dash victory while Ryan Ahrens and Craig Baker who was driving his brother Scott’s car for the night placed third and fourth. Baker won the heat race over Murrell, Murrell, Jr., Ahrens and Brian McIntosh. Baker started at the rear of the field for the main and was able to maneuver by the Murrell father-son team to take the victory while Murrell, Murrell, Jr., McIntosh and Ahrens. The team of Scott and Craig Baker were also victorious in the fair night championship as well.

Raleigh Willoughby won the roadrunner trophy dash over Dax Kinsey, Bill Snow and Kolby Jackson. Willoughby then won the heat race ahead of Michael Lawrence, Kinsey, Anderson visitor, Noah Smith and Ken Barrett. The main event was slowed only once, that by a hard hit by Barrett going into the first turn. Thankfully he was alright. Willoughby’s poor finish in Friday night’s event gave him pole position in Saturday night’s main. He was able to use the good start to his advantage as he held of several challenges by Snow to take the win. Kinsey was able to get by Snow on the last lap for second while Smith and Lawrence finished out the top five. Kinsey took home the fair night title for the roadrunner division.

The thunder roadster trophy dash victory went to Randy Olson over Tommy Payne, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Brandon Barnwell who was driving Bruce Ziemer’s car for the night. Belinda Ward took the first heat race win ahead of Rob Nelson, Fergy Ferguson, Jay Bahner and Dan Maxwell. Payne withstood Olson’s challenges in the second heat to win followed by Peeples, Mike Ward and Barnwell. Ferguson grabbed the lead early in the main event from Bahner but was quickly challenged by the faster cars of Mike Ward, Payne and Olson. Payne got too high off turn two on lap 10 allowing Olson to get under for third. The next lap, Ferguson opened the door allowing a host of cars to get under him and past, most notably Ward and Olson. Ward did his best to hold off Olson but on lap 15, Olson was able to get under and past for the race lead. Ward then had his hands full with Peeples and in the latter stages Peeples was able to pull into second bringing Barnwell and Payne with him. Olson was able to race the rest of the event unchallenged as he took the victory over Peeples, Barnwell, Payne and Ward. With his victory, Olson was the only driver to win both main event for the fair races and he was able to take the weekend championship.

Mic Moulton won the sportsman trophy dash over Dennis DelBiaggio, Larry Pries and Aaron Byers. DelBiaggio took the heat victory ahead of Byers, Pries, Northcoast racing legend, Jim Walker and Moulton. The main event proved to be over from the drop of the green flag as Moulton got a good jump from the outside front row and pulled away from the pack. The bulk of the excitement came from the famous blue 48 car driven by Walker. After starting from the rear, Walker thrilled the fans by moving to the third position by the end of the night. Moulton was able to win what was surprisingly his first main event victory on the year over DelBiaggio, Walker, Pries and Byers. The sportsman fair night championship was won by Byers.

Racing at the Acres takes a much needed week off after three races in the past two weeks. Action resumes Saturday July 10th with all five divisions returning once more.

Monday, June 21, 2010

McDonald edges Peterson for sportsman victory

McDonald edges Peterson for sportsman victory

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Finally after almost a full month, racing returned to the pavement of the 3/8-mile Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night. The long break was made longer by the fact that heavy mist had cancelled the scheduled race earlier in the month on June 5th. This race marked the return of the mini stock division as the class went on a brief hiatus the past several events.

Prior to the night’s events going into action, several drivers pulled their cars out onto the track to run memorial laps in honor of two folks who had sadly recently passed away. Diana Robertson was a long-time race fan at the Acres and was the daughter of former track flagman, Larry Robertson who passed away several years ago. The other loss suffered was that of former driver, Duane Mayo. Mayo began racing at Redwood Acres in the 80s when the track was still dirt. Mayo moved to the sportsman division in the early 90s then returned to racing the limited street stock division in recent years. Both will be greatly missed by the Redwood Acres Raceway community.

Scott Baker took the trophy dash win in the mini stock division ahead of Brian Murrell, Brian McIntosh and Brian Murrell, Jr. Baker then won the heat race over Murrell, Ken Barrett, Ryan Ahrens and Murrell, Jr. Murrell took the lead early in the mini stock main event but was unable to hold back Baker on this night as Baker went three-for-three sweeping the trophy dash, heat race and main event for the night. Murrell beat his son for second while Barrett and Ahrens finished the top five.

The real stock trophy dash was won by Casey Mitchell over Ryan Robinson, Ryan Walters and Nick Green. The heat race victory was taken by Green ahead of Dustin Walters, Mitchell, Ryan Walters and Robinson. Doug Way took the lead at the start of the feature event for the real stocks but couldn’t hold off Dustin Walters by the third turn of the first lap as Walters moved under to take the lead. Walters’ ability to take the lead so early in the event proved to be invaluable as he was able to pull out a good lead while the rest of the field battled amongst themselves. Way did a fantastic job of holding off the field cleanly for second but Robinson eventually got by to take the spot. Robinson wasn’t able to close in on Walters until the final lap. Going into the third turn, Robinson made a last-ditch effort but didn’t have enough to muscle by. At the checkered flag it was Dustin Walters winning in his first start of the season over Robinson, Mitchell, Ryan Walters and Green.

Raleigh Willoughby returned to form, winning the roadrunner trophy dash after an incident in the May 22nd main event took him to the hospital. Dax Kinsey, Jimmy Murray and Robbie Nelson rounded out the finishers. Dustin DelBiaggio took heat race honors ahead of Charlie Anderson, Nelson, Kinsey and Willoughby. The main event got off to a bad start for Nelson as contact sent him into the wall off the second turn and out of action. Tim Apeyta took the lead on the restart but after the first lap Anderson held the lead. Things got close on the second lap when DelBiaggio got loose in turn four while racing Apeyta for second and spun. Fortunately everyone was able to get by without contact. Willoughby moved by Abeyta into second just moments after DelBiaggio’s spin.

On lap eight, Willoughby moved to the outside of Anderson for the lead. Willoughby took the lead coming to the caution flag as Kinsey’s car lost power and stopped in turn one. After the restart, Willoughby and Anderson walked away from the pack while several drivers including Ken Barrett, Murray, DelBiaggio and Nick Hansen fought hard for position. At the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning his fourth main event of five this season ahead of Anderson. Meanwhile on the backstretch, DelBiaggio spun forcing Murray to slow to avoid hitting him. Behind them, Hansen spun to avoid getting involved. All the action gave Barrett third place and Abeyta fourth. Murray was able to get back to the line ahead of DelBiaggio for the fifth spot.

In the thunder roadster division, Paul Peeples, Jr. took the trophy dash win over Randy Olson, Brandon Barnwell and Tommy Payne. Rob Nelson won the heat race ahead of Fergy Ferguson, Olson, Peeples and Barnwell. Nelson took the lead from the start and held it early on over Mike Ward. It didn’t take long for Peeples to make his presence known as he was in third position passing Payne on lap four. A lap later, Nelson spun out of the lead off turn two handing it over to Ward. Olson moved his way into third on lap six bringing Barnwell with him past Payne. The next lap, Peeples moved under Ward to take the lead. On lap 10, Barnwell passed Olson for third. On lap 16, Payne got by Olson for fourth. The next lap, Barnwell moved by Ward for second. Nobody had anything for Peeples though as he was able to handily take the victory over Barnwell, Ward, Payne and Olson.

Mic Moulton took the trophy dash win in the sportsman division ahead of Joe McDonald, Jerry Peterson and Dennis DelBiaggio. McDonald won the head over Peterson, Angelo Marcelli, DelBiaggio and Moulton. Larry Pries utilized his outside front row starting position well by taking the lead at the start of the main event over Peterson and Moulton. Moulton looked to have the car to beat on the night. On lap five he passed Peterson for second. On lap 10, Moulton moved under Pries to take the lead bringing Peterson and McDonald with him into second and third. However, it appeared as though Moulton’s car wasn’t running right. Where before he was running away from Peterson, now Peterson was right on his tail. On lap 14 going into turn three, Moulton’s engine hand-grenaded. The drivers behind him did a masterful job of avoiding further catastrophe but it was another unfortunate night for Moulton in what has been a season of misfortune for him at the Acres.

Peterson inherited the lead after the restart and had his hands full with second place McDonald. McDonald stayed right in Peterson’s mirror waiting for a chance to pass. Peterson’s car began developing a push off the corners. Coming off turn four on lap 23, Peterson’s car nearly pushed into the wall. The moment Peterson took to back off the gas was all McDonald needed to get under and by for the lead. Peterson fought valiantly to get back on McDonald’s bumper but he didn’t have the horsepower or handling he needed to make a serious charge at the lead. At the checkered flag it was McDonald winning over Peterson, Pries, DelBiaggio and Marcelli.

The drivers and teams have a quick turnaround to do as racing returns to the Acres for fair night action this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights June 25th and 26th. Several more cars are expected to join in all the classes making these events must-see for race fans.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Rain cancels racing at the Acres

Rain cancels racing at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time in the 2010 racing season, Mother Nature brought bad weather to Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday night forcing officials to cancel the evening’s events. A heavy mist befell the 3/8-mile paved oval just after time trials in all of the divisions had finished. Redwood Acres Raceway promoter, Rich Olson waited for the skies to clear but after 15 minutes and the mist falling harder Olson called for the races to be cancelled.

The cancellation of this event means that there will be another two week break until action returns to the track in all four local divisions.

Remaining Schedule:
June 19th
June 25th & 26th - Fair Races
July 10th
July 31st – AABLM series
August 7th
August 28th – Pro-4 Modifieds
September 11th
September 25th – Fall Spectacular featuring AABLM series and Pro-4 Modifieds

Points Standings:
Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
1. 7 Scott Baker 127
2. 8 Ken Barrett 118
3. 11 Craig Baker 79
4. 23 Robbie Robinson 57
5. 74 Brian Murrell, Jr. 56
6. 68 John Blake 11

Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
1. 47 Ryan Robinson 270
2. 89 Craig/Walters 252
3. 69 Casey Mitchell 251
4. 1 Nick Green 247
5. 44 Redd/Simon 236
6. 52 Ray Middleton 165
7. 51 Ronnie O'Neill 148
8. 57 Wyatt Roach 125
9. 11 Bill Middleton 118
10. 55 Bob Lima 54
11. 18 Landon Newell 50
12. 14 Aaron Sandifer 48

Roadrunners
Track Record: Raleigh Willoughby 21.307
1. 8 Raleigh Willoughby 268
2. 25 Nick Hansen 261
3. 20 Jimmy Murray 244
4. 88 Charlie Anderson 241
5. 24 Robbie Nelson 219
6. 10 Kolby Jackson 218
7. 33 Dax Kinsey 200
8. 42 Dustin DelBiaggio 174
9. 44 Dylan Cook 147
10. 92 Kent/Carrie Campbell 146
11. 71 Bill Snow 128
12. 28 Rice/Crowley 117
13. 47 Michael Lawrence 100
14. 00 Mark Benzinger 58
15. 38 Jake Moxon 53
16. 69 Tim Apeyta 46
17. 49 Ken Barrett 45

Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
1. 15 Paul Peeples, Jr. 292
2. 66 Thomas Payne 252
3. 9 Brandon Barnwell 241
4. 13 Mike Ward 237
5. 21 Chris Sarvinski 228
6. 5 Bruce Ziemer 223
7. 95 Belinda Ward 207
8. 2 Dave Henderson 189
9. 18 Rob Nelson 188
10. 99 Jim Rich 147
11. 21X Fergy Ferguson 117
12. 3 Jay Bahner 101
13. 82 Robert Miller 62

Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
1. 09 Joe McDonald 261
2. 19 Dennis DelBiaggio 261
3. 25 Angelo Marcelli 252
4. 07 Jerry Peterson 249
5. 1 Mic Moulton 245
6. 01 Larry Pries 238
7. 55 Donnie Brown 212
8. 8 Kenny Demello 207
9. 40 Al Acuna 10

Monday, May 24, 2010

Miller pulls away, wins Scottfeild Executive Hotels 75

Miller pulls away, wins Scottfeild Executive Hotels 75

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was hard to tell whether or not Mother Nature was going to participate this past weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway. All week prior, nobody was sure if it was going to rain or not on Saturday. There were showers in the morning that worried folks, but track officials stuck to the game plan and by the afternoon it looked as though there would be racing on the night. Thankfully, there was. Joining the local classes of cars for this race were the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series (AABLM) for their first of two points-paying visits at the Acres in 2010.

Things got exciting from the very get-go of the night. In the real stock trophy dash, Jim Redd spun in turn four collecting Shawn Craig. Craig’s car suffered extensive front-end damage, but he was able to return to the track later on. Redd ended up taking the dash win over Ryan Robinson and Nick Green. Green was victorious in the heat race ahead of a dead-heat for second place between Ray Middleton and Casey Mitchell. Bill Middleton took the lead early on in the main event but was challenged by Redd for the lead on lap three. The two came together in the first turn briefly causing Redd’s car to get sideways, but both drivers continued. Redd fought back and on lap 8 he and Robinson were able to move past Middleton. Robinson rode closely in Redd’s mirror until the final lap when Redd pushed high off turn two allowing Robinson to maneuver inside. The two raced side-by-side going into turn three. Of the fourth corner, Robinson was able to prevail in the low line and he crossed the finish line first over Redd, Mitchell, Craig and Bill Middleton.

Raleigh Willoughby stayed perfect in the roadrunner trophy dash, winning the fourth out of four dashes this season. Nick Hansen, Robbie Nelson and Charlie Anderson rounded out the finishers. Hansen took the heat race win over Kolby Jackson, Jimmy Murray, Nelson and Anderson. The main event got off to a slow start. Going into the third turn on lap one, Timothy Arvada got into the back of Michael Lawrence sending Lawrence spinning. Anderson with nowhere to go hit Lawrence’s rear end giving Anderson’s car front-end damage. Both drivers were able to continue in the race.

After the restart, things appeared to go more smoothly as Murray was able to take the lead ahead of the field. However on lap two, Justin DelBiaggio spun coming off turn two into the infield. At the same time going in turns three and four, Nelson spun. Willoughby slowed and moved high to avoid Nelson but behind them, Jake Moxon wasn’t able to slow and rammed into the back of Willoughby’s car. Unfortunately the ambulance was called onto the track for Willoughby. Safety officials used the jaws of life to extract Willoughby out of his car and he was taken to the local hospital where he was later released with no major injuries. Because of the time taken during this period, the race was shortened to prevent the 11:00 curfew from becoming a factor. The green came back out with Murray leading but it would only be briefly. On lap five, Hansen moved by to take the lead. Hansen was able to withstand several challenges from Jackson to win his first ever main event. Murray placed third with Anderson fourth and Nelson fifth.

David Henderson took the trophy dash win in the thunder roadster division ahead of Paul Peeples, Jr., Brandon Barnwell and Mike Ward. Barnwell won the heat over Peeples, Chris Sarvinski, Tommy Payne and Henderson. Bruce Ziemer held the lead early on in the main event but on lap six Sarvinski took the lead bringing Peeples and Barnwell with him. A lap later, Peeples moved under and past with Barnwell following in second. The top two ran nose-to-tail for the duration of the event with Barnwell trying to find the momentum to make a run on Peeples but he couldn’t find it. Peeples held on to win over Barnwell, while a fast closing Henderson placed third, Sarvinski fourth and Payne fifth.

The win in the sportsman trophy dash went to Joe McDonald over Mic Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio and Angelo Marcelli. DelBiaggio took the heat race win over Jerry Peterson, Marcelli, Moulton and Donnie Brown. DelBiaggio used his outside front row starting position to his advantage as he took the lead from the start of the main event. While the rest of the field fought for position second on back, DelBiaggio pulled out to a substantial margin. McDonald was the first to break through into second and later Moulton in third. Moulton was able to pass McDonald in the waning moments of the race, but DelBiaggio’s margin was too big to overcome. At the checkered it was DelBiaggio, Moulton, McDonald, Marcelli and Pries.

Randy Houston took the victory in the fast dash for the AABLM cars over Corey James, Mike Lovell, David Miller, Mike Doss and Kevin Ostern. In the slow dash, Dallas Shane and Mike Bourbon got together in the third turn sending Bourbon in the wall and out for the rest of the night. Jeremy Donahoo took the slow dash win ahead of Allen Gibney, Shane and Brandon Barnwell. The 75-lap feature got off to a fairly smooth start with Clay Caturegli taking the lead from pole position over outside pole-sitter, Jim Stillman, Jr. while farther back in the pack, Doss had issues and had to make his way from the very back of the pack. Misfortune struck Eric Gannon on lap three as his car began smoking forcing him into the pits and out of action. A few laps later, Houston’s car began showing smoke and he too would be forced into the pits and out of the race. By the tenth lap, the major players for the race were in the top five as Caturegli held the lead over Stillman, James, Miller and Lovell. On lap 12, Miller moved under and by James for the third position. A lap later, Stillman was able to move under Caturegli for the lead. Caturgeli was freight-trained out of the top five as now it was Stillman leading Miller, James, Lovell and Ostern. The caution flag flew on lap 20 when Donahoo hit the water barrels in turn two.

Miller wasted little time after the restart taking the top position lap 22. Miller began pulling away as Stillman and James battled for the second spot. On lap 43, James moved by Stillman for second. Miller’s toughest challenge would come on lap 45 when Caturegli spun in the fourth turn right in front of him. Fortunately, Miller avoided any contact. Miller’s only other obstacle would come at lap 50 when Gibney and Shane got jammed up entering pit road in turn two. After the restart, Miller drove away from the field. By the time the checkered flag flew, Miller was more or less in his own area code as he handily won over James, Stillman, Lovell and Doss who narrowly beat Ostern to the finish line for sixth.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway on June 5th with the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds making the first stop of the season. The AABLM series will be moving on to Lakeport Speedway this weekend, May 29th. The AABLM cars will return to the Acres July 31st.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Favorites yet to be determined in Acres points races

Favorites yet to be determined in Acres points races

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Much like the racing has been at Redwood Acres Raceway this season, the chase for the track championships in nearly all of the five local divisions are tight. Even after three races, there has yet to be a clear favorite to win the title in almost all of the classes.

The mini stock class has only participated in two of the three race dates in 2010. Because of the poor car count in the division, the mini stocks did not partake in the last race on May 8th. Currently Scott Baker leads the standings over rookie driver, Ken Barrett however whether or not the division will continue to race through the rest of the season has yet to be determined. The real stock points standings are tight amongst the top five drivers. Ryan Robinson leads with 200 points even over the duo of Shawn Craig and Ryan Robinson who have 195 points. Third is Casey Mitchell with 192 points, fourth is Nick Green 186 while Jim Redd lies fifth with 172 points.

Though Raleigh Willoughby has won the roadrunner main event in all three races this season, his points lead over Dax Kinsey is only 21 points, 221-200. Nick Hansen holds third with 186 while Jimmy Murray and Charlie Anderson are tied for fourth place with 178 points accumulated. In the thunder roadster class, Paul Peeples, Jr. holds a 25 point lead over Tommy Payne, 217 points to 192 points. Mike Ward is third with 180 points, Brandon Barnwell fourth with 171 and Bruce Ziemer fifth with 169. The tightest points race at the Acres thus far is in the sportsman division. Joe McDonald holds the lead with 197 points, but the gap between he and fifth place is only 13 points. Jerry Peterson lies second with 191 points followed by Angelo Marcelli with 190, Dennis DelBiaggio with 188 and Larry Pries with 184.

Racing at the Acres resumes this Saturday May 22nd. Joining the local divisions will be the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series for the Scottfield Executive Hotels 75. The event will mark the third points race of the season for the AABLM cars and the first points race for the series at Redwood Acres Raceway. The AABLM held a non-points event last season at the Acres during the season finale Fall Spectacular. Noel McCormack, Jr. was able to score the win in that event.

Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings

Mini Stocks
Scott Baker 127, Ken Barrett 118, Craig Baker 79, Robbie Robinson 57, Brian Murrell, Jr. 56, John Blake 11

Real Stocks
Ryan Robinson 200, Shawn Craig/Ryan Walters 195, Casey Mitchell 192, Nick Green 186, Jim Redd 172, Ronnie O’Neill 148, Wyatt Roach 125, Ray Middleton 111, Bill Middleton 57, Landon Newell 50

Roadrunners
Raleigh Willoughby 221, Dax Kinsey 200, Nick Hansen 186, Jimmy Murray 178, Charlie Anderson 178, Robbie Nelson 157, Kolby Jackson 149, Dylan Cook 147, Kent/Carrie Campbell 146, Bill Snow/Ryan Walters 128, Dustin DelBiaggio 117, Eric Rice/Rick Crawley 117, Russell Robinson 60, Mark Benzinger 58

Thunder Roadsters
Paul Peeples, Jr. 217, Tommy Payne 192, Mike Ward 180, Brandon Barnwell 171, Bruce Ziemer 169, Chris Sarvinski 165, Belinda Ward 159, Jim Rich 147, Rob Nelson 143, David Henderson 122, Fergy Ferguson 117, Robert Miller 62, Jay Bahner 53.

Sportsman
Joe McDonald 197, Jerry Peterson 191, Angelo Marcelli 190, Dennis DelBiaggio 188, Larry Pries 184, Mic Moulton 178, Donnie Brown 161, Kenny Demello 156, Al Acuna 103.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Willoughby 3 for 3 on season, Barnwell and Peterson win their first

Willoughby 3 for 3 on season, Barnwell and Peterson win their first

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The grandstands were packed for the third straight weekend for Mother’s Day weekend racing this past Saturday evening at Redwood Acres Raceway. Unlike the previous too weekends where the weather was sunny but extremely windy, this weather for the afternoon was sunny, warm and with only a slight breeze in the air. Just like the first two races this season, the drivers in the local divisions did not fail to disappoint as the racing was close and many of the finishes hotly contested.

For the first time since the inception of the division in 1989, the mini stock class did not compete due to a low car count. Unless the division gains some more competitors as the season progresses, it may be unlikely that the minis will be racing at the Acres again. It would be an unfortunate shame for what is the oldest running division at Redwood Acres Raceway and at one time boasted fields of 20 or more cars.

In real stock action, Jim Redd won the trophy dash over Nick Green, Casey Mitchell and Shawn Craig. In the heat race, Wyatt Roach’s car succumbed to engine problems, something that had been plaguing him all afternoon. Mitchell won the heat ahead of Ryan Robinson, Craig, Green and Redd. Craig put his pole position starting spot to good use as he took the lead in the early going of the main event. Outside front row starter, Mitchell didn’t have the same fortune as he was unable to get his car to handle on the outside line costing him several positions. Redd proved to be Craig’s closest competition and at one point it looked as though Redd had the strength to challenge Craig for the lead. However, a challenge by Mitchell for second broke Redd’s momentum and gave Craig enough of gap to get to the checkered flag comfortably. Redd held on for second while Green, Mitchell and Robinson rounded out the top five.

The roadrunner division had another solid turnout with more drivers expected to join the field in the very near future. For the third time in three races, Raleigh Willoughby took the trophy dash win ahead of Dax Kinsey, Nick Hansen and Bill Snow. The heat race got rough for Dylan Cook who was using a barrowed car for the night when he made contact in turn one. Jimmy Murray also suffered damage in the incident as his hood popped open and covered his front vision. Thankfully the damage to both cars was reparable. Snow took the heat race victory over Charlie Anderson, Hansen, Kinsey and Willoughby.

The action got going from the very beginning of the main event. Robbie Nelson and Kolby Jackson got together and spun in turn two to bring out the caution flag. After a complete restart, Cook got bounced around and slammed into the backstretch wall putting him out of the race and bringing out the yellow flag again. After the restart, Cook and Anderson came together racing for third place in turn one sending Anderson spinning. Unfortunately, Jackson got loose and spun into Anderson’s stopped car. Anderson was able to continue in the event while Jackson was finished for the night.

After that incident, the field calmed down and the real racing got going. Kinsey was able to take the lead away from Rick Crawley bringing Hansen and Willoughby with him. These three were able to pull away from the rest of the field to decide who would be the winner amongst themselves. Willoughby was able to sneak under Hansen for second on lap 10. On lap 14, Kinsey got too high in turn four allowing Willoughby to slide under to take the lead. The two hit coming off the corner but both drivers were able to safely recover. Hansen was able to use lap traffic to get by Kinsey a few laps later. Unfortunately for Hansen, he was unable to put any kind of challenge to Willoughby for the lead and at the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning the third of three main events on the season. Hansen crossed second with Kinsey third, Snow fourth and Murray fifth.

Paul Peeples, Jr. found himself in familiar territory in the thunder roadster trophy dash as he was the race’s winner over Brandon Barnwell, Mike Ward and Tommy Payne. Barnwell took the heat race victory over Belinda Ward, Peeples, Mike Ward and Payne. Barnwell knew that getting to the front quickly would be a major key to getting the victory and he did just that, maneuvering through the field to take the lead away from Belinda Ward on lap five. By lap 8, Peeples moved by Ward for second and set his sights on Barnwell who had a substantial lead. The best racing of the night was between the husband/wife, or better wife/husband duo of Belinda and Mike Ward along with Tommy Payne. Belinda was driving her best race ever on the night solidly holding down the third position over two faster qualifiers.

On lap 15, Peeples finally caught Barnwell and tried to move under him coming off turn four. Peeples came off the corner too tight however forcing him to get sideways. In an effort to save his car, he drove through the grass and safely back on the track, however he lost his track position. On lap 20, Belinda Ward’s night went south when contact from her husband Mike sent her spinning in turn one and two. Peeples was able to close the gap in the final stages, but could only manage to catch Barnwell’s bumper at the checkered flag. The victory was Barnwell’s first in the thunder roadster division driving for Donn Cole. After Peeples it was Mike Ward third and Tommy Payne in fourth.

Larry Pries took the win in the sportsman trophy dash over Mic Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio and Angelo Marcelli. The heat race featured a nip and tuck duel at the line as Donnie Brown won over DelBiaggio, Jerry Peterson, Pries and Moulton. Brown took the lead early on in the main event until lap four when the lights in turns three and four lost power resulting in a yellow flag. The drivers deemed the track safe enough to continue to race despite the lack of lighting and the race continued.

Things got close coming off the fourth turn on lap six when DelBiaggio and Joe McDonald made contact. McDonald drove his car though the grass and back into turn one without any further incident. Brown held onto the lead until lap 10 when Peterson drove under to take the spot bringing DelBiaggio and Moulton with him. With the field spread out, DelBiaggio and Moulton both worked to try to catch Peterson. With two laps remaining, DelBiaggio spun off turn two and into the infield. Peterson was able to take the checkered flag without challenge over Moulton, McDonald, Brown and Pries.

Racing at the Acres takes a much needed week off before returning Saturday May 22nd. The Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series will be making their first ever points-paying stop at Redwood Acres Raceway. It is the first of three events that the series will be making at the 3/8-mile paved oval in 2010.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Marcelli, Henderson Pepsi night winners

Marcelli, Henderson Pepsi night winners

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Race two of the fourteen race schedule at Redwood Acres Raceway occurred this past Saturday evening on the 3/8-mile paved oval. Much like the first race the previous weekend, the on-track action in many of the night’s races delighted the numerous fans in attendance. For the drivers, winning the main event in any of the five local divisions on what was Pepsi Night at the Acres meant being presented with a beautiful six-foot-tall trophy.

In the mini stock division, Brian Murrell, Jr. took the trophy dash win over Craig Baker, Scott Baker and Rick Stone. Craig Baker narrowly beat brother Scott in the heat to claim the win followed by Murrell, Jr., Stone and Ken Barrett. The main event featured a side-by-side duel for the lead between Murrell, Jr. and Scott Baker. On the final lap, the two came together in the third turn with Baker spinning out and Murrell, Jr. crossing the line first. Due to a post-race exchange, official results for the mini stock division were not available at the time of this writing.

Shawn Craig was making his first start of the season in the real stock division and he was able to take the trophy dash victory ahead of Nick Green, Jim Redd and Ryan Robinson. Green won the heat race over Casey Mitchell, Robinson, Craig and Ray Middleton. Wyatt Roach and Redd battled for the lead early on in the main event before Robinson passed both drivers to take the lead. At the same time, Redd’s car began smoking heavily and he was forced to the pits for the race. After a caution period to check the track surface, Robinson pulled out to a gap of about eight car-lengths over second place Mitchell and was able to maintain it to the finish. Craig finished third with Roach fourth and Bill Middleton fifth in his first start of the season.

The roadrunner trophy dash win went to Raleigh Willoughby over Bill Snow, Nick Hansen and Jimmy Murray. Hansen won the hotly contested heat race over Dax Kinsey, Willoughby, Snow and Murray. Charlie Anderson held the lead early on in the feature before being overtaken on the second lap by Dylan Cook. While Anderson fought off the challenges of Snow and Willoughby, Cook was able to pull out to a comfortable lead. Unfortunately for Cook, his rear bumper cover came loose bringing out a yellow flag and forcing him to pit, effectively putting his chances for a win out the window.

The subsequent restart gave Willoughby the advantage he needed to maneuver by Anderson for the second position. After catching Cook for the lead, Willoughby tried several methods to try to move by for the spot, but was unsuccessful with each attempt. Meanwhile as the two leaders pulled away, Anderson had his hands full with Hansen and Kinsey. Hansen eventually made his way by while Kinsey continued to try to use the high line to get past Anderson. On lap 14, Willoughby tried once again to get by Cook. Willoughby moved under Cook going into the first turn but the two touched. Cook was able to save his car while Willoughby moved high and past Cook for the race lead. Cook tried his best to keep up with Willoughby but didn’t have the handling to do so. At the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning his second main event in a row over Cook, Hansen, Anderson and Kinsey.

Paul Peeples, Jr. took the thunder roadster trophy dash victory ahead of Brandon Barnwell, Tommy Payne and David Henderson. Barnwell held off Peeples and Henderson to win the heat race with Chris Sarvinski and Bruce Ziemer rounding out the five top finishers. Prior to the start of the main event, Peeples drove his car to the pits for adjustments. The move cost him some track position and may have been a deciding factor as to the outcome of the race. The intensity of the event kicked off right from the drop of the green flag as Sarvinski made it three-wide under Ziemer and Mike Ward going into the first turn. Coming off turn two, it was Sarvinski battling Ward for the lead. Ward held off Sarvinski for the spot while the field sorted out. On lap five, Sarvinski found the line he needed under Ward to take the race lead bringing Payne, Henderson, Barnwell and Peeples with him. Henderson wasted little time getting to the front as he passed Payne in turns three and four on lap seven, then proceeded by Sarvinski on the next lap to take the race lead.

After a caution flag brought out by Ward spinning in turn four, action resumed with Henderson pulling away while Payne fought hard for the second position with Peeples. Coming down the front stretch on lap 10, Peeples moved by Payne for the lead while Barnwell’s engine went sour at the same time. For the rest of the race, Peeples tried to close in on Henderson and appeared to do so but not by nearly enough. Henderson was able to cruise to the checkered flag over Peeples, Payne, Sarvinski and Ziemer.

After issues the past weekend, Mic Moulton returned to form winning the sportsman trophy dash over Joe McDonald, Larry Pries and Dennis DelBiaggio. The heat race victory went to Jerry Peterson ahead of McDonald, Angelo Marcelli, Pries and Moulton. Marcelli was able to use the pole-position to his advantage in the main event as he took the lead early while Peterson struggled on the high line eventually slotting into the fifth spot. Marcelli held a somewhat comfortable five car length gap over second place Pries but as the laps clicked off Pries and the rest of the field were able to close in on Marcelli. On lap 20, Pries closed dramatically on Marcelli forcing him to jump on the binders unexpectedly. Behind Pries, Moulton had to do the same and unfortunately spun coming off turn four and bringing out the caution flag.

After the restart, McDonald began to make his presence felt as he used the high line to his advantage. On lap 22, McDonald moved outside of DelBiaggio for the third position. McDonald made the pass and continued to try to use the outside for the remaining laps. Going into turn three on the final lap, McDonald drove his car as hard as he could in hopes of getting by both Pries and Marcelli, but he did not have the traction to do it. At the line it was Marcelli holding off Pries for the win while DelBiggio placed third, McDonald fourth and Peterson fifth.

Racing at the Acres resumes this Saturday night May 8 for the Mother’s Day races. It will the third straight weekend of racing until the teams get a week off.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

McDonald bests DelBiaggio in Acres season opener

McDonald bests DelBiaggio in Acres season opener

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2010 racing season opened this past weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway to windy, but clear and rain-free skies. A glorious opening night crowd welcomed the drivers in the five local divisions and the racing on the track was more than enough to keep the crowd thrilled and excited throughout the cool and crisp night weather.

The season for the mini stock division started off on somewhat of a bad note. After a spin by Craig Baker to bring out the restart flag in the trophy dash, Baker made contact with Brian Murrell on the restart sending both drivers spinning. After a third restart, the two came together again off the second turn with both Baker and Murrell hitting the wall hard. Both drivers exited their cars and it was obvious that neither was happy with the other. Unfortunately, both cars were damaged to the point where they couldn’t race the rest of the night. Brian Murrell, Jr. was able to take the trophy dash victory over Scott Baker. Because of the unfortunate incident in the dash, the minis did not run a heat race and had a 10-lap main event. Murrell, Jr. had problems from the drop of the green and it allowed Scott Baker to cruise to the win over rookie driver, Ken Barrett and former Pro-4 modified driver, Robbie Robinson.

Defending real stock champion, Ryan Walters was sporting a new number in a ride he’ll be sharing with Shawn Craig this season. Walters won the real stock dash ahead of Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson and Wyatt Roach who race the roadrunner class in 2009. Robinson took the heat race victory over Roach, Walters, Redd and Casey Mitchell. Nick Green was able to recover from heat race car problems to take the feature event win followed by Robinson, Mitchell, Walters and Redd.

The roadrunner division turned out an impressive 13 cars on the night. Raleigh Willoughby took the trophy dash over Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson and Jimmy Murray. Kolby Jackson held off Dax Kinsey to win the hotly contested heat race. Willoughby, Eric Rice and Kent Campbell rounded out the top five finishers. Willoughby was able to maneuver his car from the tail end of the field to the front, passing Kinsey to take his first ever main event victory. Murray, Charlie Anderson and Mark Benzinger followed closely behind.

It was a familiar site in the thunder roadster class as defending division track champion, David Henderson fought off Paul Peeples, Jr. to win the trophy dash. Brandon Barnwell and Tommy Payne finished out the dash field. The first heat race saw an unfortunate incident in the third turn. Bruce Ziemer tried to maneuver his car under Jay Bahner’s but Ziemer got loose and turned Bahner’s car around collecting Fergy Ferguson who was making his first start in the thunder roadster division. Bahner would return in the main event while Ferguson was done for the evening. Robert Miller won the heat after having issues in qualifying. He was followed by Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich and Rob Nelson who was driving Peeples, Jr’s backup car after having issues with his own machine. Peeples, Jr. was able to sneak by Barnwell and Henderson when the two came together to win the second heat over Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Mike Ward.

The main event started off with an unfortunate incident. After completing the first lap, Barnwell appeared to have a steering problem going into the first turn as he went up the track into Nelson. Amongst the confusion, Henderson’s right rear got damage. In the aftermath, Barnwell and Nelson were done while Henderson pulled his car into the pits and was unable to return. After the restart, Mike Ward tried all he could to fight off the faster car of Peeples but it wasn’t enough as Peeples was able to maneuver by into the lead and the race win. Ward held on for second while Payne finished third, Miller fourth and Ziemer fifth.

Nine sportsman cars showed up for the night. In the trophy dash, Larry Pries was able to move by Mic Moulton to take the win followed by Dennis DelBiaggio and Joe McDonald. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli and Al Acuna. The start of the sportsman main event proved to be similar to the thunder roadster start. Coming off the fourth turn to complete the first lap, outside front row starter, Peterson got loose and into the side of pole-sitter Acuna. Behind them everyone but Donnie Brown was able to maneuver safely by. After the restart, Mic Moulton looked to have the car to beat but lost power in his car resulting in a caution flag.

The resulting restart saw Marcelli leading McDonald. Marcelli briefly held off McDonald but eventually McDonald took the top position with DelBiaggio slotting in behind. As the green flag laps continued, DelBiaggio looked to have a better car than McDonald. DelBiaggio moved to the outside of McDonald and the two staged a side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel race that had the fans on their feet with excitement. DelBiaggio looked to have the pass nearly completed on lap 19 going into the third turn when he and McDonald briefly came together, a product of the close racing. It was enough for McDonald to regain the lead. DelBiaggio tried to mount a challenge in the closing stages of the race but didn’t have enough laps as McDonald took the win over DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Larry Pries.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday May 1st for Pepsi Night at the Acres.

Race Results

Mini Stocks
Trophy Dash: Brian Murrell, Jr., Scott Baker, Craig Baker
Main Event: S. Baker, Ken Barrett, Robbie Robinson, Murrell, Jr.

Real Stocks
Trophy Dash: Ryan Walters, Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson, Wyatt Roach
Heat Race: Robinson, Roach, Walters, Redd, Casey Mitchell, Ray Middleton, Landon Newell, Nick Green, Ronnie O’Neil
Main Event: Green, Robinson, Mitchell, Craig, Redd, Middleton, Roach, Newell, O’Neil

Roadrunners
Trophy Dash: Raleigh Willougby, Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson, Jimmy Murray
Heat Race: Kolby Jackson, Dax Kinsey, Willoughby, Eric Rice, Kent Campbell, Nelson, Charlie Anderson, Murray, Mark Benzinger, Russell Robinson, Nick Hansen, Dustin DelBiaggio, Cook
Main Event: Willoughby, Kinsey, Murray, Anderson, Benzinger, Rice, Nelson, DelBiaggio, Robinson, Hansen, Jackson, Cook

Thunder Roadsters
Trophy Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Brandon Barnwell, Tommy Payne
Heat Race 1: Robert Miller, Bruce Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich, Rob Nelson, Jay Bahner, Fergy Ferguson
Heat Race 2: Peeples, Jr., Payne, Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward, Barnwell, Henderson
Main Event: Peeples, Jr., M. Ward, Payne, Miller, Ziemer, Bahner, B. Ward, Rich, Sarvinski, Henderson, Nelson, Barnwell

Sportsman
Trophy Dash: Larry Pries, Mic Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio, Joe McDonald
Heat Race: Jerry Peterson, McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli, Al Acuna, Pries, Kenny Demello, Moulton, Donnie Brown
Main Event: McDonald, DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Demello, Pries, Peterson, Moulton, Acuna, Brown.

Points Standings After Race 1

Mini Stocks: S. Baker 64, Robinson 57, Murrell, Jr. 56, Barrett 54, C. Baker 11
Real Stocks: Robinson 69, Green 65, Walters 63, Mitchell 62, Redd 60, Roach 58, Middleton 55, Newell 50, O’Neil 46
Roadrunners: Willoughby 75, Kinsey 71, Murray 64, Anderson 62, Rice 61, Benzinger 58, Nelson 58, Jackson 54, DelBiaggio 49, Robinson 49, Hansen 46, Campbell 46, Cook 41
Thunder Roadsters: Peeples, Jr. 73, Payne 64, Miller 62, M. Ward 62, Ziemer 59, B. Ward 54, Bahner 53, Rich 51, Sarvinski 49, Henderson 47, Nelson 44, Barnwell 41, Ferguson 11
Sportsman: McDonald 72, DelBiaggio 68, Marcelli 63, Pries 61, Peterson 60, Acuna 52 Brown 46.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

2010 season looms at the Acres

2010 season looms at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2010 racing season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway begins in just a few short weeks. It will be the 23rd year of racing on the pavement at the 3/8 mile facility. The track was converted from dirt to asphalt between late 1987 and early 1988. Many folks may be surprised to know that Redwood Acres Raceway is among the oldest race tracks not only in California, but on the west coast. The track’s first races were held in 1947 on dirt, a year after Merced Fairgrounds Speedway came to be and around the same time that Stockton 99 Speedway began holding events. In 1956 and 1957, the track was known as Eureka Speedway and was converted to a 5/8 mile track and hosted two NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events. Herb Thomas won the ’56 race while Lloyd Dane won in ’57. The facility also hosted the Pacific Coast Late Model series/Winston West in its dirt days. Bill Amick won in 1964, Harold Hardesty in 1968 and legendary driver, Hershel McGriff won in 1972.

After years of success on the dirt, the cost to keep up and maintain the track became too much to handle and it was decided to pave the track. Along with NASCAR’s sanctioning, Redwood Acres Raceway “reopened” in 1988. Between 1988 and 1995, the Acres hosted 7 NASCAR Southwest Tour events and 2 Winston West races. Mike Chase won the inaugural tour event in July of 1988. The next season, Bill Sedgwick won the West race while Chase won the tour race yet again. In 1990, Troy Beebe took the tour race while Sedgwick won the final West race at the Acres. Ron Hornaday, Jr. won the ’91 event over Rick Carelli who won the ’92 event. Hornaday won the 1993 race and after a year away from the raceway, M.K. Kanke won the final tour event in 1995.

Since the track was paved, Redwood Acres Raceway has produced several well-known drivers. Though Jim Walker and Randy Olson had established themselves prior to the 1988 season, they both honed their skills at the Acres for several years and are a huge part of the track’s pavement history. 1997 NASCAR Southwest Tour champion, Bryan Germone ran at the Acres to prepare himself for the tour. Rusty Olson moved from the Acres to win numerous late model events and a truck title. Paul Peeples, Jr. drove in the mini stock class before winning the 1994 NASCAR Pacific Coast Region title. Current well-known alumni include late model touring champion, Howard Ford, late model racer, Mic Moulton and Luke Hall who has raced in two ARCA events.

The 2010 season at the Acres officially begins April 24th but there is an open practice this Saturday, April 10th. Local classes include the sportsman (late model) division, Thunder Roadsters, real stocks, mini stocks, roadrunners and limited street stocks. The AABLM series is scheduled to race May 22nd, July 31 and September 25th for the Fall Spectacular while the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds are scheduled for June 5th, August 28th and September 25th. These events are subject to change if the car count is lacking.

Redwood Acres Raceway 2010 Schedule
April 10th - Practice
April 24th
May 1st
May 8th
May 22nd – AABLM series
June 5th – Pro-4 Modifieds
June 19th
June 25th & 26th - Fair Races
July 10th
July 31st – AABLM series
August 7th
August 28th – Pro-4 Modifieds
September 11th
September 25th – Fall Spectacular featuring AABLM series and Pro-4 Modifieds
Past Track Champions at Redwood Acres Raceway
1988
Super Stock – Jim Walker
Street Stock – Tim Standifer

1989
Super Stock – Jim Walker
Street Stock – Rusty Olson
Mini Stock – Doug Pulver

1990
Super Stock – Randy Olson
Street Stock – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Doug Pulver

1991
Sportsman – Randy Olson
Mini Stock – Matt Kunkler/Jerry McCurtain

1992
Sportsman – Randy Olson
Mini Stock – Tony Pulver

1993
Sportsman – Steve Moulton
Mini Stock – Ron Borges

1994
Sportsman – Rusty Olson
Mini Stock – Bert Guthridge

1995
Sportsman – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Mic Moulton
Pure Stock – Ray Rapp

1996
Sportsman – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Ray Rapp

1997
Sportsman – Tim McCracken
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Otis Stabler

1998
Sportsman – Larry Pries
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Craig Johnson

1999
Sportsman – Otis Stabler
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Pure Stock – Craig Johnson

2000
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Jason Shaha
Real Stock – Rusty Turner
Pure Stock – Jeff Broderson

2001
Sportsman – Shawn Andrews
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Real Stock – Rusty Turner
Pure Stock – Jeff Broderson

2002
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Real Stock – Rick Fox

2003
Sportsman – Roger Sanderson
Mini Stock – Jaison Chand
Real Stock – Aaron Byers
Limited Street Stocks – Lee Branstetter

2004
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Jerry Peterson
Real Stock – Cecil Arispe
Limited Street Stock – Ron Brown

2005
Sportsman – Geoff Brandon
Mini Stock – Jaison Chand
Real Stock – Trevor Miller
Limited Street Stock – Duane Mayo

2006
Sportsman – Marty Walsh
Mini Stock – Chad Grammer
Real Stock – Bill Bradbury
Limited Street Stock – Adrien Betournay
Thunder Roadsters – David Henderson

2007
Sportsman – Brandon Barnwell
Mini Stock – Byron McIntosh
Real Stock – Bill Middleton
Limited Street Stock – Scott Lyons
Thunder Roadsters – Paul Peeples, Jr.

2008
Sportsman – Brandon Barnwell
Mini Stock – Craig Baker
Real Stock – Jim Redd
Limited Street Stock – Fergy Ferguson
Thunder Roadsters – Paul Peeples, Jr.

2009
Sportsman – Dennis DelBiaggio
Mini Stock – Craig Baker
Real Stock – Ryan Walters
Thunder Roadsters – David Henderson
Roadrunners – Charlie Anderson