Moulton, Payne early season point leaders

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Two races have been completed in Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2016 season and already fans have seen some memorable moments in all six of the raceway’s local divisions. The excitement promises to ramp up this Sunday May 29th for O’Reilly Auto Parts Night at the Races. While the late model division will have the night off, the rest of the five local divisions will play host to the exciting North State Modified Series.

The points in Redwood Acres Raceway’s newest division, the Legends is currently being led by Brent Mack. He currently holds a substantial 37 point lead over the two drivers tied for second place, Brad Curtice and Anissa Curtice who also happen to be father and daughter. Mack’s large lead is due to avoiding catastrophe in the season opening race on April 30th. Keith Van Dyne is fourth and Robert Miller rounds out the top five. The class is expected to grow as 2016 progresses.

Steve Paiment has a three point advantage over Tyler Peach in the California State & Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner division. Two female drivers sit third in fourth in the standings with Jennifer Murrell 14 points in arrears to Paiment and Bethany Rapp 17 points behind the leader. Rookie driver, Patrick Sproul is fifth in points and 20 behind Paiment.

The battle for the track championship in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division is very tight as a single point separates James Moore in first and Tyler Avelar in second. Ryan Ahrens holds on to third in the standings and is eight points behind Moore. Rookie driver, Kim Sorrels is fourth and 17 points behind Moore while another rookie, John Lally holds down the fifth position.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division has arguably produced some of the best racing at the Acres thus far in 2016. Only eight points separate first through third in the standings. Jarrett Mayo currently leads Gary Klinetobe by three markers while Eugene Palmer is right on both of their heels in third. Daniel Buell is a rookie in the mini stock class and has used smart driving and consistent finishes to get to fourth in the standings, 19 points behind Mayo. Fifth place is a tie between mini stock veteran, Brian Murrell, Sr. and mini stock rookie, Michael Lawrence. Both drivers are 28 points behind Mayo.

The Thunder Roadster division has put on some exciting races as well in 2016. Tommy Payne is a former champion in the division and is the owner of an eight point lead over Thunder Roadster rookie, Aaron Byers. Donnie Brown is third and only four points behind Byers. Four points behind Brown is another rookie, Ronnie O’Neil. Fifth in the standings is a tie between LeRoy Marsh, Jr. who’s returned to the Acres after several seasons away and rookie, Jett Taylor.

The Mid City Motor World late models will not be partaking in the upcoming Memorial Day weekend events which likely is a blessing for several drivers in the division. Mic Moulton leads the standings in spite of suffering issues in the previous race on May 14th. Second place, Marty Walsh has been able to avoid any severe incidents and is only two points behind Moulton for the lead. Jim Walker is third in the standings, only four points behind Moulton. The West Coast racing legend’s car suffered heavy damage in the most recent race and it will be interesting to see how soon Walker will return to action. Jedd Ambrosini holds down fourth in the standings, only eight points behind Moulton while Kenny Demello is fifth, 15 points behind the leader.

The North State Modified Series visits Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend for their second race of the 2016 season, the Swartz Diesel Nor-Cal 60. Sacramento’s Jason Philpot won the season opening Gene Welch Classic at All American Speedway on April 23rd. The scheduled May 7th race at Shasta Speedway was rained out. Last season’s two NSMS races at the Acres were won by Rich Lindgren and Darren Knight.

Redwood Acres Raceway will hold an open practice Saturday May 28th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by a barbecue. Sunday grandstands open at 5:00 PM, while racing will begin at 6:00 PM. General admission is $15, seniors $13 and children 12 & under are $2.00. Kids under five years old are free while military members who present their military IDs will also enter free. For more information on this weekend’s upcoming races, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Outlaw karts debut at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The highly anticipated debut of the outlaw karts at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night. A great crowd was on hand to watch the group of young drivers, most between the ages of five and nine years old. The event was staged on a 1/10-mile dirt oval in the infield of the 3/8th-mile paved oval which fans normally see racing action.

Due to this being the inaugural season of karting action at the Acres and since all races this year are non-point events, concessions were made in the rules to allow for better competition on the track. The 250 and 500/open karts were combined for the night which featured racing between the father/daughter pairing of Brad Curtice and Anissa Curtice. Brad set fast time with a 9.247 lap time while Anissa qualified at 9.623. When it came to race time, Anissa dominated winning the trophy dash, heat race and feature over her father.

T.J. Sorrels of Ukiah set quick time for the beginner box stocks with a 10.583 lap in qualifying. Taylor Fuller of Medford was the heat race winner over Jacob Boldway of Eureka, Sorrels, Adrian Richard of Myrtle Creek and Kai Hirsch of Garberville. Fuller quickly maneuvered his way to the lead of the 20-lap feature while Hirsch had issues on lap two which forced him out of the race. Fuller was absolutely dominant, leading every single lap of the race en route to winning by a full lap over second place Sorrels. Boldway placed third over Richard and Hirsch.

Brionna Fuller was the fastest qualifier for the box stocks setting a time of 10.312 seconds. Natalie Richard took the victory in the trophy dash. Maleesa Miles won heat race one followed by Quentin Ikeya Bailey Jackson, Timmy Walters and Derek Kessler, Jr. Richard won heat two over Fuller, Jeremiah Boldway and Jackson O’Ferrell. The 25-lap main featured a scary accident on lap six when, Timmy Walters got out of control and hit the front straightaway wall. Thankfully Walters was unharmed.

O’Ferrell got to the lead on lap one and ran away from the field. He looked to have the race well in hand until two laps remaining when he lost control in turn four. Fuller moved to the lead and was able to withstand a late charge from Richard to take the win. O’Ferrell finished third while Boldway and Jackson rounded out the top five.

Redwood Acres Raceway would like to thank Scott Hammond State Farm for sponsoring the evening’s races. Also, a special thank you to Kenny Demello Racing, Wendt Construction and Michael Buell for their help in getting the races going. The outlaw karts return to the Acres on June 18th. Grandstands 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.

Walsh wins first feature of 2016

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For a while, it did not look as though Mother Nature was going to cooperate with the proceedings this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Following the roadrunner trophy dash, a heavy mist dropped over the 3/8-mile paved oval which delayed the racing action for nearly an hour. Thankfully the weather cleared up and fans were able to see a full slate of racing in all six local divisions on Pepsi Night at the Acres.

The California State & Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner trophy dash was won by Richard Stancliff. The two heat races were taken by Jennifer Murrell and Stancliff. Rookie driver, Bob Ratzlaff showed surprising strength in the first portion of the 20-lap roadrunner feature as he led six of the first ten laps. However, Ratzlaff broke the 21-second break-out rule and because he did not adhere to it, he was scored off the lead lap.

The second half of the feature was dominated by Shawn Molloy who was driving Daniel Buell’s car for the night. Molloy and Stancliff staged a great duel in the final handful of laps. Molloy got the advantage in the end and claimed his first ever main event victory. Tyler Peach ended up second followed by Steve Paiment, Stancliff and Patrick Sproul.

Rookie, John Lally won the Fortuna Wheel & Break bomber trophy dash in his first race at the Acres. James Moore took the heat race victory. Lally led lap one of the 25-lap main event but by lap two Avelar was in the lead. Avelar blitzed the field, dominating the rest of the event and taking his second straight bomber feature win. Moore took second over Lally, Ryan Ahrens and Jimmy Sorrels.

Rick Estes took the trophy dash win for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division. Heat one featured a photo finish with Jordon Paiment narrowly defeating Brian Murrell, Jr. Jarrett Mayo was the winner of the second mini stock heat. Michael Lawrence led lap one of the 25-lap main event but on lap two, Paiment maneuvered his way to the lead. On lap six, Estes found the line past Paiment to take over the top position.

The race featured a fantastic four-way battle between Estes, Eugene Palmer, Gary Klinetobe and Mayo with all four running nose-to-tail. Palmer was all over Estes and tried to use the high line to get to the lead. Palmer edged Estes to the line on the white flag lap and the two raced side-by-side in a thrilling battle for the win. Estes got the grip coming off turn four and was able to hold off Palmer to take the win. Klinetobe placed third while Mayo and Daniel Buell rounded out the top five finishers.

Tommy Payne won the four-lap Thunder Roadster trophy dash which featured an incident by Chris Sarvinski on the final lap while coming to the flag. Unfortunately, Sarvinski was finished for the evening. Payne also took the win in the heat race. Craig Baker led the opening four laps of the 30 lap affair before yielding to Donnie Brown. It wasn’t long before Brown’s brother, Aaron Byers began to challenge for the top position. On lap nine, Byers took the lead.

Brown had his hands full all race long for second position as Payne applied pressure. In the closing stages, Robbie Nelson made his presence known as well. With three laps remaining, Nelson used a three-wide pass to take the second position. Nelson did not have enough time to catch the leader though. At the checkered flag it was Byers winning his first ever Thunder Roadster main event. Nelson took second while Payne, Brown and Ronnie O’Neil placed second through fifth.

After several seasons away from racing, Robert Miller returned to take the trophy dash win in the Legends division. Miller had a scary wreck at the start of the heat race but fortunately he was okay and was able to return to the main event. Brad Curtice was the winner of the 10-lap heat. Curtice was absolutely dominant in the 25-lap main event as he was able to lead flag-to-flag to post his first feature win at the Acres. Miller placed second ahead of Brent Mack. Keith Van Dyne made the long tow from Washington to place fourth while Anissa Curtice finished fifth.

The Mid City Motor World late model division trophy dash was won by Marty Walsh who also took the win in the heat race. The 50-lap feature ended up being cut down to 30 laps due to several incidents and curfew. The first incident occurred on lap one when Kenny Demello got loose off turn two collecting Dustin Walters. Both drivers were out for the rest of the race. The second incident occurred in turns three and four when Jedd Ambrosini and Jim Walker tangled collecting Mic Moulton. Amborsini and Walker were able to continue while Moulton’s car suffered severe right front damage.

Walker suffered damage on his left front fender which caused his tire to smoke and led to what was the most frightening incident of the night. Going into turn three, sparks flew from Walker’s chassis hitting the pavement. Walker hit the third turn wall hard. Thankfully though his car was severely damaged, Walker was able to exit the car under his own power and was unharmed. At the front it was Walsh who was able to avoid the various disasters. At the finish it was Walsh sweeping the night and winning his first main of 2016. Richard Knight placed second over Tim Crenshaw who was making his first-ever start at Redwood Acres Raceway. Ambrosini placed fourth over Eddie Klein.

Racing returns to the Acres pavement for a special Sunday race on May 29th. While the late model division will be off for the night, the other five local divisions will be accompanied by the popular North State Challenge Series modifieds. Grandstands open at 5:00PM while racing begins at 6:00PM. General admission tickets for the event are $15, senior and military are $12, children 12 and under are $2 while children under five are free. Members of the military who have their military ID are also free. For more information of everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com.

Point races muddled after season opening event

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Opening night at Redwood Acres Raceway on April 30th proved to be a very interesting evening of racing on the 3/8-mile paved oval. The battle for the track championship in all six divisions still has a long way to go. Those at the top are looking to add to their early advantage while others hope to recover from woes suffered in the first race of 2016.

Steve Paiment currently leads the California State & Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner standings. The division veteran holds a five point advantage over second place, Tyler Peach. Bethany Rapp and Jennifer Murrell are tied for third while Richard Standcliff is fifth. Standcliff is division rookie and won opening night’s main event in the roadrunners.

The Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division standings are currently being led by Tyler Avelar. His advantage is four points over James Moore thanks to his main event victory. Ryan Ahrens is seven points behind Avelar in third while Matt Simon and Kim Sorrels round out the top five, ten and twelve points in arrears to Avelar.

Jarrett Mayo was dominant in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division on April 30th. His advantage over Gary Klinetobe is four points. Eugene Palmer sits third in the standings and is only eight points behind Mayo. Division rookie, Daniel Buell is fourth 11 points behind Mayo while Brett Murrell is fifth and 12 points off Mayo’s lead.

After winning the first Thunder Roadster feature, division point leader, Tommy Payne will look to add another victory while padding his lead for the track championship. Payne has a six point lead over Donnie Brown in the standings. Aaron Byers and Ronnie O’Neill are tied for third and are seven points behind Payne. Chris Sarvinski had a tough first night but is still in the fight as he is fifth in the standings and only 10 points behind Payne.

Due to the rest of the field having issues on opening night, Brent Mack has a substantial lead in the new Legend division standings. Mack leads Anissa Curtice by 33 markers. Brad Curtice is 41 points behind while M’Kinzy Uselton is 43 points off Mack’s lead.

The Mid City Motor World late model point standings are currently being led by veteran driver, Mic Moulton. Second place is locked between opening night feature winner, Jedd Ambrosini and west coast racing legend, Jim Walker both of whom are three points behind Moulton. Another tie rounds out the top five drivers in the division standings as Marty Walsh and Kenny Demello are eight points behind Moulton.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway in this Saturday May 14th for Pepsi Night at the Acres. All six local divisions will be in action for what should be another thrilling night of action on the pavement. Grandstands open at 5:00PM with racing beginning at 6:30PM. For more information, visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Ambrosini survives, wins first feature event

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway began with a bang this past Saturday night. A fantastic crowd graced the 3/8-mile paved oval for the first race of the year and the on-track action did not disappoint. It was a thrilling night of racing that ended with a first-time winner and some raw feelings.

Prior to the racing, the track hosted its annual Best Appearing Car contest. Fans cast their vote on a ballot for cars in all six divisions. Winners of the contest were Bethany Rapp in the roadrunners, Ryan Ahrens in the bombers, Brian Murrell, Jr. in the mini stocks, Ronnie O’Neill in the Thunder Roadsters, M’Kinzy Uselton in the Legends and Ryun Leazer in the late models.

The California State & Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner trophy dash was won by Bethany Rapp. Steve Paiment took heat race honors. Jennifer Murrell jumped to the lead at the start of the 20-lap feature but was overtaken by rookie driver, Richard Standcliff. Murrell regained the lead a lap later until Paiment was able to maneuver to the front.

A caution briefly slowed the field and allowed Standcliff and Rapp to close in on Paiment. The three fought tooth-and-nail for the lead with Tyler Peach eventually joining in during the final handful of laps but brought out the caution flag for hitting the passing cone in turn three. Rapp got shook out of the race for the win and the battle was between Standcliff and Paiment. The two traded paint coming off turn four to the finish line with Standcliff holding off Paiment for his first win in his first night of racing. Rapp took third followed by Peach and Murrell.

James Moore was victorious in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division while Tyler Avelar took top honors in the heat race. The 25-lap feature was dominated by Moore. At one point, Moore had nearly a full straightaway lead over second place, Avelar. Like a light switch, Moore’s car suddenly seemed to fall off and Avelar quickly closed the gap and took the lead. Moore did all he could to get back into the fight but just did not have the strength to recover the lead. At the finish it was Avelar taking the win over Moore, Ryan Ahrens, Matt Simon and Kim Sorrels.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division trophy dash went to Gary Klinetobe. Brian Murrell, Sr. took the first heat race victory while Jarrett Mayo took the second heat. Murrell, Sr. led the early stages of the 25-lap main while the field behind him sorted things out. The man to beat on the night was Mayo and it didn’t take long for him to maneuver from the rear of the field to the race lead. Mayo would never relinquish the top spot.

The race was slowed several times including once when Jordon Paiment’s car leaked fluid on the track which resulted in a red flag. Each time Mayo was able to pull away from the field on the restart. The best action was for second place as Brett Murrell, Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer fought hard for the position. At the finish it was Mayo taking the win in dominant fashion. Klinetobe took second while Murrell edged Palmer for third in a dead heat. Division rookie, Daniel Buell rounded out the top five.

The Thunder Roadster trophy dash was won by Donnie Brown. Tommy Payne took the win in the heat race. The 30-lap feature was a caution-free affair that saw Aaron Byers utilize a three-wide pass for the lead on lap one. Payne moved into second and the front two staged a nip-and-tuck battle for the race lead throughout the event.

The front three of Byers, Payne and Chris Sarvinski separated themselves from the rest of the pack and it was clear one of the three would likely be victorious until Sarvinski spun out of turn four with two laps remaining. Just moments after, coming off the second turn, Payne found the run he needed to get inside and past Byers for the lead. Byers tried to fight back on the last lap but couldn’t muster the strength necessary. At the finish it was Payne winning over Byers, Brown Ronnie O’Neill and Sarvinski.

The Legends cars made their debut at the Acres on the night. While only four cars showed, the division promises to grow as the season progresses. Brent Mack took the win in both the trophy dash and the heat race.

The Mid City Motor World late models had an excellent turnout of 16 cars but unfortunately issues prevented Robbie Nelson and Ken Hallis from racing on the night. Mic Moulton won the trophy dash while the two heat races were claimed by Marty Walsh and Moulton. The 50-lap feature saw two additional cars have issues with Ron Duke, Jr. unable to make the start and rookie driver, Dustin Walters pulling his car into the pits before the green flag.

Richard Knight took the lead after a brief battle with Luke Hall. Knight’s car appeared to have issues and it allowed Hall to get back into the lead over Ryun Leazer, Walsh and Jimmy Walker. Two laps later, Leazer moved past Hall into the lead but lost it quickly to Walsh who found the low line under both drivers. Moments later, Hall and Leazer got together in turn one with Leazer spinning and collecting Knight. Hall was sent to the rear and the race resumed for a brief period until it was slowed again, this time due to a wreck in turn four between Hall and Leazer forcing both drivers out of the race.

The race resumed with Walsh and Walker battling for the lead. Two more cautions slowed the field including an incident between Jedd Ambrosini and Mic Moulton which both drivers were able to continue from. Walker was in Walsh’s hip pocket all race long and applied more and more pressure as the race came to a close. With a handful of laps left, Walker got into the rear of Walsh in turns three and four sending Walsh spinning.

Walker was forced to the rear for his involvement which gave Ambrosini the race lead. Moulton did all he could to force Ambrosini to make a mistake but it wasn’t to be as Ambrosini held on to take his first-ever late model feature win. Moulton held on for second over Walsh, Walker and Al Acuna.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway in two weeks for Pepsi Night on Saturday May 14th. All six local divisions will be in action once again and it promises to be another exciting night of action that fans won’t want to miss out on. Grandstands open at 5:00PM with racing beginning at 6:30PM. For more information, visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Redwood Acres Raceway Announces 2016 Schedule

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The highly anticipated 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is quickly approaching. The excitement of racing returning to the 3/8-mile paved oval is high. So too is the intrigue of the new racing season with new cars and drivers in each division as well as a new division to the Acres.

Acres fans are familiar with the local classes of roadrunners, mini stocks, bombers, Thunder Roadsters and late models. In addition to those five divisions, Redwood Acres Raceway will be featuring the Legends cars. 2016 will mark the first time ever that a Legend car has competed at the Acres and the division is likely to put on exciting events throughout the entire season.

There are 11 scheduled races for the 2016 season. Redwood Acres Raceway will have its annual Play Day on Saturday April 23rd from noon to 5:00PM. The 2016 campaign will officially start the next weekend, Saturday April 30th.

Some of the highlights of the 2016 schedule include the return of the North State Modified Series to the Acres twice, on Sunday May 29th and Saturday July 23rd. The late models will hold the Second Annual Firecracker 100 race on Saturday July 2nd which will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
The top super late model drivers on the west coast will be racing at the Acres on Saturday August 6th when the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series takes to the track. Saturday August 20th is Driver Appreciation Night and will feature the Second Annual Murrell 500. The year concludes on Saturday September 24th with Championship Night featuring the Roadrunner Big T Jackpot race and the popular boat race.

Besides the racing on the asphalt, Redwood Acres Raceway will host racing on its dirt infield in 2016 featuring the Outlaw Karts. There are six scheduled non-point events for the karts including an event scheduled during the Redwood Acres Best of Humboldt Fair on Friday June 24th. The new class is certain to draw new racers and experienced veterans from Northern California.

For more information regarding the 2016 schedule and/or rules packages, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com. You can also find the Acres on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redwoodacresraceway/ and on Twitter @RacingTheAcres.

Redwood Acres Raceway 2016 Schedule
April 23rd – Play Day – Pits open at 11AM, practice from noon-5PM
April 30th – Opening Night Points Race
May 14th – Points Race
May 28th – Open Practice
May 29th – Points Race featuring North State Modified Series (Late Models Off)
June 11th – Points Race
July 25th – Fair Race – TBD
July 1st – Open Practice
July 2nd – Points Race featuring late model Firecracker 100 and Fireworks Show
July 22nd – Open Practice
July 23rd – Points Race featuring North State Modified Series
August 5th – Spears SRL Practice
August 6th – Points Race featuring the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series (Late Models off)
August 20th – Points Race – Driver Appreciation Night featuring the Murrell 500
September 10th – Points Race – Final points event for late models
September 24th – Championship Night featuring Roadrunner Big T Jackpot and Boat Race (Late Models off)

Redwood Acres Raceway 2016 Outlaw Kart Schedule
May 7th – Open Practice
May 21st
June 18th
June 24th – Fair Race
July 16th
July 30th
August 27th

Top 100+ NASCAR Southwest Tour Drivers Of All-Time Full List

1. Ron Hornaday, Jr. - 1992 & 1993 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 130 starts, 18 wins, 74 top 5s, 92 top 10s, 8.3 average finish
2. Rick Carelli - 1991 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 92 starts, 21 wins, 51 top 5s, 58 top 10s, 9.4 average finish
3. Mike Chase - 1987 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 85 starts, 19 wins, 44 top 5s, 53 top 10s, 9.2 average finish
4. Roman Calczynski - 1988 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 72 starts, 9 wins, 39 top 5s, 49 top 10s, 9.2 average finish
5. Dan Press - 1989 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 65 starts, 14 wins, 29 top 5s, 37 top 10s, 10.0 average finish
6. M.K. Kanke - 215 starts, 22 wins, 88 top 5s, 123 top 10s, 11.0 average finish
7. Eric Holmes - 81 starts, 9 wins, 33 top 5s, 50 top 10s, 11.3 average finish
8. Auggie Vidovich - 2003 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 94 starts, 11 wins, 35 top 5s, 56 top 10s, 12.1 average finish
9. Lance Hooper - 1995 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 56 starts, 7 wins, 24 top 5s, 34 top 10s, 10.9 average finish
10. Chris Raudman - 1996 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 44 starts, 5 wins, 23 top 5s, 29 top 10s, 8.5 average finish

11. David Gilliland - 37 starts, 9 wins, 15 top 5s, 22 top 10s, 12.1 average finish
12. Craig Raudman - 2001 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 169 starts, 14 wins, 57 top 5s, 93 top 10s, 8.5 average finish
13. Troy Beebe - 86 starts, 6 wins 37 top 5s, 52 top 10s, 11.2 average finish
14. Doug George - 1990 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 93 starts, 9 wins, 28 top 5s, 56 top 10s, 9.8 average finish
15. Kurt Busch - 1999 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 40 starts, 7 wins, 15 top 5s, 22 top 10s, 10.9 average finish
NR. Ken Schrader - 31 starts, 6 wins, 15 top 5s, 18 top 10s, 11.8 average finish
16. Jim Pettit, II - 2004 & 2005 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 103 starts, 8 wins, 34 top 5s, 54 top 10s, 11.3 average finish
17. Jim Inglebright - 108 starts, 8 wins, 35 top 5s, 62 top 10s, 11.8 average finish
18. Bryan Germone - 1997 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 180 starts, 8 wins, 64 top 5s, 104 top 10s, 10.7 average finish
19. Eddy McKean - 2002 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 83 starts, 5 wins, 33 top 5s, 49 top 10s, 10.9 average finish
20. Ron Esau - 1986 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 62 starts, 6 wins, 23 top 5s, 33 top 10s, 12.9 average finish

21. Dale Williams - 38 starts, 6 wins, 12 top 5s, 19 top 10s, 11.3 average finish
22. Steve Portenga - 1994 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 88 starts, 6 wins, 26 top 5s, 46 top 10s, 11.6 average finish
23. Jon Paques - 81 starts, 6 wins, 27 top 5s, 42 top 10s, 15.0 average finish
24. Matt Crafton - 2000 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 79 starts, 5 wins, 22 top 5s, 35 top 10s, 12.1 average finish
25. Jim Thirkettle - 25 starts, 1 win, 10 top 5s, 15 top 10s, 10.1 average finish
26. Doug McCoun - 207 starts, 9 wins, 49 top 5s, 87 top 10s, 13.5 average finish
27. Burney Lamar - 75 starts, 4 wins, 19 top 5s, 36 top 10s, 13.1 average finish
28. Rip Michaels - 2006 NASCAR Southwest Tour Series Champion - 36 starts, 1 win, 11 top 5s, 21 top 10s, 11.4 average finish
29. Ken Boyd - 80 starts, 2 wins, 24 top 5s, 40 top 10s, 11.5 average finish
30. Ken Pedersen - 52 starts, 3 wins, 14 top 5s, 24 top 10s, 13.4 average finish

31. Ray Hooper, Jr. - 90 starts, 3 wins, 20 top 5s, 48 top 10s, 12.6 average finish
32. Mark Reed - 102 starts, 4 wins, 28 top 5s, 43 top 10s, 14.1 average finish
33. Loran Kelley - 79 starts, 4 wins, 16 top 5s, 34 top 10s, 13.4 average finish
34. Roger Avants - 54 starts, 2 wins, 13 top 5s, 25 top 10s, 13.3 average finish
35. Kevin Harvick - 39 starts, 4 wins, 11 top 5s, 14 top 10s, 16.7 average finish
36. Sean Woodside - 34 starts, 2 wins, 8 top 5s, 14 top 10s, 14.1 average finish
37. Bruce Yackey - 29 starts, 1 win, 8 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 13.3 average finish
38. Steve Johnson - 33 starts, 1 win, 7 top 5s, 17 top 10s, 13.3 average finish
39. Mike Cofer - 17 starts, 1 win, 3 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 12.8 average finish
40. Brett Bell - 45 starts, 1 win, 11 top 5s, 20 top tens, 15.4 average finish

41. Sean Monroe - 55 starts, 2 wins, 12 top 5s, 20 top 10s, 14.7 average finish
42. Dennis Dyer - 143 starts, 1 win, 32 top 5s, 51 top 10s, 15.1 average finish
43. Jon Nelson - 30 starts, 2 wins, 6 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 14.7 average finish
44. Bob Lyon - 282 starts, 4 wins, 42 top 5s, 92 top 10s, 15.5 average finish
45. John Metcalf - 43 starts, 9 top 5s, 22 top 10s, 12.2 average finish, best finish 2nd (twice)
46. Michael Alsup - 71 starts, 1 win, 12 top 5s, 29 top 10s, 12.9 average finish
47. Ron Eaton - 21 starts, 1 win, 4 top 5s, 10 top 10s, 17.0 average finish
48. Dan Holtz - 50 starts, 1 win, 12 top 5s, 18 top 10s, 16.0 average finish
49. Bill Sedgwick - 21 starts, 3 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 9.8 average finish, best finish 3rd
50. Chris Trickle - 34 starts, 1 win, 8 top 5s, 12 top 10s, 13.3 average finish

51. Keith Spangler - 126 starts, 18 top 5s, 52 top 10s, 13.7 average finish, best finish 2nd
52. Chuck Pittenger - 30 starts, 4 top 5s, 17 top 10s, 11.6 average finish, best finish 2nd
53. Steve Belletto - 43 starts, 6 top 5s, 18 top 10s, 13.0 average finish, best finish 3rd
54. Randy Olson - 45 starts, 7 top 5s, 18 top 10s, 15.1 average finish, best finish 2nd
55. Greg Voigt - 52 starts, 6 top 5s, 23 top 10s, 14.6 average finish, best finish 2nd
56. Damon Lusk - 21 starts, 4 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 14.0 average finish, best finish 2nd (twice)
57. Roger Gannon - 29 starts, 4 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 13.5 average finish, best finish 2nd
58. Mike Hood - 34 starts, 1 win, 4 top 5s, 12 top 10s, 14.2 average finish
59. Danny Burson - 29 starts, 6 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 16.7 average finish, best finish 2nd
60. Danny Crafton - 102 starts, 9 top 5s, 38 top 10s, 14.1 average finish, best finish 2nd (twice)

61. Darrell LaMoure - 142 starts, 1 win, 10 top 5s, 45 top 10s, 16.4 average finish
62. Kenny Shepherd - 96 starts, 11 top 5s, 31 top 10s, 16.4 average finish, best finish 2nd
63. Tom Caturgeli - 19 starts, 2 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 12.9 average finish, best finish 2nd
64. David Mayhew - 14 starts, 2 top 5s, 6 top 10s, 13.7 average finish, best finish 5th
65. Randy Becker - 18 starts, 3 top 5s, 7 top 10s, 15.9 average finish, best finish 3rd
66. Frank Maronski, Jr. - 123 starts, 1 win, 9 top 5s, 32 top 10s, 16.4 average finish
67. Mark Meech - 50 starts, 2 wins, 5 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 17.8 average finish
68. Jason Fensler - 27 starts, 3 top 5s, 10 top 10s, 15.5 average finish, best finish 2nd
69. Tom Hubert - 23 starts, 3 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 18.6 average finish, best finish 4th (twice)
70. John Dillon - 23 starts, 3 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 19.5 average finish, best finish 2nd

71. Scott Lynch - 54 starts, 8 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 18.8 average finish, best finish 2nd
72. Dave Byrd - 31 starts, 2 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 15.9 average finish, best finish 4th
73. Kevin Riniker - 25 starts, 1 win, 2 top 5s, 8 top 10s, 15.5 average finish
74. Randy Laskowsky - 33 starts, 3 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 14.9 average finish, best finish 5th (three times)
75. Todd Souza - 64 starts, 5 top 5s, 17 top 10s, 16.0 average finish, best finish 2nd (three times)
76. Nick Joanides - 59 starts, 4 top 5s, 18 top 10s, 16.1 average finish, best finish 3rd
77. Zach Niessner - 21 starts, 4 top 5s, 5 top 10s, 19.9 average finish, best finish 2nd
78. Roy Testa - 99 starts, 6 top 5s, 23 top 10s, 16.3 average finish, best finish 2nd (twice)
79. Scott Brandt - 18 starts, 2 top 5s, 6 top 10s, 16.4 average finish, best finish 3rd
80. Frank Adamo - 20 starts, 3 top 5s, 5 top 10s, 19.7 average finish, best finish 2nd

81. Ben Walker - 38 starts, 3 top 5s, 8 top 10s, 17.1 average finish, best finish 2nd
82. Chris Shannon - 24 starts, 3 top 5s, 6 top 10s, 18.9 average finish, best finish 4th (twice)
83. Keith Van Houten - 42 starts, 1 top 5, 15 top 10s, 12.9 average finish, best finish 4th
84. Rocky Nash - 61 starts, 1 win, 3 top 5s, 14 top 10s, 18.3 average finish
85. Steve Smith - 20 starts, 2 top 5s, 6 top 10s, 17.0 average finish, best finish 5th (twice)
86. Will Harper - 45 starts, 1 top 5, 17 top 10s, 15.6 average finish, best finish 3rd
87. Terry Henry - 46 starts, 3 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 17.5 average finish, best finish 3rd
88. Bryan Brown - 62 starts, 21 top 10s, 14.3 average finish, best finish 6th (twice)
89. Glen Cummings - 46 starts, 3 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 16.9 average finish, best finish 2nd
90. Kevin Clark - 33 starts, 1 top 5, 12 top 10s, 17.6 average finish, best finish 4th

91. Tony Toste - 46 starts, 16 top 10s, 15.2 average finish, 6th (four times)
92. John Krebs - 16 starts, 1 top 5, 4 top 10s, 14.8 average finish, best finish 5th
93. Kevin Vernon - 32 starts, 1 win, 2 top 5s, 4 top 10s, 19.3 average finish
94. John Walsh - 38 starts, 2 top 5s, 9 top 10s, 17.4 average finish, best finish 2nd
95. Greg Scheidecker - 47 starts, 2 top 5s, 11 top 10s, 16.4 average finish, best finish 4th
96. Tom Price - 24 starts, 1 top 5, 6 top 10s, 13.6 average finish, best finish 5th
97. J.R. Patton - 18 starts, 1 top 5, 5 top 10s, 17.3 average finish, best finish 3rd
98. Blair Aiken - 14 starts, 5 top 10s, 13.8 average finish, best finish 6th
99. Brandon Whitt - 23 starts, 1 top 5, 6 top 10s, 16.0 average finish, best finish 5th
100. Joe Herold - 56 starts, 1 top 5, 13 top 10s, 16.0 average finish, best finish 2nd

#101: Scott Busby - 73 starts, 2 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 18.5 average finish, best finish 5th (two times)
#102: John Baker - 42 starts, 2 top 5s, 8 top 10s, 18.2 average finish, best finish 4th
#103: Thomas Martin - 54 starts, 3 top 5s, 7 top 10s, 19.0 average finish, best finish 4th
#104: Mark Perry - 86 starts, 2 top 5s, 13 top 10s, 17.3 average finish, best finish 3rd
#105: Dean Huss, Jr. - 13 starts, 4 top 10s, 14.6 average finish, best finish 6th
#106: Stephen Sadler - 22 starts, 1 top 5, 5 top 10s, 19.2 average finish, best finish 5th
#107: Gary Tamborelli - 29 starts, 1 top 5, 5 top 10s, 17.7 average finish, best finish 5th
#108: Bruce Bechtel - 22 starts, 1 top 5, 3 top 10s, 17.6 average finish, best finish 5th
#109: Doug Renno - 37 starts, 7 top 10s, 16.6 average finish, best finish 7th
#110: Ray Lawson, Jr. - 29 starts, 5 top 10s, 15.8 average finish, best finish 7th (three times)

#111: Roy Pruett - 18 starts, 3 top 10s, 15.0 average finish, best finish 8th
#112: Davy Lee Liniger - 20 starts, 1 top 5, 2 top 10s, 19.6 average finish, best finish 4th
#113: Mike Ledbetter - 53 starts, 8 top 10s, 18.9 average finish, best finish 6th
#114: Dan Bishop - 19 starts, 3 top 10s, 16.4 average finish, best finish 10th (twice)
#115: Mark Wilson - 20 starts, 1 top 5, 1 top 10, best finish 5th
#116: Harry Brady - 73 starts, 8 top 10s, 18.7 average finish, best finish 6th
#117: Greg Fowler - 49 starts, 5 top 10s, 18.5 average finish, best finish 8th (two times)
#118: Don Campbell - 20 starts, 3 top 10s, 19.2 average finish, best finish 8th
#119: Jeff Hill - 22 starts, 3 top 10s, 22.3 average finish, best finish 7th
#120: Ray Neveau - 48 starts, 4 top 10s, 20.0 average finish, best finish 7th

#121: Steve Petty - 29 starts, 3 top 10s, 22.3 average finish, best finish 6th
#122: Al Sadler - 48 starts, 1 top 10, 17.3 average finish, best finish 10th
#123: Darrel Krentz - 51 starts, 4 top 10s, 21.1 average finish, best finish 8th
#124: Dan O'Donnell - 24 starts, 2 top 10s, 19.6 average finish, best finish 10th (two times)
#125: Alan Brown - 22 starts, 1 top 10, 18.3 average finish, best finish 10th
#126: Steve Teets - 26 starts, 18.1 average finish, best finish 14th (three times)
#127: Richard Johnson - 30 starts, 1 top 10, 21.4 average finish, best finish 9th
#128: Eddie Bryans - 39 starts, 20.8 average finish, best finish 12th
#129: Scott Lee - 22 starts, 23.4 average finish, best finish 11th

A look back at the 2015 season at the Acres

Brandon White's frightening wreck in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour
race was one of the memorable events at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2015

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a thrilling season of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2015. Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval provided many exciting and memorable nights of action between the five local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late mdoels. The season was highlighted by visits from the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, the North State Modified Series and the running of the inaugural Tri-Holiday Classic featuring the late models.

Redwood Acres Raceway’s roadrunner division was presented by Humboldt Hydroponics throughout 2015. Dylan Ford took the track championship in the division thanks to winning seven of the 12 main events during the season. It was a dominant effort by Ford who placed outside of the top five only once in the entire year.

Dustin Walters was a force in the bomber division taking eight main event wins. The race for the track championship was very tight however with Walters taking it by a scant six point margin over James Moore who placed second.

The mini stock track championship was also a neck-and-neck race between Chris Champagne and Eugene Palmer. Just like the bombers, the gap between first and second was only six points with Champagne having the edge. Both drivers won four main events in what was also their first season of racing in the division.

Paul Peeples, Jr. was nearly unstoppable in the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster class. Peeples won nine of the 11 main events in the division and finished fifth and third in the two races he didn’t win.

The Mid City Motor World late model division’s track title came down to a battle between two second year drivers in Ryun Leazer and Jedd Ambrosini. Leazer pulled through to take the crown by sixteen markers. The 2015 season for the late models featured the Tri-Holiday Classic; three special events on the weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Mic Moulton won the Memorial Day race while Brandon White took the Firecracker 100 and Marty Walsh won the Labor Day 100.

2015 also featured the likes of two touring series to the Acres. The North State Modified Series visited during the Memorial and Labor Day races. Rich Lindgren won the 60-lap race in the series’ first visit while Darrin Knight had a memorable drive to win the second race for the series at RAR.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the year was the return of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series. Jim Pettit, II dominated the event and took his second SRL victory at the Acres. The 125-lap race will probably be best remembered for a scary incident that involved SRL star and local driver, Brandon White. Thankfully, White was uninjured in what was a frightening crash.

The 2015 season officially concludes November 1st with the awards banquet. Information regarding the event can be found on Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Champions crowned as point season concludes at the Acres

Richard Knight took his first win in the late model division

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was the final point event for the 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night. The 3/8-mile paved oval hosted Mid City Motor World Championship Night at the Acres. Track champions in all five divisions were crowned after what proved to be a rough and tumble night of racing.

Dylan Ford already had the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner track championship locked up for 2015 so he went into the night worry-free. Tyler Peach took the victory in the trophy dash while heat race wins went to Ken Barrett and Dylan Hagman. The 20-lap roadrunner feature proved to be a caution plagued event. Ford held the lead early and was behind the wheel of Andrew Pimentel’s car for the evening. The first incident of the race involved R.C. Brown who hit the turn four wall to bring the yellow flag out.

Another caution followed just after the restart when Shawn Molloy and J.D. Wiley wrecked in turn three. Racing resumed again as Ford battled Jett Taylor and Daniel Buell for the lead. Another incident involving Barrett and Bethany Rapp slowed the field once more for what proved to be the final restart of the race. While coming to take the white flag, Hagman and Buell got together off turn four. Buell’s car lazily rolled over on the front stretch but fortunately the driver was okay. The race was called with Ford taking the victory.

Dustin Walters led James Moore by only two points going into the night in the bomber division. As he has been throughout the entire 2015 season, Walters was dominant on the night. Walters took the trophy dash win, then went on to take the heat race victory, then capped the night with the main event victory and the bomber division track championship. James Moore finished second followed by Michael Knight.

The battle for the mini stock championship was separated by only nine points between Chris Champagne and Eugene Palmer. Brian Murrell, Jr. took the trophy dash victory while Palmer won the heat race. The championship was decided at the start of the 25-lap feature as Champagne had enough points to win. Unfortunately Champagne’s night was cut short early in the feature when he got loose in turn four, made contact with Palmer and hit the wall head one. Champagne was finished for the night but uninjured. The recent strength Palmer showed in the past several weeks was again on display as he was able to pass Murrell, Jr. for the lead and took home the win. Murrell, Jr. finished second followed by Gary Klinetobe and Cole Peterson while Champagne was credited with fifth.

Paul Peeples, Jr. had already officially claimed the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster track championship after the September 6th Labor Day weekend race. Robbie Nelson won the trophy dash race while Donnie Brown and Peeples won the two heat races. Craig Baker took the lead from his outside front row starting position in the 30-lap main event as the faster qualifiers tried to maneuver their way through the field. Nelson was the first to do so and on lap six he got past Baker for the lead with Peeples following into second.

Nelson held on to the lead until lap 11 when Peeples moved under and past for the race lead. Nelson rode in Peeples’ tracks for a while but eventually the superior handling of Peeples’ car prevailed. Peeples was able to pull out to a 10-car length lead by the end of the race. At the checkered flag it was Peeples winning over Nelson, Thomas Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Aaron Byers.

The Mid City Motor World late model track title was a battle between two sophomore drivers, Ryun Leazer and Jedd Ambrosini. Leazer held a narrow nine point advantage going into the night. Ambrosini made an early statement by winning the trophy dash. Richard Knight took the first heat race win while Kenny Demello took the second. The 35-lap late model main event featured two incidents that took out some of the top competition. Marty Walsh made contact with Ambrosini while racing for third on lap seven. Behind them several cars got together, most notably Mic Moulton who suffered severe damage which knocked him out of the race. Richard Knight led the restart but the green flag period would be brief when it appeared Al Acuna made contact with Mark Williams in turn two. In the melee, Walsh made contact with Williams which took both drivers out of the race. At the same time, Ambrosini pulled into the pits and didn’t return to the track.

Racing resumed and a thrilling battle for the lead ensued between Knight and Leazer. Meanwhile, Robbie Nelson was putting on an impressive display by driving his way to third in only his second start in a late model car. Several times Leazer looked to the inside of Knight coming off turn four but he could not get his nose far enough to Knight’s inside to challenge for the lead. Nelson snuck up on the leaders, got past Leazer for second and tried to challenge Knight but to no avail. At the finish it was Knight winning his first late model feature followed by Nelson and division champion, Leazer. George Young and Demello rounded out the top five.

For more information regarding the final points rundown in all five divisions please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Champions to be decided this weekend at the Acres

Ryun Leazer will look to clinch the track championship in the late model division

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final point race of the 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is less than a week away as it will be Mid City Motor World Championship Night at the Acres. Champions in all five divisions will be officially crowned in what should be a thrilling conclusion to what has been a thoroughly exciting season on the 3/8-mile paved oval.

The track championship in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division has already been decided as Dylan Ford has enough of a margin on second place, Daniel Buell that he wouldn’t need to race this Saturday to claim his crown. Ford leads Buell by 46 points. Buell is a lock for the second position as his lead over third place, R.C. Brown is 69 points. Tied for fourth in the standings are rookie driver, Shawn Molloy and roadrunner veteran, Steve Paiment. Both are 19 points behind Brown.

Only two points separate the two contenders for the bomber division championship. Dustin Walters was able to recover over the Labor Day weekend races to reclaim the championship lead over James Moore by only two points. Walters has been stellar this season as he’s taken seven main event victories. Moore has avoided the big disasters that have plagued Walters during the season but only has 3 mains to his credit.

The mini stock track championship battle is just as intense as the bomber division. Chris Champagne holds a narrow nine point lead over Eugene Palmer in second place. Both drivers have been at or near the front of every race which makes it very likely that the championship in the division won’t be decided until the final lap of the main event Saturday night. Brian Murrell, Jr. has third locked down in the standings but is out of the running to repeat as mini stock champ. Rick Estes and Gary Klinetobe hold down fourth and fifth in the rundown and will hold those positions as well in the final standings.

Engine woes in the Labor Day race on Sunday cut Paul Peeples, Jr.’s point lead in the Bear River Hotel And Casino Thunder Roadster division. Peeples leads Robbie Nelson by 20 points. It will be difficult for Nelson to close the gap as Peeples’ has dominated the division in 2015, winning eight main events to Nelson’s one. Thomas Payne is third in the standings, 33 points behind Peeples with a very slim chance of winning the title. Chris Lawrence and Belinda Ward are fourth and fifth in the standings.

The Mid City Motor World late model track championship should be another title that will be decided on the final lap of the main event. Ryun Leazer has a nine point lead over Jedd Ambrosini in second place. Marty Walsh is third in the points, 24 behind Leazer but would require major issues by the two drivers ahead of him to win the championship. Richard Knight is technically still in the running for the championship but his 41 point gap to Leazer is more or less insurmountable. Kenny Demello rounds out the top five in the division’s standings.

Gates open at 5:00PM while racing begins at 6:30PM for Mid City Motor World Championship Night at the Acres this Saturday September 19th. In addition, it will also be Fan Appreciation Night. General admission for the event is $5 and $2 for children. The 2015 season concluded on October 3rd with the First Annual Roadrunner Big T Jackpot race and Bomber Bash. Concluding the 2015 season at the Acres will be the second boat race of the year. For more information on the final two events, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .