Sunday, June 15, 2014

Championship favorites making early season push

Championship favorites making early season push

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway has started off in fine fashion. The action on the track has been thrilling the first three races.  Between the door-to-door action and the close finishes, fans have witnessed great racing in all five of the Acres local divisions. Things should prove to get even more exciting in the coming weeks.

Gary Klinetobe has been the dominant factor in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division thus far in 2014. In the first three races this season, Klinetobe has won the trophy dash, heat race and main event, going 9-for-9. His dominance in the division shows in the point standings as he holds a comfortable 21 point margin over second place, Eugene Palmer. Third in the standings is rookie, Rick Estes, 29 points behind Klinetobe. Robbie Robinson and Tim Abeyta are tied for fourth position 33 points in arrears of Klinetobe.

The John’s Used Cars and Auto Wreckers bombers class has been Leonard Ward’s playground so far in 2014. Ward has won two main events in the former real stock division and has a 12 point lead ahead of rookie driver, James Moore whom already has a main event victory this season. Tyler Avelar and Michael Lawrence are tied for third 19 points behind Ward while Matt Simon is fifth, 52 markers behind.

The Renner Petroleum mini stocks have return to the Acres in 2014 but unfortunately the division has struggle with the car count. It is expected that more cars and drivers will be filling the division in coming races. Brett Murrell holds a 20 point lead over his older brother, Brian Murrell Jr. Craig Baker sits third 25 points back, Brian McIntosh is fourth 31 points behind and Jordon Paiment is fifth 36 points behind Murrell.

Paul Peeples, Jr. is the point leader for the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster class having won two main events. Peeples leads David Henderson by only two points. Henderson was the opening night main event victor. Chris Sarvinski is third in standings 18 points behind Peeples. Thomas Payne is fourth, 20 points behind. Robbie Nelson holds down fifth and is 57 points back of the leader.

The Mid City Motor World late model division has arguably had the most exciting racing of all five classes so far this season. The top three in points are separated by only five points and each driver has one main event win this season. Mic Moulton holds a slim two point margin over Luke Hall while Jerry Peterson is third. Veteran driver, Al Acuna is fourth in points, 21 behind Moulton and Kenny Demello is fifth, 23 behind Moulton.


One of the biggest weekends of the year for Redwood Acres Raceway takes place this weekend, Friday June 20th and Saturday June 21st for the Fair Classic. In addition to the five local divisions there will be special action both nights. Friday night will feature the Quad Ward while Saturday night will feature a demolition derby. More information on this weekend’s events can be found at www.racingtheacres.com. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.