Champions to be determined this weekend at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2016 track championships at Redwood Acres Raceway in five of the six divisions are set to be decided this Saturday September 24th. While the late model championship was determined on September 10th, champions in the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends, Thunder Roadsters will be decided on what is Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles Night at the Races.

The most points that can be earned in all five divisions on the night is 43. Any driver within a 43 point margin of the leader is mathematically still alive in the title hunt though of course the odds of making that much ground up are very low and would require the leader to miss an entire night’s worth of action on Saturday.

Tyler Peach currently leads the standings in the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division. Steve Paiment is second and was the early season leader in the standings but late season misfortune has cost him dearly as he is 25 points behind Peach. Dominic Vogelsang and Bethany Rapp are 40 and 42 points behind. Rookie, Patrick Sproul is fifth in standings and 45 markers behind Peach.

The title in the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber class was decided in the most recent event on September 10th. James Moore left that race with a 112 point lead, more than enough to clinch the 2016 championship in the class. The battle for second is a tight one as a single point separates Ryan Ahrens and John Lally. Kimberly Sorrels is secured in fourth while Tyler Avelar is fifth in the standings.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division is a three-man race with only six points separating the top three drivers. Gary Klinetobe currently holds a five point edge over Jarrett Mayo while Eugene Palmer is a point behind Mayo. Rick Estes is fourth in the standings and has been on a tear as of late in spite of missing a couple early season races. Daniel Buell is fifth and has had a strong rookie campaign in 2016.

In the Legends division, Robert Miller has a strong 29 point lead over Brad Curtice in second place. As long as Miller starts the main event, the inaugural RAR Legends championship will be his. Anissa Curtice is third in points with Brent Mack and M’Kinzy Uselton rounding out the top five in the division standings.

Tommy Payne’s lead in the Thunder Roadster division is seven points over Ronnie O’Neil. The two have raced hard all season long and often have finished near each other which will make O’Neil’s path to the title very difficult. Aaron Byers and Donnie Brown are tied for third but are 38 points in arrears to Payne. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. is fifth but well out of championship contention.

Mic Moulton wrapped up the 2016 Mid City Motor World late model track championship on September 10th thanks in part to David Henderson who subbed for Moulton in the final point race. Moulton was forced to miss the event due to an injury. Henderson was able to finish second in the main event to secure Moulton’s second late model championship at the Acres. The final point margin in the late models was 15 markers.

Second place in the standings was Marty Walsh who had a strong 2016 season. Perhaps the biggest factor as to what cost Walsh this year’s championship was a blown engine on the July 2nd Firecracker 100 event. Walsh was unable to start the feature event which resulted in no points on the night. Had Walsh been able to just start and park that race, he would have earned 16 points, 1 point more than Moulton in the final standings. Richard Knight placed third in the late model points just beating out Kenny Demello for the position. Rookie driver, Eddie Klein had several impressive runs in his rookie campaign and was fifth in the standings.

As mentioned, racing at Redwood Acres Raceway returns this Saturday September 24th for the final points race of the season presented by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. In addition to the championships being decided in the local divisions, the second boat race of the season will take place at the end of the night. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

2016 at the Acres concludes October 7th, 8th, and 9th with the return of the Fall Spectacular. Late models and modifieds highlight the event while roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and Thunder Roadsters will also be in action. For more information about the Fall Spectacular including entry forms and purse payout please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Late model title to be decided this Saturday night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final points event for Redwood Acres Raceway’s late model division is set to take place this Saturday September 10th for Mid City Motor World Night at the Races. It will be the next to last event for the Acres’ five other local divisions.

The battle for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division is a two-man race at this point. Tyler Peach currently holds a 12 point lead over Steve Paiment. The battle for third in the standings is even closer as third through fifth are separated by only three points. Bethany Rapp currently holds down the third position while Dominic Vogelsang and Patrick Sproul round out the top five in the standings.

It appears as though James Moore has a lock on the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division track championship. If Moore finishes the evening with a 43 point margin, he will be the 2016 division champ. Moore leads second place John Lally by 77 markers. Ryan Ahrens sits third in points followed by rookie driver, Kimberly Sorrels and Tyler Avelar in fifth.

Only five points separate the top three drivers in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division. Gary Klinetobe leads Eugene Palmer by four points while Jarrett Mayo in third is a point behind Palmer. Rick Estes is fourth in the standings and has been a regular front runner all season long. Daniel Buell has been impressive in his rookie campaign in the division and is fifth in the championship standings.

The fight for the Thunder Roadster division crown is a tight, two man race. Tommy Payne and Ronnie O’Neil have traded the points lead several times in 2016 and the current gap between the two is a mere four points. Donnie Brown is third in the standings, while his brother Aaron Byers is fourth and only two points behind him. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. is fifth in the standings having returned to racing at the Acres for the first time in several years.

Robert Miller has a comfortable lead in the Legend point standings. Like James Moore in the bombers, if Miller leaves the night with a 43-point margin over whoever is in second place in the standings, he will lock up the 2016 track championship in the Legend division. Miller’s lead over second place Anissa Curtice is 30 points. Annissa’s father, Brad is third in the standings, 3 points behind his daughter. Brent Mack is fourth in points while M’Kinzy Usselton rounds out the top five in the standings.

As mentioned, the 2016 champion in the Mid City Motor World late model division will be decided this weekend. Mic Moulton has the lead by 12 points. The margin is anything but comfortable given that second place in the standings is Marty Walsh who has been as strong as Moulton all season long. Third in fourth in the standings are Jedd Ambrosini and Richard Knight. While both have an outside chance of claiming the division title, it will take major odds to swing in their favor as they are 18 and 21 points behind Moulton. Kenny Demello is fifth and though he’s mathematically alive, it will take a miracle for him to win this year’s title.

The final point race for the rest of the five local divisions will take place Saturday September 24th presented by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. In addition will be the special Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners along with the second \boat race of the 2016 season. The Fall Spectacular will return on October 8th and 9th featuring all six local divisions in what promises to be a memorable ending to the 2016 season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of all the main events from this past Saturday night, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Leazer, Mayo big winners on Fan Appreciation Night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The grandstands at Redwood Acres Raceway were filled to capacity once again this past weekend. In addition to it being Fastenal Night at the Races Presented by Lenox and Irwin Tools, it was also Driver Appreciation Night. Fans were treated to another spectacular night of racing on the 3/8-mile paved oval.

During the event, raceway officials set up a donation box for the victims of the Clayton Fire which recently devastated Lake County. RAR fans donated $1,642.74 which was matched by the track for a grand total of $3,285.48. Fans were also able to meet all the drivers in all of the divisions in the intermission between the heat races and the main events.

Brian Kamisky paced the field in qualifying for the Legends division with a 18.136. Kamisky followed up with trophy dash honors while Brad Curtice claimed the heat race victory. The story of the 25-lap main event was how Robert Miller managed to hold off Curtice and Kamisky. Curtice was Miller’s main challenger and looked to have the speed advantage. However, Miller was able to use slower traffic to his advantage. Several times it appeared as though Curtice was about to take the lead from Miller but each time, traffic prevented Curtice from pulling off the pass. At the finish it was Miller taking the win followed by Brad Curtice, Kamisky, Jason Fisher and Anissa Curtice.

Visiting driver, Dave Rogers led qualifying for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners with a time of 20.281. Rogers went on to win the dash while the heat races were won by Dominic Vogelsang and Rogers. Vogelsang led the majority of the first half of the 20 lap race. Once the field was turned around at halfway to run the track backward, Dylan Ford showed his strength by taking the lead. Ford had his hands full with the faster car of Rogers filling his mirror. On the final lap in the final turn, Rogers was able to get by Ford to take the lead and the victory. Ford placed second followed by Dominic Vogelsang, Tyler Peach and Gage Ethridge who did a great job in his first ever night of racing.

Fast time for the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bombers was Ukiah’s R.J. Randall with a 18.003. Randall was the trophy dash winner while James Moore and Randall won the heat races. Lally Motorsports and Four Star Realty once again upped the purse for the 25-lap bomber feature giving added incentive for the top three finishers. The biggest incident in the main event occurred on lap eight when Randall spun and was collected by Jim Redd. Up at the front, Moore was dominant while John Lally had his hands full trying to hold off Brian King and Erick Ray. At the finish it was Moore taking the win over Lally, King, Ray and Matt Simon.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class had an added feature attraction for the night as the Second Annual Murrell 500 trophy was on the line for the winner of the main event. Rick Estes set fast time with an 18.955. Jarrett Mayo won the trophy dash while the heat races were won by Brian Murrell, Jr. and Estes. Murrell, Jr. led the opening two circuits of the feature before Eugene Palmer took the lead. On lap 10, Mayo snatched the lead away from Palmer while Estes followed into the second spot. The top two looked to be even as Mayo was not able to pull away from Estes more than a car-length. At the finish it was Mayo winning by only three-tenths of a second over Estes. Palmer held off Gary Klinetobe for third while Daniel Buell rounded out the top five.

Thunder Roadster qualifying was led by Ronnie O’Neil with a 17.361. Tommy Payne won the trophy dash while O’Neil took the heat race. As expected, the 20-lap main event featured a battle for the win between Payne and O’Neil. Unlike recent races where both drivers seemed to be equal, Payne appeared to have a bit of a handling advantage for the night. After getting by Aaron Byers for the lead on lap 12, Payne was able to maintain a comfortable lead over O’Neil to take the win. Byers placed third followed by Donnie Brown and LeRoy Marsh, Jr.

20-cars showed up for the Mid City Motor World late model division. Unfortunately two were unable to make it to the actual races as Al Acuna and Scott Baker both had issues. Mic Moulton was fast time for the late models with a 16.106. Oregon veteran, Mike Sackett won the trophy dash. Due to the packed schedule for the night, track officials nixed heat races in favor of a Happy Ten practice session. The 50-lap feature got off to a scary start. Just after the completion of the first lap, chaos ensued going into the first turn with several cars getting together including Todd Lands, Jedd Ambrosini, Mic Moulton and Richard Knight. Moulton was banged up in the incident and went to the local hospital but was released without any serious injuries.

Tim Crenshaw led the opening four laps until Ryun Leazer took the lead. The fastest car on the track appeared to be that of Redding’s Derek Copeland who was making his first late model start at the Acres. Leazer pulled out to a huge lead while Copeland was able to make his way past Crenshaw into second on lap 23. A caution with 18 to go erased Leazer’s advantage and put Copeland right on his bumper. Leazer showed the poise and resolve which won him the 2015 late model track championship at the Acres and was able to withstand Copeland’s challenge. At the finish it was Leazer getting a much needed victory over Copeland. Sackett placed third followed by Rob Vining and Crenshaw.

Racing on the pavement takes a break before returning Saturday September 10th with racing presented by Mid City Motor World. It will be the final point-paying event for the late model division. The final point race for the rest of the five local divisions will take place Saturday September 24th with the special Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners and the second boat race of the 2016 season. That race is sponsored by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place this Saturday August 27th and is presented by Williamson Financial. RAR officials have also added to the schedule the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th featuring all six local divisions. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon.

For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of all the main events from this past Saturday night, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway nearing its conclusion

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Less than a handful of races are left on the 2016 schedule for Redwood Acres Raceway. In fact, only three point paying events remain on the schedule, two for the late model division. As the season winds down, the battle for the track championship in all six local divisions promises to heat up.

The California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division has a tie atop the division’s standings. Steve Paiment and Tyler Peach are the two drivers racing neck-and-neck for the division crown. Third place, Bethany Rapp will need both drivers to suffer serious issues to find her way back into the fight as she’s 38 points in arrears to the two leaders. Patrick Sproul is only a point behind Rapp in fourth while Dominic Vogelsang is fifth, two points behind Sproul.

James Moore has a huge advantage in the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division. Moore has a 74 point lead over John Lally and appears to be a lock for the division track championship barring major unforeseen circumstances. Tyler Avelar is third in points, 93 behind Moore while Ryan Ahrens is a point behind Avelar in fourth. Rookie driver, Kimberly Sorrels is fifth in the standings, 109 behind Moore.

It’s a three man race for the title in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class. Gary Klinetobe leads Eugene Palmer by only five points. Jarrett Mayo led the standings for the majority of the season but has suffered two straight races of bad luck which have dropped him to third and 12 points behind Klinetobe. Daniel Buell has been impressive in his rookie season in the division and is fourth in points, 54 behind Klinetobe. Division veteran, Rick Estes is fifth in points, 60 behind the leader.

Only four points separate first and second in the Thunder Roadster division. Veteran Tommy Payne leads rookie Ronnie O’Neil. It’s likely that the championship in the division will go down to the wire between the two drivers as they have finished near each other in nearly every race this season. Donnie Brown and Aaron Byers are 25 and 28 points behind Payne and though they are still in the point fight, it will take issues by both leaders for them to regain ground. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. rounds out the top five, 75 points behind Payne.

Robert Miller has a firm hold on the Legends division points lead. His gap over second place Anissa Curtice is 30 markers. Anissa’s father, Brad Curtice is third in points, 12 behind his daughter. Brent Mack is fourth, 60 behind Miller and rookie racer, M’Kinzy Usselton lies fifth in the point standings.

With only two races left in the Mid City Motor World late model division, the fight for position in each race is going to matter even more. Mic Moulton has a 16 point lead over Jedd Ambrosini. Marty Walsh and Richard Knight are tied for third, 21 markers behind Moulton. Kenny Demello is fifth, 35 out of the point lead.

Racing at the Acres returns this weekend August 20th for Driver Appreciation/Fastenal Night at the Races Presented by Lenox and Irwin Tools. Fans can get complimentary tickets from their favorite driver. In addition to the six local classes, the second annual Murrell 500 race will be held. Track officials also announced the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place August 27th. It’s certain to be an exciting event as youngsters will take to the .110-dirt oval for the final time this season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Nichols wins first-ever roadrunner pole race

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Fair night racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night for what was a thrilling night of racing action. DelReka Distributing presented A Night Of Destruction at the Acres which included the debut of pole racing in the roadrunner division. In spite of the late models having the night off, fans packed the grandstands to witness the other five divisions as well as the first boat race of 2016.

Qualifying for the California State & Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division was led by Steve Paiment with a 21.074 lap. Dominic Vogelsang won the first heat while Bethany Rapp took the second. The 20-lap main event featured the debut of pole racing in the roadrunner division. Drivers had to drive a complete circle around two giant tires placed entering and exiting the front straight.

The initial going was not good for several drivers. Rapp and Vogelsang fell out due to contact while trying to take the first tire and Paiment was also a victim of trying to slow down for the tire. Tyler Peach looked to be a contender before he fell out. The two drivers who seemed to have the best handle on the new format were James Nichols and Dylan Ford. At the halfway point, Ford held the lead but troubles forced him into the pits and off the lead lap. In spite of having significant front bumper damage, Nichols was able to maneuver around the tires and was able to cruise to his first ever feature win. Three other rookies followed in Patrick Sproul, Jake Keeling and Brandon Katri while Ford rounded out the top five.

The night in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division belonged to James Moore, at least for the most part. Moore set fast time with a 18.295 then went on to win the trophy dash. Moore looked to be on his way to victory in the heat but contact between he and Ryan Ahrens sent both cars spinning which handed the lead and the heat win to John Lally. In the 25-lap feature, it only took Moore three laps to get to the lead. At the finish, Moore had a substantial eight and a half second margin of victory over Lally in second place. Matt Simon took third, Jimmy Sorrels fourth and Ahrens fifth.

Gary Klinetobe set fast time in the highly competitive Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class with a time of 19.143. Brian Murrell, Sr. took the honors in the trophy dash while the heat race wins went to Cole Peterson and Brett Murrell. The 25-lap main featured a thrilling duel between Peterson and Jarrett Mayo. The two raced nose-to-tail with Mayo filling Peterson’s mirror yet unable to mount a challenge on the inside line. With five laps remaining, Peterson spun off turn four. Mayo braked to avoid contact with Peterson which allowed Gary Klinetobe to sneak into the lead. Eugene Palmer mounted a late charge as he got by Mayo with three laps remaining but his time ran out. At the finish it was Klinetobe winning his first-ever mini stock feature over Palmer, Mayo, Brett Murrell and Brian Murrell, Sr.

Tommy Payne set fast time for the Thunder Roadsters with a 17.336. Paul Peeples, Jr. visited the Acres for the first time in 2016 and took the trophy dash win while Aaron Byers took the heat race victory. Peeples quickly got the lead in the 30-lap main but had to fight off a hard-charging Ronnie O’Neil all race long. O’Neil had the pace to keep up with Peeples but he did not have enough to put a serious challenge as the gap between the two remained around a car length for the majority of the rest of the event. Peeples margin of victory over O’Neil was a little over half a second. Payne placed third over Donnie Brown and Jett Taylor.

Robert Miller looked to be on a mission on the night in the Legends division as he set fast time with a 18.351. Miller followed up his fast time with wins in the trophy dash and heat races. The 25-lap main event was a different story though. Brad Curtice led from the drop of the green and faced the challenge of trying to hold off the faster and more experienced Miller for the win. Curtice was able to hold off Miller in the end as he took the win. Brent Mack and Anissa Curtice completed the field.

The night capped off with the thrilling boat race. Fans packed the stands and cheered for their favorite drivers and cars in what proved to be a destructive event. The top three finishers were decided by the noise from the crowd. Brian Murrell, Jr.’s entry was declared the winner over Troy Lee and Tim Roscoe.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday night for what promises to be a memorable evening of action. The Mid City Motor World late models will return to the Acres for the Don Graham Memorial Firecracker 100. Following the races, RAR will host a thrilling fireworks show. Gates open at 5:00 PM while races begin at 6:00 PM.

The 2016 Acres schedule heats up as the summer progresses. On July 23rd, the North State Modifieds return to the track for the second and final time in 2016. One of the most anticipated events of the year follows on August 2nd when the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series returns to the 3/8-mile paved oval for the third time. For more information on all the upcoming races at Redwood Acres Raceway, visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

O’Neil Scores Second Win Of 2016

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was Humboldt Motorsports Night at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night. For the first time in nearly a month, the late model division raced on the 3/8-mile paved oval along with the five other divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and Legends.

Prior to the start of the racing action, Redwood Acres Raceway and its fans paid tribute to Don Graham, a former competitor at the Acres. Besides racing at RAR, Graham also made starts in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and K&N West Series and was a familiar face on the west coast open competition scene throughout the 80s and 90s.

Bethany Rapp set fast time for the California State & Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners with a 20.688 qualification. Patrick Sproul won the four-lap trophy dash while Dylan Ford took the honors in the first heat race. The second heat featured an incident that included Rapp, Richard Stancliff and Sproul in turn four. The volunteer fire and safety crew were on the scene immediately to tend to Stancliff who had to be cut from his car. Although Stancliff was sent to the hospital for precautionary measures but thankfully he was not seriously injured. Stancliff suffered a concussion from the wreck. Tyler Peach took the second heat race win.

Bob Ratzlaff took the lead at the start of the 20-lap main and led the first three laps before Ford took over on lap four. Ford was forced to surrender the lead and fall to the tail of the field after breaking the 21-second rule. This handed the lead to Peach. The story of the race was Ford’s run back through the field while Peach enjoyed the race lead all by himself. Ford got to second place on lap 17 but did not have enough time to mount a serious charge on Peach. At the finish it was Peach winning a few car lengths ahead of Ford. Jordon Paiment placed third followed by Sproul and Ratzlaff.

Fast time for the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber cars was set by Matt Simon at 18.272. As he has all season, Tyler Avelar was dominant on the night claiming victories in the dash and heat races. The 25-lap main proved to feature stiffer competition for Avelar in the form of James Moore. After taking the lead on lap two from John Lally, Moore did all he could to hold Avelar off. On lap eight, Avelar powered by Moore for the race lead. Moore did all he could to regain his lead and was able to close in on Avelar in the final few laps but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. It was Avelar winning over Moore, Simon, Lally and Ryan Ahrens.

Eugene Palmer was the fastest competitor in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division qualifying. Palmer’s time was a 19.135. Gary Klinetobe took the trophy dash win while Brian Murrell, Sr. and Jarrett Mayo were the heat race winners. Sam Brown led the opening four laps of the 25-lap mini stock main before giving way to Brian Murrell, Jr. It wasn’t long before Murrell, Jr. had his hands full with Mayo who was able to get by for the lead on lap 14.
The race looked like it would be Mayo’s to lose as he pulled out to an insurmountable lead over Rick Estes, Palmer and the rest of the field. Sadly for Mayo, his lead would evaporate on a caution due to Troy Lee’s spin in turn four. The resulting restart was exactly what Estes needed as he got the jump at the flag to take the lead. At the finish it was Estes taking the win beating out Mayo, Klinetobe, Palmer and Murrell, Jr.

Quick time for the Thunder Roadster class was set by Ronnie O’Neil with a 17.221. Donnie Brown took the trophy dash while O’Neil was the heat race winner. Aaron Byers led the field to the green in the 30-lap feature and held the top spot for the majority of the race. The best battle for the first half of the event was between O’Neil and Tommy Payne who had a fantastic fight for the second spot. Eventually O’Neil secured the position and was able to challenge Byers for the lead. After a tough fight for the lead, O’Neil was able to maneuver by Byers for the top spot on lap 22. O’Neil was able to break away from the field to take his second straight main event victory. Brown finished second followed by LeRoy Marsh, Jr., Byers and Payne.

An 18.446 by Robert Miller was the fast time in qualifying for the Legends. Miller was the trophy dash winner while Brent Mack won the heat race. Mack led lap one of the main before Miller took the lead on the back stretch on lap two. The race was cut short due to time constraints after Mack and M’Kinzy Uselton made contact in turn three. Miller was declared the winner after 12 laps over Anissa Curtice, Mack and Uselton.

15 Mid-City Motor World late models qualified Saturday with Mic Moulton setting fast time with a 15.876. Luke Hall won the trophy dash while the heat race winners were Ken Hallis and Richard Knight. Mike Sackett was a scratch for the 50-lap main event. Kenny Demello took the lead and led the opening four laps before Ryun Leazer took the lead briefly. Leazer’s car suffered issues just after his move to the top position which allowed Luke Hall to move up front.

The biggest incident of the race occurred on lap 15 with several cars suffering significant damage. Among those who were out were Dustin Walters, Eddie Klein, Jedd Ambrosini and Shayne Demello. Luke Hall’s car failed to restart under the yellow and he was pushed to the pits for the night. This allowed Moulton to move to the lead, a position he would not relinquish. The race was clean and green from that point on with Moulton pulling out to a somewhat comfortable lead over Marty Walsh. At the finish it was Moulton winning by nearly two seconds over Walsh. Richard Knight, Tim Crenshaw and Kenny Demello rounded out the top five finishers.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway for Fair Night Saturday June 25th for a special Night Of Destruction. The late models will have the night off but the other five classes will be in action. Feature events include a pole race for the roadrunners and the popular boat race which will cap off the night. Grandstands will open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30.

The next race for the late models is the Don Graham Firecracker 100 on July 2nd. The 100-lap feature will be followed by a thrilling fireworks show. Also, do not miss out on the second outlaw kart race of 2016 this weekend Saturday June 11th. For more information about all of the upcoming races, please visit the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Knight returns to Acres winner’s circle

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was O’Reilly Auto Parts Night at the Races this past Sunday afternoon at Redwood Acres Raceway. Sunshine graced the 3/8-mile paved oval for what proved to be another intense night of action. While the local late model division had the night off, the five other regular classes of cars were joined by the North State Modified Series cars.

The Legends were joined by a few out-of-town drivers this week. Brian Kamisky set fast time with a 18.098 qualifying lap. Kamisky followed his quick time with a win in the trophy dash while Robert Miller took the heat race victory. Brent Mack led the opening three laps before Miller took the lead. Kamisky moved by Hadler to second on lap 20 and looked as though he was ready to give Miller a serious challenge for the race lead. Unfortunately, Kamisky got loose and spun in turns three and four. Miller was able to hold off Hadler’s final charge to claim his first Legend feature win. Kamisky took third over Mack and Brad Curtice.

Quick time in the California State & Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner class was a 20.839 by Steve Paiment. Tyler Peach took the victory in the trophy dash. The heat race winners were Shawn Molloy and Paiment. The 20-lap feature proved to be a rough race from the drop of the green flag. Several cars got together right at the flag with Molloy getting the worst of it. He was out of action for the rest of the race. Because of the numerous caution flags, the event was cut down to 16 laps. The finish came down to a battle between Richard Stancliff, Bob Ratzlaff, Dominic Vogelsang and Paiment. Vogelsang led the white flag lap but Paiment was able to get by and win the race to the checkered flag. Ratzlaff beat Vogelsang for second followed by Standcliff and Bethany Rapp.

James Moore was the quick qualifier for the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bombers with a lap of 18.333. Visiting driver, Erick Ray took the wins in both the trophy dash and heat races. The 25-lap main event featured a fantastic duel between Ray and Tyler Avelar. The two traded the lead back and forth through the first 14 laps before Avelar was able to take the lead for good. Nobody had anything for Avelar on the night and at the finish it was Avelar taking the win followed by Ray, Moore and John Lally.

Qualifying for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stocks was led by Gary Klinetobe who set the fast lap of 18.843. Rick Estes won the four-lap trophy dash. Heat race one was taken by Brian Murrell, Jr. while Estes took the win in heat two. Brett Murrell led the opening four laps of the 25-lap main before giving way to Jarrett Mayo who. Estes looked to be the man to beat as he got to the lead on lap seven. Estes and Palmer staged a thrilling duel for the race. On the final lap, both drivers tangled with Estes spinning into the infield dirt. Although Palmer crossed the line first, he was penalized for his involvement in the incident. This gave Mayo the win, his second of the year. Rookie, Daniel Buell took second over Brian Murrell, Sr. in third. Estes was scored fourth while Palmer placed fifth.

Robbie Nelson set the place in qualifying for the Thunder Roadsters with a 17.221 lap. Aaron Byers took the trophy dash victory while Ronnie O’Neil won the heat race. After winning the main event in the previous race, Byers suffered issues in the first lap as he hit the turn one wall hard. Fortunately he was okay. Donnie Brown led lap one by it proved to be O’Neil’s night as he took the lead on lap two and never looked back. Tommy Payne was O’Neil’s closest challenger but the veteran driver lost ground as he battled Nelson the majority of the race. At the finish it was O’Neil winning his first ever Thunder Roadster main event. Payne took second over LeRoy Marsh, Jr., Nelson and Brown.

The North State Modified Series visited Redwood Acres Raceway for the first of two times in 2016. 15 modifieds showed up but 13 qualified as Charlie Collins and Michael Mitchell both suffered issues that ended their day prematurely. Darrin Knight set fast time with a 16.184 lap. The $100 Lucas Oil Dash For Cash prize was won by Jay Lindstroth while Richie Potts took the $50 that came for second place.

Guy Young took the lead from the start of the Swartz Diesel Nor-Cal 60. Young pulled out to a tremendous lead while the faster qualifiers of Knight and Lindstroth maneuvered their way to the front. By lap 24, Knight was in the lead. On lap 28, Lindstroth moved to second. There were only two caution flags in the race, one of which involved David Lyndall in turn three on lap 43. Lindstroth was able to hang on to Knight’s bumper on the restarts but Knight’s car prevailed as the laps went on. At the finish, it was Knight winning by a little over a second over Lindstroth. Bryan Denton started dead last and was able to finish third while Young and Mike Collins rounded out the top five finishers.

Racing at Redwood Acres Raceway returns on Saturday June 25th for a special fair night event. It’s will be a Night of Destruction at the Acres featuring the first ever pole race for the roadrunners. Also featured will be the popular boat races. The Mid-City Motor World late models will have the night off but the other four local divisions will be in action. As always, the grandstands will open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Redwood Acres Raceway track champions officially crowned

Redwood Acres Raceway track champions officially crowned

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Redwood Acres Raceway held its 2009 banquet this past Saturday evening. The track champions in the six local divisions were crowned while various other awards were presented throughout the duration of the evening. A great time was had by all and it was a nice way to finish out an excellent year of racing on the north coast.

Kenny Demello took the championship trophy over Acres veteran, Fergy Ferguson in the limited street stock division. Stan Young and Bill Middleton were the only two other drivers who had scored points in the division during the season. Craig Baker notched another mini stock track championship on the year, however it was by a scant two points ahead of his brother Scott. The Baker brothers were the dominant forces in the division throughout the entire season. Brian McIntosh took third, while Steve Smith placed fourth. Both drivers were able to sneak main event victories away from the Bakers during the year. Brian Murrell, Jr. maintained a solid and steady pace all season and placed fifth in the standings. Smith took rookie of the year honors in the class while Scott Baker won the fast time award.

After a brief hiatus away from racing at the Acres, Ryan Walters returned to the real stock division in fine fashion as he took home the championship. Casey Mitchell placed a solid second in points with a main event win, his first ever and rookie of the year honors in the division. Pat Conway was a regular front runner, taking home a main event win early in the season and finishing third in the standings. Defending division champion, Jim Redd had somewhat of a tough season with several misfortunes. Redd did win a couple main events and placed fourth in points. The duo of Ryan and Russell Robinson finished fifth in points and were also victorious during the year.

It was most definitely a successful maiden voyage for the roadrunner division in 2009. Charlie Anderson won the first-ever championship by pacing himself and driving smart. Late in the season, Anderson and his team were forced to use a completely new car after he was involved in a wreck that wrote off the car he had been in for most of the year. The efforts of both driver and crew definitely paid off. Kent Campbell and Carrie Cook finished second in the points, only seven behind Anderson. Cook drove most of the first half of the season while Campbell took over for the second half. Dustin DelBiaggio was third in points, five behind second place and 12 behind first. DelBiaggio looked to be one of the stronger cars at the end of the year. Jimmy Murray ran a consistent and smooth pace throughout the year placing fourth in the points, while the Redwood Acres Raceway track car was good enough to place fifth thanks to numerous drivers who were behind the wheel during the season. Several drivers won main events but didn’t place high in points. Nick Bundy was the man to beat for the better part of the first half of the year, but did not race the second half of the season. Wyatt Roach got a late start to the year but looks to be the favorite in the division going into the 2010 season. Roach won the fast time award for the roadrunners. The team of Bill Snow and Dylan Cook were also winners along with Oscar Koskinen, III and Dax Kinsey.

David Henderson won his third track championship out of four seasons in the thunder roadster division. Henderson was dominant all year winning the most main events in the division for the year. Robert Miller placed second in the standings and was a regular top 5 contender. The same could be said for Tommy Payne who took third in points. Both Miller and Payne appear to be the two drivers on the cusp of being able to upset Henderson going into 2010. Mike Ward was fourth in the standings, while Bruce Ziemer took fifth. Henderson’s dominance in the class was felt through the number of main event victors. Other than Henderson, only Paul Peeples, Jr. and Randy Olson took home main event trophies. Peeples proved to be Henderson’s equal in the first part of the year, but unfortunately Peeples missed several races in the mid-point which knocked him out of contention. Olson had a late start in 2009, but still took three main event wins in a row. Still though, it was Henderson’s year as he also took fast time honors. Dan Browne earned rookie of the year for the division.

Dennis DelBiaggio was smooth and strong all season long in the sportsman division. DelBiaggio was able to win several main events and was fortunate enough to avoid major incident until the final race of the season, taking the 2009 track title. Angelo Marcelli was able to use the same tactics, but did not have the pace that DelBiaggio had for most of the year. Marcelli did notch a main event win early in the year. Jerry Peterson placed third in points and looked to be DelBiaggio’s toughest competition. Unfortunately, Peterson lost his primary car late in the season and though he was strong in a backup car, he was not able to close the gap to the leader. Larry Pries placed fourth on the year and might have been higher had he not missed the Fair Night races due to a qualifying crash on the first night. Brandon Barnwell was fifth on the year. Barnwell won several main events, but did most of his racing in the last part of the season in Donn Cole’s thunder roadster. Joe McDonald and Aaron Byers were the only other drivers who scored main event victories in the division. DelBiaggio won the fast time award for the class.

There were several highlights throughout the 2009 season. Two of the most memorable involved unfortunate incidents for two roadrunner drivers. Robbie Nelson had an unfortunate meeting with the turn two water barrels during the year, while Raleigh Willoughby flipped while trying to correct his car in the next to last race of the season. Several drivers made the trek from Oregon to race at the Acres in the limited street stock class during the Fair races. The Northern California Pro-4 cars made three visits to the Acres with Codi Barba winning the third event. The season finished out with a 100-lap late model event that was won by Noel McCormack, Jr.

2010 is just around the corner and it won’t be long until racing at the Acres returns for yet another season.

2009 Final Points Standings

Limited Street Stocks
Track Record: Trevor Miller 17.143
Kenny Demello 398, Fergy Ferguson 390, Stan Young 331, Bill Middleton 109

Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Craig Baker 973, Scott Baker 971, Brian McIntosh 919, Steve Smith 778, Brian Murrell, Jr. 687, Len Bowman/Jesse Chown 565, Brian Murrell, Sr. 272, Norm Carmichael 143, Nick Karanopoulos 117, Mike Weekly 111, Denzil Barrett 59

Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Ryan Walters 1009, Casey Mitchell 937, Pat Conway 896, Jim Redd 856, Ryan/Russell Robinson 752, Nick Green 624, Dustin Walters 596, Roger Linn, Jr. 526, Doug Way 301, Don Hyman 217, Ray Middleton 123, Bob Lima 111, Jim Bailey 11

Roadrunners
Track Record: Wyatt Roach 21.634
Charlie Anderson 825, Kent Campbell/Carrie Cook 818, Dustin DelBiaggio 813, Jimmy Murray 796, Track Car 725, Nick Bundy 579, Wyatt Roach 571, Bill Snow/Dylan Cook 454, Raleigh Willoughby 432, Oscar Koskinen III 391, Eric Rice/Rick Crawley 374, Aaron Sandifer 341, Eric Mendes 236, Robbie Nelson 175, Nick Hansen 129, Dax Kinsey 119, Landon Newell 49

Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
David Henderson 938, Robert Miller 836, Thomas Payne 825, Mike Ward 742, Bruce Ziemer 675, Paul Peeples, Jr. 644, Rob Nelson 599, Chris Sarvinski 590, Belinda Ward 572, Jay Bahner 551, Dan Browne 522, Mark Arroyo 500, Jim Rich 474, Brandon Barnwell 333, Dave McMurray 312, Randy Olson 250, Shane Toole 203, Mic Moulton 191, Chris Banfill 141, Ray Elliott 98, Donn Cole 59, Gerhy Foster 54, Mark Baldwin 48, Doug Pulver 43, Al Olson 38, Bill Bradbury 19, Rick Crawley, Jr. 12

Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Dennis DelBiaggio 927, Angelo Marcelli 852, Jerry Peterson 815, Larry Pries 780, Brandon Barnwell 444, Joe McDonald 392, Frank Billy, Jr. 328, Lissa Uselton 311, Aaron Byers 297, Shawn Craig 271, Kenny Demello 263, Kavin Conn 230, Ken Hallis 158, Al Acuna 149, Jim Walker 134, Rick Fox 14.

Redwood Acres Raceway points update

Redwood Acres Raceway points update

By Matthew J. Sullivan

There are only three races left in the 2009 season for the drivers in the five divisions at Redwood Acres Raceway. In the case of the limited street stock, mini stock and sportsman divisions, there are only two points paying events left. The next one is tomorrow Saturday August 29th, Fan Appreciation Night at Redwood Acres Raceway.

The closest points battles are in the limited street stock and mini stock divisions. After last Saturday evening’s events, Scott Baker was able to break a tie with his brother Craig and now leads him by six points. Though the margin between limited street stock drivers Kenny Demello and Fergy Ferguson is a mere eight points, unless the division is able to add a few cars in the next two events, it’s unlikely that Ferguson will be able to overtake Demello. Charlie Anderson was able to take the points lead from Nick Bundy in the roadrunner division and holds a 24 point margin over Bundy in second place. Though not having won a main event during this year, Anderson had finished strong in nearly all the events while Bundy, the early season dominator has been unable to make several of the races as of late.

Ryan Walters has a 62 point margin over Casey Mitchell in the real stock division. Though Mitchell has been a strong competitor in the class this season, it’s Walters’ race to lose at this point. David Henderson has been a top 5 finisher in all but one main event in the thunder roadster class this season. It’s a testament to Robert Miller that Henderson’s lead is 60 points in sight, but it would take a disaster for the track championship not to be Henderson’s at this point. The same holds true for the sportsman division as Dennis DelBiaggio holds a 62 point lead ahead of Angelo Marcelli. All DelBiaggio has to do is stay on track for the final two events and the 2009 sportsman division track championship is his.

Again, racing at Redwood Acres Raceway will be tomorrow night, August 29th. The next two scheduled events are September 12th, the Judy Fox Memorial race and September 25th and 26th, the Fall Spectacular featuring a 100-lap late model main event. Further details for the Fall Spectacular are still being laid out and will be made available very soon.

2009 Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (after August 22nd)

Limited Street Stocks
Track Record: Trevor Miller 17.143
Kenny Demello 377, Fergy Ferguson 369, Stan Young 331, Bill Middleton 98

Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Ryan Walters 805, Casey Mitchell 743, Pat Conway 707, Jim Redd 689, Dustin Walters 596, Ryan/Russell Robinson 571, Roger Linn, Jr. 526, Nick Green 520, Doug Way 301, Don Hyman 217, Bob Lima 57, Jim Bailey 11

Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Scott Baker 777, Craig Baker 770, Brian McIntosh 743, Steve Smith 666, Brian Murrell, Jr. 520, Len Bowman/Jesse Chown 391, Brian Murrell, Sr. 130, Nick Karanopoulos 117, Mike Weekly 111, Norm Carmichael 100, Denzil Barrett 59

Roadrunners
Track Record: Wyatt Roach 21.634
Charlie Anderson 603, Nick Bundy 579, Dillon/Carrie Cook 569, Jimmy Murray 569, Dustin DelBiaggio 548, Track Car 532, Oscar Koskinen III 391, Bill Snow 324, Wyatt Roach 271, Raleigh Willoughby 265, Eric Mendes 236, Aaron Sandifer 159, Eric Rice 153, Nick Hansen 53, Dax Kinsey 51, Robbie Nelson 11

Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
Dave Henderson 796, Robert Miller 736, Thomas Payne 700, Mike Ward 666, Bruce Ziemer 563, Paul Peeples, Jr. 540, Chris Sarvinski 529, Rob Nelson 508, Belinda Ward 492, Mark Arroyo 462, Jay Bahner 442, Dan Browne 424, Jim Rich 386, Dave McMurray 274, Brandon Barnwell 209, Randy Olson 209, Shane Toole 160, Chris Banfill 141, Mic Moulton 92, Donn Cole 59, Mark Baldwin 48, Ray Elliott 43, Doug Pulver 43, Al Olson 38, Bill Bradbury 19, Rick Crawley, Jr. 12

Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Dennis DelBiaggio 795, Angelo Marcelli 733, Jerry Peterson 682, Larry Pries 648, Brandon Barnwell 444, Joe McDonald 330, Aaron Byers 297, Frank Billy, Jr. 269, Lissa Uselton 236, Kavin Conn 217, Shawn Craig 209, Kenny Demello 157, Al Acuna 149, Jim Walker 134, Ken Hallis 108.

Championship races tight as season draws to an end

Championship races tight as season draws to an end

By Matthew J. Sullivan

A mere four races are left for the 2009 season at Redwood Acres Raceway. Track championships have yet to be decided in any of the divisions thus far after 11 of the 15 scheduled races though it will be tough sledding to unseat the points leaders in a few of the 6 local classes.

The limited street stocks have struggled all season with a lack of cars competing in the division. Both Kenny Demello and Fergy Ferguson have been showing up to earn points for qualifying the past several events. Currently Demello leads Ferguson by eight points, 377-369. Unless the division picks up a few cars in the final four events, it appears as though it is Demello’s title to win or lose. Stan Young and Bill Middleton are the only two other drivers who have scored points in the division in 2009.

The fight for the track championship mini stock class is as close as it can get. Not only is there a tie between the first and second place runners, but the battle for the title is between two brothers, Craig and Scott Baker. Craig holds the tiebreaker over Scott due to a few more main event victories. Brian McIntosh, Steve Smith and Brian Murrell, Jr. round out the top five drivers in points for the class.

Ryan Walters holds a sizeable gap over Jim Redd in the real stock division points standings. Walters has a 56 points cushion over Redd, 735-679. Casey Mitchell is a single point behind Redd in third place. Pat Conway is another 27 points behind Mitchell in fourth, while Ryan Walters sits fifth place with 538 points scored.

The roadrunner division has continued to gain strength in its first season at the Acres. The car count for the class has risen nearly every race and is expected to continue to climb as the 2009 season concludes and the 2010 season commences. Nick Bundy dominated the first part of the season and leads the standings with 579 points. Bundy has been absent in several of the recent races. This has allowed second place Charlie Anderson to close the gap to only 39 points. The duo of Carrie and Dylan Cook hold third place with 510 points. Jimmy Murray is fourth with 503 and Dustin DelBiaggio is fifth with 489.

David Henderson has been the man to beat on a weekly basis in the Thunder Roadster division. After 11 races, Henderson has accrued 724 points. Robert Miller is second with 676 points, Tommy Payne is third with 645 points and Mike Ward fourth with 613 points. Paul Peeples, Jr. was Henderson’s toughest competition through the first half of the season, but has been unable to compete in the past several events and has fallen to fifth with 540 points and no chance at catching Henderson for the championship.

The track title for the sportsman division appears to be a three-man fight. Currently, Dennis DelBiaggio leads with 726 points. Jerry Peterson and Angelo Marcelli sit tied for second with 670 each. Larry Pries has scored 577 points while Brandon Barnwell is fifth with 434 points.

Racing at the Acres resumes this Saturday evening, August 22nd for Back-To-School Night. The following week on the 29th will see another big event, Fan Appreciation Night at the Acres where fans will be able to attend the races free. After a break, there’s a special event on September 12th, the Judy Fox Memorial races. The 2009 season concludes on September 26th with the Fall Spectacular featuring late models and the I.M.C.A. Modifieds.

Points Standings Through 11 Races

Limited Street Stocks
Track Record: Trevor Miller 17.143
Kenny Demello 377, Fergy Ferguson 369, Stan Young 331, Bill Middleton 98

Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Craig Baker 708, Scott Baker 708, Brian McIntosh 683, Steve Smith 611, Brian Murrell, Jr. 467, Len Bowman 327, Brian Murrell, Jr. 130, Nick Karanopoulos 117, Mike Weekly 111, Norm Carmichael 100, Denzil Barrett 59

Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Ryan Walters 735, Jim Redd 679, Casey Mitchell 678, Pat Conway 651, Dustin Walters 538, Roger Linn, Jr. 526, Ryan/Russ Robinson 517, Nick Green 460, Doug Way 301, Don Hyman 217, Bob Lima 57, Jim Bailey 11

Roadrunners
Track Record: Wyatt Roach 21.711
Nick Bundy 579, Charlie Anderson 540, Carrie/Dylan Cook 510, Jimmy Murray 503, Dustin DelBiaggio 489, Track Car 486, Oscar Koskinen III 391, Bill Snow 324, Eric Mendes 236, Raleigh Willoughby 212, Wyatt Roach 200, Eric Rice 153, Aaron Sandifer 99, Robbie Nelson 11

Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Dennis DelBiaggio 726, Jerry Peterson 670, Angelo Marcelli 670, Larry Pries 577, Brandon Barnwell 434, Joe McDonald 330, Aaron Byers 297, Frank Billy, Jr. 269, Lissa Uselton 236, Kavin Conn 217, Shawn Craig 209, Al Acuna 149, Jim Walker 134, Kenny Demello 100, Ken Hallis 96.

Water barrels, loose wheels and a wedding mark an interesting night at the Acres

Water barrels, loose wheels and a wedding mark an interesting night at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a crazy night of racing this past Saturday evening at Redwood Acres Raceway. An unusually high number of incidents stalled the racing on several occasions throughout the evening. One of the highlights of the night though was the marriage of real stock driver, Roger Linn. Linn and his now wife Stephanie were married at the start/finish line in front of friends, family and race fans.

The limited street stock division only ran a trophy dash on the night. Fergy Ferguson won over Kenny Demello, Stan Young and Bill Middleton. The mini stock class also had a low car count on the evening and only ran a dash and a main event. Scott Baker won the dash over Brian Murrell, Jr., Steve Smith and Craig Baker. In the main event, Craig was able to hold off Scott to win while Brian McIntosh, Murrell, Jr. and Smith rounded out the finishers.

Ryan Walters held off Jim Redd, Nick Green and Casey Mitchell for the trophy dash win for the real stock division. Dustin Walters was sporting a new right on the night, but unfortunately hit the wall between turns one and two in the heat race and was finished for the rest of the evening. Pat Conway was able to take the heat race victory ahead of Ryan Walters, Roger Linn, Ryan Robinson and Green. The real stock main event was eventful to say the least. Conway held the lead early over the field, but on lap three in between turns three and four, Conway’s left rear wheel came off his car. The rest of the pack bunched up and was able to avoid further trouble, but this allowed Mitchell to take the race lead.

After the restart, Green was able to stretch his lead ahead of second place Robinson and the remainder of the field. The best battle on the track at this point was for third between Redd and Walters. The caution flew once more when one of Doug Way’s rear wheels came loose coming off turn two, sending him spinning into the infield. Mitchell brought the field to the restart once again, and spent the rest of the race mostly unchallenged as he brought home his first ever main event victory. Robinson took second, Redd third, Walters fourth and Linn fifth.

The roadrunner division saw another influx of new cars and drivers turnout for the night. Several notable drivers were missing on the evening including division points leader, Nick Bundy who has been the dominant driver in the division in its inaugural season, Oscar Koskinen who has been Bundy‘s toughest competition and Raleigh Willoughby. Wyatt Roach took the dash victory over Carrie Cook, Joe Mitchell and Dustin DelBiaggio. The heat race had a scary accident on the start as Robby Nelson got too high in turns one and two and hit the water barrels protecting the turn two pit wall. Thankfully Nelson was unhurt and was in fact able to return to the race. Dylan Cook took the win in the car normally driving by Bill Snow. Carrie Cook took second, Charlie Anderson third, Dustin DelBiaggio fourth and Jimmy Murray fifth.

Dylan Cook held the lead from the pole position in the main event but on lap three Anderson was able to take the lead coming out of turn two. Roach had the car to beat on this night. He was able to quickly dice his way through the field and by lap seven he passed Cook for the second position. Caution flew on lap 12 for debris on the track. After the restart, Roach pulled out a sizeable lead while Anderson and DelBiaggio battled for the second spot. On lap 15, DelBiaggio drove his car a bit too hard going into the third turn, slamming into the wall, severely damaging his car and ending his night. The restart bunched up the field, but nobody had anything to challenge Roach for the lead and he was able to take his first main event victory over Anderson, Erik Mendes, Jimmy Murray and Dylan Cook.

The thunder roadster division had one of its strongest competitors missing the evening as Paul Peeples, Jr. was not in attendance. David Henderson won the trophy dash over Mark Arroyo, Tommy Payne and Robert Miller. Belinda Ward won the first head ahead of Shane Toole, Mark Baldwin, Bruce Ziemer and Dan Browne while Payne narrowly edged Miller to the line in the second heat over Arroyo, Mike Ward and Henderson.

The thunder roadster main event was a quick and clean caution-free race. Pole-sitter, Rob Nelson used the position to his advantage as he took the lead on the first lap and maintained it over the field. Chris Sarvinski was the first of the faster cars to maneuver his way to the front, getting to third position by lap seven, but it wasn’t long before Henderson made his presence known. A lap later, second place Toole got loose allowing Sarvinski to pull into the position and Henderson to take third.

Nelson did all he could to hold off the faster cars of Sarvinski and Henderson, but on lap 12 it wasn’t enough. Henderson was able to move under Sarvinski for second coming off turn two, then going into turns three and four he was able to get by Nelson for the lead. While Henderson ran away, Miller began to make his charge. On lap 19, Miller took second away from Sarvinski. There was no beating Henderson on this night though has he built and maintained an insurmountable lead and handily took the race win over Miller, Sarvinski, Arroyo and Payne.

Dennis DelBiaggio took the trophy dash accolades in the sportsman division ahead of Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries and Jerry Peterson. In the heat race, Marcelli was able to beat Aaron Byers, Lissa Uselton, DelBiaggio and Peterson for the victory. Byers took the lead early and held it until DelBiaggio took it on lap eight. However on that same lap, Frank Billy spun in turns three and four bringing out the yellow. Since the division no longer races to the flag and reverts to scoring on the previous lap, Byers was able to regain the lead while DelBiaggio slotted into second.

Byers had his hands full with DelBiaggio after the restart and unfortunately he lost the lead to DelBiaggio on lap eight. DelBiaggio’s move opened the door for Peterson and Marcelli to take second and third away from Byers. On lap 14 while trying to pass Byers for fourth, Uselton’s right front tire and Byers’ left rear tire touched in turns three and four. Uselton’s car drove over the side of Byers’ car, tearing off his left side sheet metal and nearly sending Uselton onto her side. Amazingly both drivers were able to continue on in the race. DelBiaggio ran away from the field after the restart and was able to cruse to victory over Peterson, Marcelli, Pries and Billy.

There are only six events left at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2009. Racing takes a two week break before returning Saturday July 25th. There are three events in the month of August; August 8th, August 22nd (Back-To-School Night) and August 29th (Fan Appreciation Night). The regular season rounds out for a few of the divisions on September 12th for the Judy Fox Memorial Race and the season finale is September 26th for the annual Fall Spectacular.

Peeples ends Henderson’s streak, DelBiaggio notches first win of the season

Peeples ends Henderson’s streak, DelBiaggio notches first win of the season

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Race number five of the 2009 racing season at Redwood Acres Raceway completed this past Saturday night under cool and cloudy conditions, weather akin more to early springtime weather rather than late. Nevertheless, another good fan count showed up to watch another thrilling night of racing on Eureka’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

With only four cars racing in each division, both the limited street stocks and the mini stocks saw a limited number of laps. Kenny Demello won the trophy dash for the limited streets while Fergy Ferguson won the 10-lap feature over Demello, Stan Young and Bill Middleton who was making his first start of the season. Craig Baker won the dash, the heat and the main event for the mini stock class. Brian McIntosh was able to hold off Scott Baker in the main for second while Steve Smith rounded out the field.

Jim Redd won the real stock trophy dash holding off Ryan Walters, Jim Hathaway and Roger Linn. Dustin Walters won the heat ahead of Hathaway, Nick Green, Redd and Ryan Walters. Coming from the second row, Redd moved to the lead going into the first turn of the 15-lap main event. By the end of the first lap, Ryan Walters had moved from the back to second position. The field spread out and the race was relatively calm until the final laps when Walters tried to make a move by Redd for the lead and the race win. Walters tried to get Redd loose in turns three and four on the last lap with a bump. Redd’s bumper fell off and slid up to the wall harmlessly and it wasn’t enough to shake him out of the lead as he took the checkered flag first over Walters, Linn, Dustin Walters and Casey Mitchell.

Redwood Acres Raceway’s newest division, the roadrunners, continues to see an increase in the number of cars showing up. Bill Snow won the dash over Nick Bundy, Dustin Delbiaggio and Carrie Cook. Oscar Koskinen took the heat race victory over Delbiaggio, Eric Mendes, Bundy and Snow. The main event for the roadrunners proved to be a rough and tumble affair. Upon starting from the outside position on the front row of the main event, Koskinen took the lead from Charlie Anderson. The first caution flew early on when Anderson got loose going into turn three, got into Snow sending Snow into the wall. A few laps after the restart, Delbiaggio drove a bit too hard going into the third turn getting into Cook and sending both drivers spinning and bringing out the caution flag. Both drivers were able to avoid suffering any damage and were able to continue in the race.

Koskinen continued to hold lead over Bundy in second and Snow in third. On the tenth lap, Snow got into Bundy in turn three. Bundy did a 360 and kept going without a yellow flag. On the final lap in the final corner, Snow bumped Koskinen going into the third turn. Behind those two, Bundy got into Cook sending her spinning in the fourth turn. In the end Snow crossed the line first ahead of Koskinen while Bundy was third, Wyatt Roach in the track car in fourth and Cook fifth. After the race, officials deemed Snow‘s driving to be too aggressive. The end result was Koskinen the main event winner, his first of the year breaking Bundy’s streak of four.

Joe McDonald made his second appearance in the sportsman division this year and took home the trophy dash victory beating Brandon Barnwell, Dennis Delbiaggio and Angelo Marcelli. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over Barnwell, Pries, Marcelli and McDonald. Peterson used the pole position to his advantage as he took the lead early on in the 25 lap sportsman main event. On lap three, Barnwell moved to the high side of Peterson and the duo dueled side-by-side until lap five when Barnwell took the position away. Delbiaggio was able to use the same move a lap later to take the second position. A lap later, McDonald did the same thing to move by Peterson into third.

On lap seven, former real stock driver Shawn Craig, who was making his debut in the division on this night, got loose off the fourth turn, got into the infield but was able to safely maneuver his car on the track not causing a serious accident. On the ninth lap, Delbiaggio found the inside line under Barnwell to take the lead away. With a few laps to go, Barnwell got loose off turn four and spun. Fortunately nobody else got involved, but unfortunately Barnwell was forced to the rear of the field on the restart. Delbiaggio took the restart over McDonald with two laps left in the race. McDonald couldn’t muster the strength to make a move on Delbiaggio and at the line it was Delbiaggio first over McDonald, Larry Pries, Peterson and Marcelli.

David Henderson was able to beat Paul Peeples, Jr. in the thunder roadster trophy dash by literally inches. Chris Sarvinski and Robert Miller rounded out the finishers. The first roadster heat featured an incident that unfortunately ended Belinda Ward’s night. Jay Bahner took the heat win over Dave McMurray who was making his first start of the year, Rob Nelson, Dan Browne and Jim Rich. Miller held off Peeples for the win in the second heat while Mark Arroyo, Mike Ward and Sarvinski were the other top five finishers. Nelson and Bahner took the field to the green in the 35 lap thunder roadster feature. The two battled side-by-side in the opening laps before Bahner, who was sporting the new roadster body style took the lead. Meanwhile, the faster cars of Tommy Payne, Miller, Peeples and Henderson were quickly dicing their way through the field. By the third lap they were third through fifth in that order.

Miller tried to use the high line to get by Peeples on the fourth lap, but just as quickly as he made that move, Peeples found room under Payne to take the second spot. Henderson filled the hole behind Peeples and moved under Miller for fourth. On completion of the same lap, Bahner got too high off turn four allowing Peeples to get under to take the lead. Peeples began to pull away as Banher, Payne, Henderson and Miller all battled for position. It wasn’t until lap eight until Henderson was able to get under Payne for third.

After a brief caution period, Peeples got a fantastic jump on Bahner on the restart and was able to pull to a sizeable gap. Henderson got under Bahner on lap 11, opening the door for Payne and Miller. Three laps later, Miller moved by Payne for third. It appeared as though Peeples would go unchallenged as he had built up what looked to be an insurmountable lead over Henderson before the caution flew for Rich’s spun car in turn four with just six laps left. Peeples led the field to the restart, but unlike the races past this season, Henderson didn’t seem to have the strength to provide a challenge for the lead. Miller was able to pounce on Henderson for second and was able to take the position. By then though, it was too late for Miller to mount a challenge on Peeples and it was Peeples winning over Miller, Henderson, Payne and Sarvinski.

Racing returns to the Acres this coming Saturday night. Of note is a schedule change. The June 13th Father’s Day Weekend race has been cancelled. Another race has been added for the Redwood Acres Fair Classic on June 28th.

Barnwell and Combs return to victory lane

Barnwell and Combs return to victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway was a special event in many ways. Besides it being the Judy Fox Memorial, it was Back-To-School night as well. Added to that was a fairwell to track chaplain, Pastor Tom Galovich. Pastor Tom had led pre-race prayers and sang the National Anthem at the Acres since 1991, but was leaving after this race to pursue new opportunities in the Sacramento area while also being closer to his family. To top it all off, the weather at the Acres was fantastic. It was all just the beginning of a somewhat crazy evening of racing.

Prior to the races, all of the drivers came on the track in honor, thought and remembrance of loved ones. Drivers took a few ceremonial laps, while names of family and friends they were making the laps for were read to the fans. With only Fergy Ferguson and Kenny Demello showing up for the limited street stock division, there were no races held. Craig Baker continued his dominance in the mini stock division winning the trophy dash over brother Scott Baker, Denzil Barrett and Brian Murrell. Baker came back in the heat to win again over Scott Baker, Barrett, Murrell and Brian Murrell, Jr. Lap one of the 20-lap main event saw contact take Brian McIntosh into the turn one wall and out of the event. On the restart, Murrell took the lead over a hard charging Craig Baker. On lap four, Scott Baker moved by Barrett for the fourth position. On lap 8, Craig Baker moved outside and past Murrell for the lead.

The field spread out and it looked to be a runaway for Baker in the lead when Murrell’s engine blew coming off turn four in a fiery display. Murrell drove his car in the infield and was fine but was of course out of the event. Murrell’s blown engine allowed Ryan Ahrens to move into the fifth position, however while the cars were parked to clean up the oil on the front stretch, Ahrens car began to leak fluid and he drove his car in the infield to avoid putting more fluid on the track. The last five laps for Craig Baker proved to be fairly easy as he pulled away from Scott to take the win. Barrett finished fourth while Brian Murrell, Jr. continued his improvement in the division with a fourth place effort.

The trophy dash in the real stock division was taken by Trevor Miller over Shawn Craig, Jim Redd and Ryan Robinson. Nick Green narrowly won the heat race over Miller, Craig, Redd and Casey Mitchell. Bill Middleton took the lead on the first lap of the main event ahead of Redd and Miller. Bob Lima who was the pole-sitter pulled his car into the pits on the second lap, never to return. On lap four, Craig’s engine went going into the first turn. Craig quickly pulled his car off the track, but the yellow was thrown.

Middleton led Redd, Miller, Robinson and Mitchell to the green flag. Miller made a move outside of Redd on the sixth lap and took the position away in the first turn. Going down the back straight stretch, Miller moved outside of Middleton for the top spot. The two dueled for the lead until lap 8 when Redd, Middleton and Miller went into the third turn three-wide. Contact resulted in the fourth turn which sent both Middleton and Miller head-on into the concrete. Mitchell slammed into the wall trying to avoid the two cars. The race was delayed for several minutes to move the damaged cars and clean the fluid on the track. With only three cars left, the race was shortened from 25 to 12 laps. Redd was moved to the rear while Ryan Robinson led over Ray Robinson. Redd moved by Ray Robinson for second but couldn’t move by Ryan Robinson as he took the checkered flag first. However, Robinson’s car did not pass post-race tech and the win was awarded to Redd.

Tommy Payne took his first trophy at the Acres by winning the trophy dash over Paul Peeples, Jr., Mike Ward and David Henderson who was wheeling Chris Banfill’s car. Bruce Ziemer held off Ward in the first heat to win followed by Henderson, Donn Cole and Chris Lawrence. Troy Combs took the second heat over Peeples, Payne, Robert Miller and Jim Rich. Miller was the early leader of the 30-lap main event over Combs. On lap three, Combs moved under and past Miller for the lead. Just after that, Cole spun off the fourth turn bringing out the only yellow flag for this race.

Combs led Miller, Payne, Henderson and Lawrence to the green flag restart. Peeples quickly moved by Lawrence for fifth when the green dropped, while Henderson moved outside and by Payne. On lap five, Peeples moved to fourth by Payne for the position. The next lap, Henderson, Miller and Peeples went three-deep with Peeples getting the best of it by taking both positions and moving to second with Miller and Henderson still fighting for third. On lap eight, Henderson finally moved by Miller. By lap 13, Henderson was right on top of Peeples for second.

The dominance that has normally been displayed by Peeples in the division was being shown by Combs in this race as he led by nearly a full straightaway. With the laps clicking off, the best battle of the race was between Peeples and Henderson who were having their own race for the second spot. On lap 24, Mike Ward moved by Payne for fourth. With two laps left, Henderson finally found the inside line on Peeples and moved by. Going into turn one on the final lap, Peeples made contact with Henderson’s bumper sending Henderson spinning. In the mix up, Ward made nose-to-nose contact with Henderson. In the end it was Combs with the victory. Peeples was moved to the rear of the lead lap moving Miller into second in the lineup with Payne third, Ziemer fourth and Lawrence fifth.

Lakeport Speedway racer Noel McCormack, Jr. made the two to the Acres and quickly took a liking to the speedway in the sportsman division winning the trophy dash over Tim McCracken, Dennis Delbiaggio and Jerry Peterson. McCormack followed up with a last lap pass and the win in the first heat race over Delbiaggio, Rick Fox, Lissa Uselton and Ken Hallis. McCracken won the second heat followed by Brandon Barnwell, Peterson, Larry Pries and Angelo Marcelli. Uselton and Marcelli led the field to the green flag in the 30-lap main event. The two raced doorhandle to doorhandle the first lap before Uselton took the upper hand on lap two over Hallis and Barnwell. A few laps later, Hallis made contact with Uselton sending her spinning. Behind that the field bunched up and drivers stacked up on one another, resulting in damage for many, most noteable of those being Delbiaggio, McCracken, McCormack and Peterson. Just after the red flag was dropped, McCracken drove his car in the pits. Unfortunately, pitting under the red isn’t permitted and McCracken was disqualified. McCormack was able to continue while Peterson had to pull his car into the pits just before the restart to fix an overheating situation.

Barnwell was now the leader ahead of Marcelli, Fox, Pries and Keith Dias. On the restart, McCormack moved by Dias for fifth. On lap 10, McCormack was by Pries for fourth. A lap later Fox had to relinquish third to McCormack. Fox appeared to be struggling with his car as he was passed by Pries and Hallis on lap 13. McCormack moved by Marcelli for the second position on lap 15. A lap later, Pries tried to move by Marcelli. Going into the third turn, the two made contact and spun. Hallis spun in avoidance of the incident while Uselton was unable to squeeze between the wall and Marcelli severely damaging her car and ending her night prematurely.

Under the caution period, McCormack’s car began to show steam, and it appeared unclear as to whether he would have a chance of winning the race, much less finishing. Barnwell took the field to the restart. The final 15 laps were ran without incident with the main race being between Barnwell and McCormack. Try as he did, McCormack just did not have enough to put serious pressure on Barnwell for the lead. At the checkered flag it was Barnwell winning over McCormack, Fox, Hallis and Craig Huffman a solid and surprising fifth in his first race in the sportsman division.

Racing at the Acres goes on a three-week break before returning Saturday September 27th for the Fall Spectacular. All five local classes will be racing along with an open for the IMCA modifieds and the return of the North State Challenge Series late models.

Miller wins main #1 in thunder roadsters, #1 Moulton two in a row in sportsman division

Miller wins main #1 in thunder roadsters, #1 Moulton two in a row in sportsman division

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was an absolutely gorgeous evening Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway, perhaps the best weather that there has been on a race night all season. Although the limited street stocks were absent from the racing schedule once again, the mini stocks, real stocks, thunder roadsters and sportsman cars treated the fans to yet another thrilling night of close and intense racing action.

Craig Baker continued his dominance on this night in the mini stock division winning the four lap trophy dash over Brian Murrell, Max Capps and Scott Baker. The heat was no different as Craig Baker took the victory in that race ahead of Denzil Barrett, Capps, Brian McIntosh and brother Scott. McIntosh took the early lead in the 20 lap main event ahead of Capps, Scott Baker and Craig Baker. Capps made a daring pass by McIntosh on lap four in the first and second turns to take the lead. It wasn’t long though before Craig Baker began to make his presence felt. On lap four he moved by Scott. A lap later Craig moved into second getting by McIntosh. While Craig was closing the gap on Capps, McIntosh spun in the fourth turn on lap seven. On lap nine Craig Baker took the lead away from Capps and never looked back. The rest of the race was run cleanly with nobody able to put any pressure on the driver ahead of them. At the line it was Scott Baker, Capps, Craig Baker, Murrell and Barrett.

Trevor Miller won the real stock trophy dash over Ryan Walters subbing for Shaun Craig, Ryan Robinson and Bill Middleton. Jim Redd took the 10 lap heat race win over Bob Lima, Middleton, Walters and Casey Mitchell. Redd started from the outside pole in the main and took advantage of it by taking the lead and pulling out to a sizeable gap over the field. The faster cars of Ryan Walters and Miller weren’t able to move near the front until lap seven when Ryan passed brother Dustin for third bringing Miller with him. On lap 10 Ryan moved under Mitchell for second position with Miller following again.

Miller used the outside line to get by Ryan Walters for second on lap 12 and began to chase down the leader Redd who had a straightaway lead over him. On lap 14, Robinson spun in between turns three and four but got going again. Five laps later, Nick Green spun in the fourth turn but he was also able to return to racing. Meanwhile, Miller was rapidly catching Redd. On lap 20, Redd got loose in turns three and four allowing Miller to close right up on him. The final few laps saw close but clean racing between the two with Redd using up as much race track as possible to hold off Miller, and Miller trying to get by Redd as cleanly as possible. Coming to the line, Miller got under Redd coming off the fourth turn but unfortunately for his case Redd was able to win the drag race to the line. Ryan Walters took third with Mitchell fourth and Middleton fifth.

With Paul Peeples, Jr. not at the track on this night, it was wide-open as to who would win any of the races in the thunder roadster class. Robert Miller won the trophy dash over Mike Ward, Tommy Payne and Chris Banfill. The heat race belonged to Banfill as he held of Payne, Ward, Bruce Ziemer and Miller for the victory. Dave McMurray took the early lead in the main event while Miller and Ward raced wheel-to-wheel for the second position. Ward took the position on lap three and set his sights on McMurray for the lead. On lap four the two cars touched in turn four bringing out the yellow flag. Ward was forced to the rear on the restart while McMurray was done for the evening.

Miller inherited the lead over Payne, Banfill, Ziemer and Rick Crawley. Banfill moved by Payne for second on lap six. On lap 10, Ward moved into the fourth position getting by Ziemer. Banfill had his hands full as he was trying to get by Miller the leader, but he also had to worry about Payne making a pass on him too. Many times Banfill looked to possibly have a run on Miller but he couldn’t quite find the grip he needed to get by. At the checkered flag it was Miller holding off Banfill, Payne, Ward and Ziemer.

Veteran Dennis Delbiaggio won the sportsman trophy dash over Brandon Barnwell, Mic Moulton and Marty Walsh. Jerry Peterson won the first heat race ahead of Moulton, Angelo Marcelli, Romeo Venza and Barnwell. Larry Pries took the second heat over Delbiaggio, Lissa Uselton, Keith Dias and Marty Walsh. Unfortunately while warming up for the 30 lap main event, Dias lost control and spun his car into the wall in turns three and four prematurely ending his night. Uselton was able to take the early lead followed by Pries and Delbiaggio. On lap four, Walsh tried to move by Delbiaggio but got loose and made contact. Peterson had nowhere to go and hit Delbiaggio’s car. Fortunately all three drivers were able to make it back out.

Uselton took the green on the restart leading Pries, Barnwell, Moulton and Kavin Conn who was making his first start in the sportsman division. Pries moved under and past Uselton on lap five allowing Barnwell and Moulton to follow. On lap nine, Barnwell moved high to get by Pries but couldn’t do it allowing Moulton to move under and by to take the spot. The yellow flag dropped on lap 12 when Conn spun his car in turns three and four. Moulton tried to use the restart to get by Pries but was unsuccessful. The yellow flag came once again when Walsh and Uselton made contact on the seventeenth lap.

Pries led Moulton, Barnwell, Delbiaggio and Marcelli to the restart. On lap 19, Marcelli went into the infield and then into the pits a victim of a flat tire. Moulton was finally able to move by Pries on lap 22 after several laps of close racing. The yellow flag dropped once again bunching the field. Under the caution period, Delbiaggio pulled his car into the pits. Moulton now lead Pries and Barnwell to the restart. With three laps remaining, Pries and Barnwell made contact in turn two bringing out the caution flag again. The final few laps were fairly chaotic. Pries and Barnwell continued their duel to the last lap when the two made contact again. Pries’ car hit a patch of pavement going into turn three briefly getting airborne before getting on the track. In any case it was all behind Moulton who took the victory ahead of Walsh, Uselton, Pries and Barnwell.

There are only three events left on the 2008 schedule for Redwood Acres Raceway. The next race is Fan Appreciation Night on August 23rd.

Division titles still up in the air at the Acres

Division titles still up in the air at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Only five races remain on the 2008 schedule for Redwood Acres Raceway and the battle for the championship in four of the five divisions are tight with no clear-cut favorite. In fact in several of the divisions, the points title can still be claimed by at least five drivers. For the limited street stocks, mini stocks and sportsman cars, there are only four races remaining while the real stocks and thunder roadsters will decide their champion at the Acres’ Fall Spectacular at the end of September.

Although the limited street stock class has had problems fielding enough cars to race at times during the year, the points battle is tight with three drivers who have a realistic shot at winning. Acres veteran Fergy Ferguson holds the points lead with 240 total. Tied for second are Duayne Mayo and Kenny Demello with 227, only 13 behind leader Ferguson. The duo of Romeo Venza and Craig Huffman hold down fourth in the points with 169 gained, while defending champion Scott Lyons looks as if he’ll have to wait until next year to win as he’s fifth with 153 points.

Only 41 points separate the top five drivers in the mini stock class. Scott Baker leads the field with 451 points. Brian McIntosh is second only 10 points behind. Scott’s brother Craig is third with 440 points. Brian Murrell is still in the hunt for the title with 431 points, while Denzil Barrett in fifth has an outside shot with 410.

Real stock driver Jim Redd took the points lead after race one of the season and has managed to hold on to it up to this point. Redd holds a 23 point lead over second place Trevor Miller, 454-431. Barring any unfortunate accidents, it appears as though the points battle will be decided between those two drivers as third place Ryan Robinson is 67 points behind the leader. Shaun Craig is fourth with 362 points and in fifth is rookie Dustin Walters with 349.

The points title for the thunder roadsters is defending champ Paul Peeples, Jr.’s to lose. Among all the points leaders at the Acres, Peeples is the one with the biggest points cushion by a substantial margin; 120 points. Second is division rookie Robert Miller with 381 points gained. Mike Ward is third, a mere two points behind Miller. Troy Combs is fourth with 327 points coming off his first win of the year. Gerhy Foster is fifth with 325 but will likely move down the standings due to his car being irreparably damaged in a wreck a few weeks ago.

With a win in the main event in the last race, Brandon Barnwell was able to take the points lead in the sportsman division. Barnwell leads Dennis Delbiaggio 455-451. In third is Larry Pries with 431 points. Lissa Uselton is fourth with 407 and Angelo Marcelli is fifth with 405.

Racing returns to the Acres this Saturday night, July 26th with all five local classes. After a break, the action returns August 9th with the North State Challenge Series late model tour cars joining the schedule with their first race in a number of months. Fan Appreciation night is August 23rd while the Judy Fox Memorial race will be September 6th. The memorial race will again be the final points event for the limited street, mini stocks and sportsman cars. The season will wrap up September 27th with the Fall Spectacular with real stocks, thunder roadsters, IMCA modifieds and the North State Challenge Series returning.

Points Standings (numbers in parenthesis state how far back a driver is from the points leader)

Limited Street Stocks
1. Fergy Ferguson 240, t2. Duane Mayo 227 (-13), t2. Kenny Demello 227 (-13), 4. Craig Huffman/Romeo Venza 169 (-71), 5. Scott Lyons 153 (-87)

Mini Stocks
1. Scott Baker 451, 2. Brian McIntosh 441 (-10), 3. Craig Baker 440 (-11), 4. Brian Murrell, Sr. 431 (-20), 5. Denzil Barrett 410 (-41), 6. Max Capps 373 (-78), 7. Marty Walsh 132 (-319), 8. Brian Murrell, Jr. 108 (-343), 9. Norm Carmichael 65 (-386), 10. Ryan Ahrens 59 (-392), 11. Nick Karanopoulos 13 (-438)

Real Stocks
1. Jim Redd 454, 2. Trevor Miller 431 (-23), 3. Ryan Robinson 387 (-67), 4. Shawn Craig 362 (-92), 5. Dustin Walters 349 (-106), 6. Ryan Peeples 310 (-144), 7. Dana DeVane 262 (-192), 8. Nick Green 237 (-217), 9. Don Hyman 235 (-219), 10. Casey Mitchell 197 (-257), 11. Bob Lima 181 (-273), 12. Marvin Savage 170 (-284), 13. Bill Middleton 168 (-286), 14. Mark Mullan 137 (-317), 15. Ray Robinson 105 (-349), 16. Pat Conway 78 (-376), 17. Ray Middleton 57 (-397), 18. Roger Linn, Jr. 53 (-401)

Thunder Roadsters
1. Paul Peeples, Jr. 501, 2. Robert Miller 381 (-120), 3. Mike Ward 379 (-122), 4. Troy Combs 327 (-174), 5. Gerhy Foster 325 (-176), 6. Jay Bahner 313 (-182), 7. Donn Cole 305 (-189), 8. Thomas Payne 299 (-195), 9. Rick Crawley, Jr. 275 (-226), 10. Mark Arroyo 260 (-241), 11. Leroy Marsh, Jr. 244 (-257), 12. Dave McMurray 237 (-264), 13. Bruce Ziemer 234 (-267), 14. Chris Sarvinski 220 (-281), 15. Chris Banfill 136 (-365), 16. David Henderson 116 (-385), 17. Belinda Ward 78 (-423), 18. Chris Lawrence 54 (-447), 19. Doug Pulver 49 (-452), 20. Ron Borges 45 (-456) 21. Rob Nelson 43 (-458)

Sportsman
1. Brandon Barnwell 455, 2. Dennis DelBiaggio 451 (-4), 3. Larry Pries 431 (-24), 4. Lissa Uselton 407 (-48), 5. Angelo Marcelli 405 (-50), 6. Jerry Peterson 399 (-56), 7. Romeo Venza 348 (-107), 8. Keith Dias 284 (-171), 9. Al Acuna 251 (-204), 10. Marty Walsh 210 (-245), 11. Rick Fox 146 (-309), 12. Tim McCracken 136 (-319), 13. Ken Hallis 119 (-336), 14. Mic Moulton 55 (-400), 15. Frank Billy, Jr. 20 (-435).

Wrecks impair racing at the Acres

Wrecks impair racing at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a two week hiatus, racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway for Back-To-School Night. Though several multi-car pileups slowed down the pace of the on track action, fans were able to witness a full slate of action in just over a three hour period. Scott Lyons took his second main event victory of the season in the limited street stock division. In the mini stocks, Craig Baker notched win number four for 2007. Ryan Robinson held off Doug Way in the real stock division taking his first win of the season. Perhaps the most familiar rivalry at the Acres in 2007 has been between Paul Peeples, Jr. and David Henderson. The two battled for the win once again with Henderson claiming the victory for the third time this season. It was the fifth time that the two drivers finished either first or second amongst themselves. Brandon Barnwell ran away with the sportsman main event for win number five.

Joining the five local classes was a special powder puff race. Female drivers drove borrowed real stock cars in the 10 lap main event. The race was originally scheduled for 10 laps but was cut to six when Mary DeMello spun in turn three collecting Whitney Burgess and Deborah Danielson. Danielson’s car went under Burgess’ car with Burgess rear end on Danielson’s hood. Debbie Huffman was the leader at the red flag but could not get her car to start when the yellow came out which gave the victory to Michelle Krupa. Others who were involved in the race were Kathryn Devries and Sequoya Warren.

Scott Lyons set quick time for the limited street stock cars with a 17.298 lap. Stan Young won the trophy dash over Duane Mayo, Lyons and Robert Miller. Kavin Conn won the heat driving Kenny Demello’s car. Mayo, Young, Miller and Lyons filled out the top five. Mayo and Miller brought the field to the green in the 15 lap main event. Mayo got the jump on Miller from the start while Lyons slotted himself into the second position. On lap four, Lyons moved well inside of Mayo going into turn three. The two made contact with Mayo spinning into the infield. Mayo lost a lap while trying to restart and the caution came out. On the restart, Lyons held the lead over Miller. Lyons pulled out to a eight car gap, but as the laps wound down Miller closed the gap to within a car length. That was as close as it would get though as Lyons crossed the start/finish line first over Miller, Young, Conn and Romeo Venza.

Fast time for the mini stock division was set by Byron McIntosh with an 18.791 time. Craig Baker won the dash over Denzil Barrett, McIntosh and Brian Murrell. The heat race saw a wreck between Murrell and Nick Karanopoulos severely damaging both cars. Max Capps took the win over By. McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Barrett and Baker. Capps and By. McIntosh led the field to the green for the 15 lap mini stock main. Capps snookered By. McIntosh on the start, taking the lead while the two McIntosh brothers dueled side-by-side for the second spot. On lap two Brian had the advantage, but on lap three Byron took the position back. On lap five, Byron spun off the fourth turn into the infield. He got his car going however and racing was able to continue.

On lap eight, Baker moved outside of Capps for the lead, taking the position on lap nine. On lap 10, Br. McIntosh began to suffer engine woes and was passed by Murrell who was driving Barrett’s vehicle with his number on the side to score points for himself. From there on out the race was to see how long Br. McIntosh could stay on the track and if he would finish in the top five. On lap 11, Byron got by Brian for fourth. On the very last lap, Karanopoulos took fifth away from Brian. Meanwhile, Baker had smooth sailing in the lead taking the win handily over Capps, Murrell, By. McIntosh and Karanopoulos.

Steve Kimberling set the fast time for the real stock cars with a 19.511 lap time. The trophy dash victory went to Bill Middleton over Kimberling, Ryan Walters and Ryan Peeples. Peeples won the first heat followed by Kimberling, Barry Barnwell, Ray Robinson and Mark Mullan. Ryan Robinson won the second heat over Walters, Doug Way, Jim Redd and Marvin Savage. The 25 lap feature was brought to the green flag by Savage and Ray DeMello. DeMello took the lead off the start while Barnwell took second. A wild race for third place ensued between Savage and a host of other cars. By lap two though, Savage regained second from Barnwell. On lap three Ry. Robinson made a daring three wide pass to get by Barnwell and Savage to move into second, just before the yellow came out for debris on the track.

Ry. Robinson got a great start when the green came out again, taking the lead away from DeMello. Way got a similar start moving by Savage for third. On lap six, Way moved by DeMello to take second. Nick Green moved into fifth on lap seven, taking the position away from Barnwell. Two laps later, Green made a superb three wide pass to get by DeMello and Savage for third. Just behind him, Middleton went for a spin off of turn two, but was able to get going again. On lap 10, Troy Wood who was scoring points for himself using Chuck Essex’s car, spun in turn four collecting Mullan. Robinson’s substantial over Way was erased. On the restart, Way immediately tried to get by Robinson for the lead. On lap 15, Walters moved by Savage for fourth bringing Peeples in tow. On lap 21, Walters moved by Green for third. At the front, Robinson was able to hold off Way’s challenges to take the win. Walters took third while Peeples took fourth away from Green on the last lap.

Paul Peeples, Jr. set fast time once again for the thunder roadsters with a 17.057 clock-in. David Henderson took home the trophy for the dash ahead of Peeples, Chris Banfill and Mike Ward. Bill Bradbury beat Bruce Ziemer to the line in the first heat with Donn Cole, Chris Lawrence and Jay Bahner rounding out the front five. The second heat featured an incident between Ray Elliott and Henderson which knocked off the right front wheel and suspension from Henderson’s car. Peeples took the win though, followed by Chris Sarvinski, Leroy Marsh, Jr., Banfill and Ward.

Lawrence and Mark Arroyo who was borrowing a car for this race lead the 17 car field to the green in the 30 lap main event. Arroyo held took the lead from the drop of the green. On lap three, Elliott moved by Lawrence into second. The moved allowed Sarvinski, Marsh and Henderson all to get by Lawrence. Henderson moved inside of Marsh on lap eight to take the fourth position. On lap 10 Henderson moved by Sarvinski for third while Elliott moved by Arroyo for the lead. Henderson, Sarvinski, Marsh and Peeples all followed Elliott to take their places in the top five.

Peeples began to really make his presence known. On lap 13 he moved by Marsh for fourth. Four laps later, Peeples moved by Sarvinski for the third position. On lap 19, Henderson moved inside of Elliott, but Elliott held him off. The front three of Elliott, Henderson and Peeples began to distance themselves from the rest of the field. On lap 25, Henderson made his move to the inside of Elliott for the lead. The two raced side-by-side until lap 27 when Henderson gained the advantage. Peeples followed Henderson and completed the pass a lap later. Peeples would not be able to mount a serious threat to Henderson in the final two laps though. Henderson crossed the line first two car lengths ahead of Peeples. Elliott finished third, Sarvinski fourth and Banfill fifth.

Veteran Larry Pries was the fastest of the sportsman drivers with a 16.496 time. Pries won the dash over Brandon Barnwell, Rick Fox and Angelo Marcelli. The heat was marred by two crashes, the first taking place just after the cars got on track. Romeo Venza spun in turn four collecting Aaron Byers. As Venza’s car rolled down the track, he collected Jerry Peterson. The race itself saw an even more unfortunate incident. Barnwell and Lissa Usselton made contact while racing for second and the two spun in front of the rest of the field, collecting Pries and Venza, knocking both of their cars out for the rest of the night. Fox won the heat followed by Barnwell, Marcelli, Byers and Peterson.

With only six cars making the start, the main event was cut down to 25 laps. Pries was able to make the start thanks to Byers who gave his car to him to score points. Uselton and Marcelli took the field to the green. Uselton got severely loose off the start allowing Marcelli to easily take the lead ahead of Barnwell. On lap three, Fox took third away from Uselton. On lap six, Barnwell looked inside of Marcelli for the lead, but found no room. Fox looked inside of Barnwell on lap 10, but Barnwell fended him off. On lap 15, Barnwell found a hole inside of Marcelli and took it and the lead, bringing Fox with him to second. While trying to follow into third, Uselton and Marcelli made contact going into turn one. Uselton miraculously saved her car but lost a lot of track position and was not able to make a challenge on Marcelli again. The rest of the race ran smoothly with Barnwell comfortably winning over Fox, Marcelli, Uselton and Peterson.

Mercifully for the sportsman class, racing at the Acres takes a break Labor Day weekend allowing drivers and teams to get their cars back together. Racing resumes September 8th with all five classes returning to action once more in 2007.