2007 season concludes with the Fall Spectacular

2007 season concludes with the Fall Spectacular

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 21st season of pavement racing on the 3/8 mile oval at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway comes to a close this Saturday night, September 29th with the Fall Spectacular. The night’s events will feature the crowning of the 2007 Redwood Acres Raceway real stock champion, the largest field of thunder roadsters in the United States, a strong field of I.M.C.A./Grand American modified racers from all over the west coast, and the next to last race for the North State Challenge Series late models.

Going into the final night of racing, real stock driver Bill Middleton holds a slim four point advantage over second place Troy Wood. The third place driver, Steve Kimberling is 35 points behind the leader and has an outside shot of winning the title. The real stock division has provided some of the most exciting and most clean racing at the Acres this past season, and Saturday night’s race should be a thrill to watch.

The thunder roadster champion at Redwood Acres Raceway, Paul Peeples, Jr., earned his title at the track’s previous race. With no points on the line, the racing should be even more intense. Redwood Acres Raceway holds the distinction of featuring the largest field of roadsters in the United States, and there will likely be at least 20 cars ready to race. Among the favorites will be Peeples, David Henderson, Troy Combs, Leroy Marsh, Jr., Chris Banfill and defending race champion Randy Olson.

The 2006 I.M.C.A./Grand American modified race was won by Willie Thompson. The Oregon racer led the race from the drop of the green flag to the drop of the checkered. Thompson had to hold off the likes of Jerry Dubach, Scott Winters, Ed Laws and Gary Lowblad to score the victory. The 2005 race winner, Jay Lindstroth set the fast time last year with a quick 16.206 qualifying lap. With many tracks not running this Saturday or not running their modified division, there promises to be another strong field of modified drivers and cars.

2007 NASCAR Grand National West rookie, Ryan Foster came from the tail end of the field to win the Northwood Chevrolet 100 last season. 2007 ASA Late Model Challenge Series rookie Derek Thorn led most of the race and finished second while Mike Doss took third, Howard Ford fourth and multi-time Northwood 100 winner, Mike Sackett fifth. Foster set quick time last year with an amazing 15.184 lap time, almost a full half second over second place qualifier, Ford. The field for this year’s race looks to be very good with more than 20 drivers either entered or expected to show up.

The race weekend begins Friday the 28th with open practice for all cars. The pit gates open at 11:00AM with practice being held from 2:00-6:00PM. Directly after practice, the annual barbeque will be held in the pits for all drivers, teams and officials. Saturday the pit gates open at 10:00 in the morning with practice beginning at 12:00 noon. The front gates open at 4:00PM the same time qualifications will start and all of the night’s racing will begin at 6:00PM.

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

By Matthew J. Sullivan

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

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

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

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

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