Fair races thrill a full grandstand for two nights
By Matthew J. Sullivan
The usual North Coast clouds and fog were not present as blue skies and sunshine were out to welcome fans to the Redwood Acres Fair Classic for two full nights of racing. Both nights proved to be exciting for fans, many of whom were watching their first ever races at the Acres.
Friday night proved to be the only night of competition for the limited street stock class. Nevertheless, the drivers put on a great show while they were out there. Six cars showed up to take time with Orion Mosher setting the pace with a 17.534 lap time. Kenny Demello won the dash over Mosher, Jim Bailey and Trevor Miller. The heat race had a bit too much excitement as Kelly McBride driving Craig Huffman’s vehicle spun off turn four collecting Demello. Mosher won the main event which unfortunately proved to be the last race of the weekend for the division. Duane Mayo took second followed by Adrien Betournay, Miller and Mark Burris who showed up after qualifying. While the division only ran one night, it did have its highest car count of the season.
Friday qualifying was extremely important for the real stock and mini stock cars as it determined where drivers would start for both nights of racing. Jim Bailey hung it all out in qualifying for the real stock cars turning a 19.536 lap. Dan Browne won the dash over Bailey, Ryan Walters and Steve Kimberling. Browne then took the first heat win over Doug Way, Cecil Arispe, Mike Peeples and Kimberling. Bill Bradbury won the second heat over Bailey, Marvin Savage, Ray DeMello and Barry Barnwell. DeMello and Arispe brought the field to the green flag in the Friday night main event. Arispe was able to move by DeMello to grab the lead while Way moved into the second position. Early on there were several spins including Nate Trim, DeMello and Walters, however none of the incidents resulted in a yellow. On lap 11, Dana Devane spun bringing the yellow flag.
On the restart, the front duo of Arispe and Way pulled away while Barnwell and Bailey fought for the fourth position. On lap 15, Bailey got by Barnwell and set his sights on Bradbury for third. Meanwhile, Way was looking inside and outside of Arispe for the lead. The racing among the front two allowed third, fourth and fifth to catch up and make it a five car race. On lap 21, Browne moved by Barnwell for fifth. Bailey began to have problems and pulled his car into the pits. The race for the lead was close, but in the end Arispe was able to fend off Way to win followed by Bradbury, Browne and Barnwell.
Ryan Walters took home the dash win on Saturday night followed by Steve Kimberling, Dan Browne and Jim Bailey. Bob Lima won the first dash over Kimberling, Doug Way, Mike Peeples and Cecil Arispe. Walters took the second over Barry Barnwell, Marvin Savage, Bill Bradbury and Ray DeMello. DeMello and Ryan Robinson lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Demello got the jump off the start and took the early lead, while Lima slotted himself into the second position. On lap three, Walters moved his car into the third position by Robinson. On lap six, Barnwell, Kimberling and Mike Peeples spun on the backstretch bringing out the yellow. Coming back to the flag, Lima beat DeMello to the line to take the lead.
On the restart, DeMello and the field got a great jump on Lima who fell back several positions. Jim Redd and DeMello began racing for the lead, but the two made contact sending DeMello spinning and bringing out another yellow. The green came again and Walters decided to make his move for the lead taking it from Redd on lap 11. Soon after, Redd spun into the infield. As the race wound down, the field stretched out and Walters pulled away. On lap 14, Lima moved inside and by Robinson for the third position. It was smooth sailing for Walters though as he was able to take the victory handily over Browne, Lima, Robinson and Savage.
Jaison Chand returned to race in the mini stock division for the weekend, and he showed no signs of rust as he set a quick time of 18.821. Scott Baker took Friday’s dash win with Jerry Peterson, Chand and Byron McIntosh in his wake. Chad Grammer won the heat race followed by Baker, Stacy Minnick, Chand and Peterson. Grammer and Minnick lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Grammer took the initial lead, but got loose off the second turn allowing Minnick to move into the lead with Brian McIntosh slotting in the second position. Grammer moved outside and by McIntosh on lap two. The next lap, the caution flag flew when Baker and Peterson had an incident.
The restart came and Chand tried to take advantage of the tightness of the field as he moved outside of Brian Murrell for fourth. Chand then made his way by McIntosh for third. On lap six, Grammer got by Minnick to take the lead. Chand got by Minnick the next lap. Peterson got by McIntosh on lap eight, then by Minnick on lap nine. On lap 13, Judge John Morrison spun bringing out the yellow. Under caution, Chand pulled his car behind the wall ending his evening. The green came back out and Peterson and Grammer began to duel for the lead. The two raced side by side for several laps, but Grammer eventually was able to pull out the lead from Peterson to score the victory. Baker finished third, Minnick fourth and Murrell fifth.
Saturday night proved to be a fresh start for Jaison Chand who won the trophy dash over Scott Baker, Jerry Peterson and Byron McIntosh. Chand followed that up with a heat race victory followed by Brian Murrell, Baker, Peterson and Brian McIntosh. Denzel Barrett and Brian McIntosh lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Brian McIntosh nabbed the lead while brother Byron took second and Murrell third. On lap four, Baker moved by Murrell for third. The next lap, Peterson moved outside of Murrell to take fourth. On lap six, Baker made his way by Byron McIntosh, bringing Peterson with him. The next lap, Baker and Peterson made contact in turn one bringing out a yellow and sending both drivers to the rear of the field.
The restart came and Murrell made his presence known in Brian McIntosh’s mirror. On lap 13, Grammer spun off the fourth turn but kept going. On lap 15, Peterson made contact with Murrell’s bumper bringing out another yellow and forcing himself to the back of the field once more. Out came the green flag and to the outside of McIntosh went Chand to take the lead. With two to go, Chand got severely loose off the second turn almost costing himself the win and bunching up the field behind him, however he gathered his car. Chand’s mistake proved to be Glen Bernald’s good fortune as he was able to move into the second spot. Chand was not to be challenged though as he took his third win of the night over Bernald, Brian McIntosh, Byron McIntosh and Grammar.
Qualifying was held on both nights for the thunder roadsters and the sportsman division. Troy Combs set fast time on Friday with a 17.060 lap. David Henderson won the dash over Paul Peeples, Jr., Mark Baldwin and Combs. Bill O’Neill won the first heat over Donn Cole, Ray Elliott, Jay Bahner and Gary Payne. Henderson took the second over Baldwin, Peeples, Combs and LeRoy Marsh, Jr. O’Neill and Bruce Zeimer lead the field to the green flag in the main event. A restart would have to be made however when Peeples got into Rusty Olson sending him spinning into the third turn. Olson pulled his car into the pits suffering from a loose oil fitting.
After a lengthy cleanup, the green flag came out again with O’Neill getting the lead and Elliott taking second. Marsh and Combs raced side by side for third for several laps until Marsh got loose and into Combs allowing Henderson to get by for third. Henderson moved outside and by Elliott for second before a lap seven caution for a spin by Ziemer. Peeples took advantage of Elliott on the restart moving to the outside to take third. He then moved inside Henderson to try to take second, but Henderson showed strength moving to the outside of O’Neill for the lead.
On lap 10, Combs moved by Peeples for third. Two laps later, Combs moved by Henderson and began challenging for the lead. Peeples got by Henderson for third on lap 17 while Combs and O’Neill continued to fight for the top spot. Combs finally got his car to stock on the outside, taking the lead from O’Neill on lap 18. Peeples began to challenge O’Neill for second allowing Combs to pull out a lead. On lap 23, Peeples got by O’Neill for second and tried to close the gap on Combs. Meanwhile, O’Neill, Henderson and Baldwin were having their own fracas for third. Peeples tried to close the gap but he didn’t have enough laps as Combs took the win while O’Neill held off Baldwin and Henderson.
Randy Olson came out to race Saturday night breaking Ryan Zeck’s track record, setting a new mark of 16.885. Olson took the dash win over David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Rusty Olson. Dave McMurray won the first heat race over Bill O’Neill and Gary Payne. Mark Baldwin held off Randy Olson to win the second heat with Troy Combs third, Ray Elliott fourth and Rusty Olson fifth. O’Neill and lead the field to the green for the second night in a row. Combs spun on the initial start forcing a restart. When the green came, O’Neill took the lead while Elliott slotted into the second position. The racing for first few laps were fast and furious as Chris Sarvinski, Marsh, Rusty Olson and Randy Olson all dueled for position. On lap 4, the yellow came out when Combs spun again off the second turn.
Randy Olson tried to take advantage of the restart moving inside of brother Rusty, however Rusty moved to the outside and by Sarvinski on lap five. Rusty then moved outside of Elliott to challenge for second. Randy Olson followed Rusty through by Sarvinski and Eliott, then made his way by Rusty for second on lap seven. The same lap, Randy moved outside and by O’Neill to take the lead. Rusty tried to follow by on the high line but wasn’t able to find the grip allowing Henderson to move inside and by for the third position. While O’Neill, Henderson and Olson were fighting for position, Randy Olson was enjoying a comfortable lead and continued to pull away.
On lap 11, Rusty Olson moved back by Henderson for third. He then moved outside of O’Neill to try to take second the next lap. On lap 13, O’Neill and Olson made contact sending Olson spinning into the infield and bringing out the yellow. Officials put O’Neill to the back and racing resumed with Randy Olson leading Henderson, Baldwin, Sarvinski and Marsh. Combs moved by Marsh on the restart, then moved by Sarvinski. As this was going on, Henderson and Baldwin were having a duel for second giving allowing Olson to pull away. Baldwin got by Henderson on lap 16. The next lap Sarvinski spun off turn four but no yellow came. On lap 23, McMurray made contact with Ziemer sending Ziemer spinning and bringing another yellow.
After another restart, another caution flew when Rusty Olson got into McMurray sending him spinning. Olson was sent to the rear, and the green flag flew for the final time. Randy Olson pulled out once again while Combs moved outside Baldwin for second, however Baldwin held off his challenges. When the checkered flag fell it was Randy Olson winning over Baldwin, Combs, Henderson and Marsh.
Larry Pries had fast lap for Friday night’s racing in the sportsman division timing in with a 16.489. Brandon Barnwell won the dash over Marty Walsh, Pries and Aaron Byers. Donnie Brown took the first heat over Rick Fox, Walsh, Kyle Cattanach and Lissa Uselton. Joe Bonomini took the second heat over Byers, Angelo Marcelli, Pries and Ken Hallis. Al Acuna and Fox comprised the front row for the main event. Acuna took the lead off the start while Fox lost several spots. Acuna pulled out a few car lengths on Marcelli in second and Walsh in third. On lap three, Marcelli pushed off the fourth turn allowing Walsh to move into second. On lap five, Barnwell and Marcelli made contact bringing a yellow out.
After the restart, the cars singled out and ran nose to tail before a lap 11 incident when Barnwell got loose off turn four causing Pries to spin to avoid running into Barnwell. Officials deemed Barnwell at fault and sent him to the rear and the green came out again. Walsh moved to the inside of Acuna for the lead on lap 14, taking the spot. Byers tried to follow him through but made contact with Acuna sending the two hard into the backstretch wall resulting in a red flag.
After the cleanup, the green came again with Walsh leading Fox, Uselton, Cattanach and Browne. A few green flag laps of racing occurred before lap 21 when Browne got into Barnwell for another yellow. The green came out again and Cattanach moved inside Uselton on lap 22. Cattanach then moved under Fox for second, then on lap 27 he moved by Walsh for the lead, bringing Fox with him. Cattanach took the checkered flag first over Fox, Walsh, Uselton and Hallis, however in post race inspection, officials deemed Cattanach’s carburetor illegal giving Fox the win.
After seemingly struggling with his car Friday night, Marty Walsh took fast time Saturday with a 16.433 lap. The dash ran without Rick Fox with Larry Pries winning over Walsh and Brandon Barnwell. The heat race was taken by Al Acuna driving a car borrowed from Fox, followed by Uselton, Donnie Brown, Barnwell and Joe Bonomini. Angelo Marcelli and Bonomini lead the field to the green flag in the main event with Marcelli getting the early lead and Barnwell taking second. On lap three, Barnwell moved by Marcelli to take the lead. Marcelli fell back to the fifth position as Walsh, Bonomini and Pries moved by.
Pries moved inside Bonomini on lap six to take third. On lap 11, after riding behind Barnwell for several laps, Walsh took the lead. The strung-out field allowed the race to go incident free and the best battle for the rest of the race was between Barnwell and Pries. Several times Pries tried to find grip off the corners, but he never could find a way by Barnwell. In the end, Walsh cruised to win over Barnwell, Pries, Bonomini and Angelo Marcelli.
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Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Three in a row for Peeples, two in a row for Pries
Three in a row for Peeples, two in a row for Pries
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Several close duels for the win made for a thrilling night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Though it was an unusually cold and windy June night, fans packed the grandstands to see some great racing. After a side-by-side duel for several laps with David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr. made it three races in a row with another win in the thunder roadsters. Longtime Acres ace Larry Pries was able to fend off Marty Walsh to take the victory in the sportsman division. After a several race layoff, Ryan Walters dusted off the field in the real stock main event while Jerry Peterson returned to the mini stock division and showed no signs of rust to score the victory.
The first of two powder puff races was held on this evening with the drivers driving real stock cars. The quickest driver in qualifying was Toni Brown with a very respectable lap of 21.173. Brown took the heat race win over Sharon Redd, Sharon Huffman, Debbie Huffman and Debra Daniels. Daniels prevailed in the main event winning the $200 prize. Second and $100 went to Brown while third and $50 went to Debbie Huffman. In all, eight female drivers participated in the special event. Among those not mentioned were Denise Carmichael who was driving Troy Wood’s car, Shannon Bailey who was behind the wheel of Jim Bailey’s car and Dee Kenny who was driving Dana DeVane’s car. The event was sponsored by Four Star Realty and was the first of two powder puff races for this season.
The limited street division added a new driver and vehicle to the class in Craig Huffman but only four cars showed up to race. Ken Demello set the quickest lap in qualifying with a 17.573 lap. Adrien Betournay fought off Orion Mosher to win the dash followed by Demello and Huffman. It was much of the same action in what was essentially the main event with Betournay holding off Mosher’s challenges and winning followed by Huffman. Demello was black flagged during the race due to fluid leaking from his car.
Byron McIntosh set the fastest lap in the mini stock division with a 19.134. Brian Murrell won the dash followed by Chad Grammer, McIntosh and Craig Baker. Baker won the heat race followed by Jerry Peterson, Denzel Barrett, Stacy Minnick and Glen Bernald. Barrett and Bryan McIntosh brought the field to the green flag in the 20 lap main event. Unfortunately, Byron McIntosh and Nick Karanopoulos were not able to make the start of the race. Bryan McIntosh nabbed the lead from Barrett going into the first turn but coming off the second, he got loose and spun in the infield. Amongst the chaos, Peterson was able to move to the lead dropping McIntosh to second.
The field began to settle out when Judge John Morrison spun off the second corner on lap five necessitating a yellow flag. Peterson got a good start when the green flag came out and pulled out to a gap over the rest of the field. Murrell moved by McIntosh to take second on lap six. Scott Baker followed suit to take third kicking McIntosh to fourth. On lap 10, Craig Baker moved to the outside of Bernald for position. On lap 11, Baker and Bernald made very slight contact, but it was enough to get Baker loose sending him head on into the wall. Bernald spun into the infield with his right rear tire flat. Thankfully Baker climbed out of his car okay, but his car looked to be in need of serious repair.
When the green came out again it was Peterson leading Murrell, Scott Baker, McIntosh and Grammer. On lap 13, Minnick moved by Grammer for fifth but Grammer was able to move back by later that same lap. Grammer got past McIntosh for fourth on lap 16. On lap 17, Minnick moved to the outside of McIntosh to take fifth. After looming in Murrell’s mirror for several laps, Baker was able to move by for second on lap 18. Peterson’s lead was insurmountable and when the checkered flag flew it was Peterson winning with Baker second, Murrell third, Grammer fourth and Minnick fifth.
Ryan Walters returned to the real stock division setting a quick lap of 19.610. Walters followed up his fast lap with a win in the trophy dash over Mike Peeples, Cecil Arispe and Jim Bailey. Bill Bradbury won the first heat over Walters, Arispe, Ray Rapp and Barry Barnwell. Jim Redd took the second heat followed by Bailey, Ryan Robinson, Doug Way and Bill Middleton who was driving Bob Lima’s car. Jim Furia and Redd lead the 19 car field to the green in the 20 lap main event. Redd took the early lead but by the end of lap one, Brad Bergquist spun off the fourth turn bringing out the yellow flag. Rapp moved by Redd for the lead coming to the yellow flag.
The green came out again as Troy Wood and Robinson moved by Furia to take third and fourth. Marvin Savage moved by Furia on lap five just as Dana DeVane spun off turn two bringing out the caution flag. After two more laps of green another yellow came out on lap 7 when Barnwell and Peeples spun. Behind them Arispe spun, however everyone was able to continue in the race. On the restart, Middleton made his way by Savage. At the same time, Robinson moved by Redd for the second slot. Middleton made his way around Wood for fourth on lap 9 bringing Walters in his wake. On lap 10, Robinson spun bringing out another yellow flag. Arispe and Bradbury also spun but continued. In the confusion, Walters moved by Middleton for second.
Another restart came and Walters looked to make full use of his opportunity. He got a great jump on Rapp on the start and took the lead. Middleton also made his way by Rapp to take second. On lap 11, Redd hit the wall. After another restart, another yellow flew when Robinson spun off turn two. The green flew again with Walters leading Middleton, Way, Rapp and Peeples. With two laps to go, Peeples got by Rapp for fourth. At the front though, it was all Ryan Walters as he scored the victory over Middleton, Way, Peeples and Rapp.
The sportsman division had their smallest car count of the season with nine cars showing up. Marty Walsh set the pace with a 16.528 lap in qualifying. Walsh won the dash over Larry Pries, Aaron Byers and Al Acuna. Joe Bonomini made an impressive debut in the sportsman heat race fending off Pries, Acuna, Brandon Barnwell and Lissa Uselton to win. Uselton and Fox lead the field to the green in the 25 lap main event. Fox took the initial lead while Pries fought on Uselton’s outside for second. In the third and fourth turn, Uselton and Barnwell made contact spinning Uselton into the infield and bringing the yellow out.
On the restart it was Fox leading Pries, Walsh, Acuna and Barnwell. The first three cars began to move away from Acuna as he tried to hold off Barnwell. On lap eight, Barnwell moved by Acuna to take fourth. Meanwhile, Pries was looking to get by Fox. Several times Pries looked inside of Fox, but Fox closed the door. On lap 14, Pries found the grip and moved to Fox’s inside. Fox fought hard but couldn’t hold off Pries as he took the lead with Walsh following behind moving Fox to third. Meanwhile, Byers had moved by Acuna for fifth and was now looking for a way by Barnwell for fourth. The race for the lead was close with Walsh looming in Pries’ mirror. On lap 22, Walsh looked to have the line on Pries going into the third turn but Pries slammed the door. That move was enough to break Walsh’s momentum and take the win for Pries. Fox finished third, Barnwell fourth and Byers fifth.
Paul Peeples, Jr lead the large roadster field in qualifying with a 16.945 lap. The trophy in the dash went to Peeples followed by Mark Baldwin, Troy Combs and Chris Banfill. Chris Sarvinski won the first heat over Mike Ward and Chris Lawrence while Ray Elliott won the second heat over Ron Borges and Ron Rosenthal. David Henderson took honors in the third heat followed by Combs and Bill O’Neil. There was a wild incident in the 10 lap B main when Rob Nelson got loose off the fourth turn and collected Lawrence. The hit briefly sent Lawrence on two wheels but he landed on all four and was able to drive his car to the pits. Sarvinski and Ward took the two transfer spots into the main event.
Bruce Ziemer and Henderson brought the 18 field to the green in the 30 lap main event. After a first lap side by side battle for the top spot, Henderson was able to prevail for the lead while O’Neil and Arroyo put Ziemer in the middle of a three wide situation. Unfortunately on the next lap, Ziemer and Combs tangled in turn one with Ziemer hitting the wall. Peeples got an excellent jump on the restart and was able to make his way by Baldwin, LeRoy Marsh and Arroyo, then he moved to the outside of O’Neil for second, making the pass. Arroyo made his way by O’Neil for third on lap six. On lap seven, Peeples moved to the inside of Henderson for the race lead. The two raced wheel to wheel for seven laps while Arroyo looked to find which car to follow. On lap 14, Peeples was finally able to get by Henderson for good to take the lead.
On lap 15, Baldwin moved his way by O’Neil. At the same time, Rosenthal and Combs made contact off the second turn collecting Elliott. The restart came once more and Henderson tried to get back by Peeples. Marsh moved his way by O’Neil for the fifth spot on lap 20. As the laps ticked away the field began to stretch out. On lap 26, Borges hit the wall bringing out the last caution. The restart bunched the field but didn’t change the top five running order as Peeples won his third consecutive race followed by Henderson, Arroyo, Baldwin and Marsh.
One of the biggest events of the year comes up next as racing will take place two nights in a row during the Redwood Acres Fair Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24. It should be another thrilling night with a full plate of action as the North State Challenge Series will be racing both nights along with the thunder roadsters, sportsman, real stock, mini stock and limited street stock classes.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Several close duels for the win made for a thrilling night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Though it was an unusually cold and windy June night, fans packed the grandstands to see some great racing. After a side-by-side duel for several laps with David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr. made it three races in a row with another win in the thunder roadsters. Longtime Acres ace Larry Pries was able to fend off Marty Walsh to take the victory in the sportsman division. After a several race layoff, Ryan Walters dusted off the field in the real stock main event while Jerry Peterson returned to the mini stock division and showed no signs of rust to score the victory.
The first of two powder puff races was held on this evening with the drivers driving real stock cars. The quickest driver in qualifying was Toni Brown with a very respectable lap of 21.173. Brown took the heat race win over Sharon Redd, Sharon Huffman, Debbie Huffman and Debra Daniels. Daniels prevailed in the main event winning the $200 prize. Second and $100 went to Brown while third and $50 went to Debbie Huffman. In all, eight female drivers participated in the special event. Among those not mentioned were Denise Carmichael who was driving Troy Wood’s car, Shannon Bailey who was behind the wheel of Jim Bailey’s car and Dee Kenny who was driving Dana DeVane’s car. The event was sponsored by Four Star Realty and was the first of two powder puff races for this season.
The limited street division added a new driver and vehicle to the class in Craig Huffman but only four cars showed up to race. Ken Demello set the quickest lap in qualifying with a 17.573 lap. Adrien Betournay fought off Orion Mosher to win the dash followed by Demello and Huffman. It was much of the same action in what was essentially the main event with Betournay holding off Mosher’s challenges and winning followed by Huffman. Demello was black flagged during the race due to fluid leaking from his car.
Byron McIntosh set the fastest lap in the mini stock division with a 19.134. Brian Murrell won the dash followed by Chad Grammer, McIntosh and Craig Baker. Baker won the heat race followed by Jerry Peterson, Denzel Barrett, Stacy Minnick and Glen Bernald. Barrett and Bryan McIntosh brought the field to the green flag in the 20 lap main event. Unfortunately, Byron McIntosh and Nick Karanopoulos were not able to make the start of the race. Bryan McIntosh nabbed the lead from Barrett going into the first turn but coming off the second, he got loose and spun in the infield. Amongst the chaos, Peterson was able to move to the lead dropping McIntosh to second.
The field began to settle out when Judge John Morrison spun off the second corner on lap five necessitating a yellow flag. Peterson got a good start when the green flag came out and pulled out to a gap over the rest of the field. Murrell moved by McIntosh to take second on lap six. Scott Baker followed suit to take third kicking McIntosh to fourth. On lap 10, Craig Baker moved to the outside of Bernald for position. On lap 11, Baker and Bernald made very slight contact, but it was enough to get Baker loose sending him head on into the wall. Bernald spun into the infield with his right rear tire flat. Thankfully Baker climbed out of his car okay, but his car looked to be in need of serious repair.
When the green came out again it was Peterson leading Murrell, Scott Baker, McIntosh and Grammer. On lap 13, Minnick moved by Grammer for fifth but Grammer was able to move back by later that same lap. Grammer got past McIntosh for fourth on lap 16. On lap 17, Minnick moved to the outside of McIntosh to take fifth. After looming in Murrell’s mirror for several laps, Baker was able to move by for second on lap 18. Peterson’s lead was insurmountable and when the checkered flag flew it was Peterson winning with Baker second, Murrell third, Grammer fourth and Minnick fifth.
Ryan Walters returned to the real stock division setting a quick lap of 19.610. Walters followed up his fast lap with a win in the trophy dash over Mike Peeples, Cecil Arispe and Jim Bailey. Bill Bradbury won the first heat over Walters, Arispe, Ray Rapp and Barry Barnwell. Jim Redd took the second heat followed by Bailey, Ryan Robinson, Doug Way and Bill Middleton who was driving Bob Lima’s car. Jim Furia and Redd lead the 19 car field to the green in the 20 lap main event. Redd took the early lead but by the end of lap one, Brad Bergquist spun off the fourth turn bringing out the yellow flag. Rapp moved by Redd for the lead coming to the yellow flag.
The green came out again as Troy Wood and Robinson moved by Furia to take third and fourth. Marvin Savage moved by Furia on lap five just as Dana DeVane spun off turn two bringing out the caution flag. After two more laps of green another yellow came out on lap 7 when Barnwell and Peeples spun. Behind them Arispe spun, however everyone was able to continue in the race. On the restart, Middleton made his way by Savage. At the same time, Robinson moved by Redd for the second slot. Middleton made his way around Wood for fourth on lap 9 bringing Walters in his wake. On lap 10, Robinson spun bringing out another yellow flag. Arispe and Bradbury also spun but continued. In the confusion, Walters moved by Middleton for second.
Another restart came and Walters looked to make full use of his opportunity. He got a great jump on Rapp on the start and took the lead. Middleton also made his way by Rapp to take second. On lap 11, Redd hit the wall. After another restart, another yellow flew when Robinson spun off turn two. The green flew again with Walters leading Middleton, Way, Rapp and Peeples. With two laps to go, Peeples got by Rapp for fourth. At the front though, it was all Ryan Walters as he scored the victory over Middleton, Way, Peeples and Rapp.
The sportsman division had their smallest car count of the season with nine cars showing up. Marty Walsh set the pace with a 16.528 lap in qualifying. Walsh won the dash over Larry Pries, Aaron Byers and Al Acuna. Joe Bonomini made an impressive debut in the sportsman heat race fending off Pries, Acuna, Brandon Barnwell and Lissa Uselton to win. Uselton and Fox lead the field to the green in the 25 lap main event. Fox took the initial lead while Pries fought on Uselton’s outside for second. In the third and fourth turn, Uselton and Barnwell made contact spinning Uselton into the infield and bringing the yellow out.
On the restart it was Fox leading Pries, Walsh, Acuna and Barnwell. The first three cars began to move away from Acuna as he tried to hold off Barnwell. On lap eight, Barnwell moved by Acuna to take fourth. Meanwhile, Pries was looking to get by Fox. Several times Pries looked inside of Fox, but Fox closed the door. On lap 14, Pries found the grip and moved to Fox’s inside. Fox fought hard but couldn’t hold off Pries as he took the lead with Walsh following behind moving Fox to third. Meanwhile, Byers had moved by Acuna for fifth and was now looking for a way by Barnwell for fourth. The race for the lead was close with Walsh looming in Pries’ mirror. On lap 22, Walsh looked to have the line on Pries going into the third turn but Pries slammed the door. That move was enough to break Walsh’s momentum and take the win for Pries. Fox finished third, Barnwell fourth and Byers fifth.
Paul Peeples, Jr lead the large roadster field in qualifying with a 16.945 lap. The trophy in the dash went to Peeples followed by Mark Baldwin, Troy Combs and Chris Banfill. Chris Sarvinski won the first heat over Mike Ward and Chris Lawrence while Ray Elliott won the second heat over Ron Borges and Ron Rosenthal. David Henderson took honors in the third heat followed by Combs and Bill O’Neil. There was a wild incident in the 10 lap B main when Rob Nelson got loose off the fourth turn and collected Lawrence. The hit briefly sent Lawrence on two wheels but he landed on all four and was able to drive his car to the pits. Sarvinski and Ward took the two transfer spots into the main event.
Bruce Ziemer and Henderson brought the 18 field to the green in the 30 lap main event. After a first lap side by side battle for the top spot, Henderson was able to prevail for the lead while O’Neil and Arroyo put Ziemer in the middle of a three wide situation. Unfortunately on the next lap, Ziemer and Combs tangled in turn one with Ziemer hitting the wall. Peeples got an excellent jump on the restart and was able to make his way by Baldwin, LeRoy Marsh and Arroyo, then he moved to the outside of O’Neil for second, making the pass. Arroyo made his way by O’Neil for third on lap six. On lap seven, Peeples moved to the inside of Henderson for the race lead. The two raced wheel to wheel for seven laps while Arroyo looked to find which car to follow. On lap 14, Peeples was finally able to get by Henderson for good to take the lead.
On lap 15, Baldwin moved his way by O’Neil. At the same time, Rosenthal and Combs made contact off the second turn collecting Elliott. The restart came once more and Henderson tried to get back by Peeples. Marsh moved his way by O’Neil for the fifth spot on lap 20. As the laps ticked away the field began to stretch out. On lap 26, Borges hit the wall bringing out the last caution. The restart bunched the field but didn’t change the top five running order as Peeples won his third consecutive race followed by Henderson, Arroyo, Baldwin and Marsh.
One of the biggest events of the year comes up next as racing will take place two nights in a row during the Redwood Acres Fair Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24. It should be another thrilling night with a full plate of action as the North State Challenge Series will be racing both nights along with the thunder roadsters, sportsman, real stock, mini stock and limited street stock classes.
Sunday, June 4, 2006
Peeples two in a row, Bradbury holds off Browne
Peeples two in a row, Bradbury holds off Browne
By Matthew J. Sullivan
For the first time in the 2006 season it a somewhat warm night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Even though a few showers fell during the event, it wasn’t enough to severely slow down another exciting night as the thunder roadsters made their third appearance of the season at the Acres, along with the regular four classes of cars. Orion Mosher pulled away from the field in the limited street stock main to win while Craig Baker continued to show his strength in the mini stock division, winning the main event handily. Resuming their battle from the previous race, Bill Bradbury held off Dan Browne to win the real stock main. After some struggles at the start of the season, Larry Pries was able to make his way though the field in the sportsman division and claim victory. After an incident between Troy Combs and Randy Olson, Paul Peeples, Jr. inherited the lead in the roadster main event and was able to fend off David Henderson to win his second main event in a row at the Acres.
The limited street division was able to pick up one more car this weekend as Mark Burris showed up. Kenny Demello won the trophy dash over Orion Mosher, Adrien Betournay and Terry Vallee. Demello and Mosher put on an exciting heat race with Demello holding off Mosher’s challenges to win followed by Betournay, Vallee and Burris. The eight lap main was brought to the green flag by Mosher and Demello. Mosher used his inside front row starting spot to grab the lead from Demello. Though Demello briefly challenged Mosher for the lead, Mosher was eventually able to pull away and take the win with Demello second, Betournay third, Burris fourth and Vallee fifth.
Chad Grammer took home the trophy in the mini stock dash over Scott Baker, Brian Murrell and Stacy Minnick. The heat race had a bit too much excitement in it as a Brian McIntosh spin caught out Glen Bernald and Scott Baker. Craig Baker took the heat win over Grammer, Murrell, Byron McIntosh and Denzel Barrett. 11 cars started the 20 lap main event with the front row comprised of Nick Karanopoulos and Bernald. By the end of the first lap however, Brian McIntosh was able to get by both to nab the top spot. McIntosh’s lead would not last long however, as Murrell moved by for the lead on lap three. That same lap, Scott Baker pulled his car into the pits, calling it a night.
On lap four, Grammer made his way by Murrell bringing Craig Baker with him moving Murrell back to third. For several laps, Baker looked for a way by Grammer. Baker then made his way to the outside of Grammer and the two dueled side by side for the lead. On lap 10, coming off the fourth turn Grammer got loose allowing Baker to completely get by and pull away. Meanwhile, Minnick moved her way past Brian McIntosh four the fifth position. By lap 15, the field had spread out with Baker leading Grammer, Murrell, Minnick and McIntosh. On lap 16, Grammer pulled his car into the pits moving everyone behind up a spot, including long-time mini stock racer Mac Collado to fifth. When the checkered flag fell, the top five was the same, Baker, Murrell, Minnick, Bryan McIntosh and Collado.
The real stock division had perhaps their best field of the season. Dan Browne and Bill Bradbury resumed their battle from the previous race for a bit in the dash with Browne winning followed by Bradbury, Jim Bailey and Barry Barnwell. Ray Robinson won the first heat over Browne, Jim Redd, Troy Wood and Bailey. The second heat was won by Bradbury over Bob Lima, Barnwell, Ray DeMello and Marvin Savage. 17 cars took the green flag in the 25 lap main event with DeMello and Redd sharing the front row. DeMello grabbed the lead from Redd off the start while Doug Way pulled his car into the pits for the night. On lap two, Ryan Robinson moved by Redd for the second spot, then he moved outside of DeMello to challenge for the first position. By lap three, Browne had made his way to the third spot before a yellow flag flew for debris on the track.
The green flag came out again and Browne decided to use the closeness of the front to cars to his advantage. He made his way by Robinson for second by lap four, then he moved his way outside of DeMello to grab the lead on lap five. In the meantime, Bradbury began picking his way through the field. On lap eight, he moved past Bailey for fifth then by Redd for fourth. However any thoughts of taking the lead were fantasy as Browne had pulled out to a large lead over DeMello. On the tenth lap, Robinson spun but no yellow flag flew. The top five at this time was Browne, DeMello, Bradbury, Redd and Lima.
On lap 13, Bradbury moved to DeMello’s bumper and tried to take the second spot while a four car duel between Redd, Lima, Barnwell and Bailey four the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions. Brad Bergquist making his first start of the season blew his engine in the high line on lap 14 but again no yellow flag flew as the fluid was well out of the racing groove. Bradbury made his way by DeMello lap 15. That same lap, Lima made contact with the lapped car of Dana DeVane necessitating a yellow flag and bunching up the field, much to Bradbury’s pleasure and Browne’s dismay. When the green came again, Browne and Bradbury pulled away from DeMello and the rest of the field. On lap 18, Bradbury moved inside of Browne for the lead, taking the position. At the same time, DeMello got too high and lost several spots. Bradbury and Browne continued to duel for the lead as the laps ticked off but when the checkered fell Browne didn’t have enough as Bradbury won followed by Browne, Barnwell, Redd and Lima. Unfortunately in post race inspection, Browne’s car was deemed illegal.
12 cars showed up to race in the sportsman division. Rick Fox held off Marty Walsh, Brandon Barnwell and Larry Pries to win the trophy dash. Angelo Marcelli won the first heat race over Fox, Walsh, Donnie Brown and Al Acuna while Barnwell won the second heat over Ken Hallis, Aaron Byers, Pries and Jerry Peterson. The 35 lap main event was lead to the green flag by Frank Billy and Brown. Brown was able to get a good jump on the start and take the front spot. On lap two, Billy got into the side of Barnwell spinning him and causing the field to scatter. Fortunately, there wasn’t any serious damage done to any of the cars.
The green came out again with Brown leading while Fox tried to get by Billy for second. On lap four, Fox got the spot and set his sights on Brown. The next lap, several cars were able to move past Billy including Pries, Byers and Walsh. The gap between the front five cars began to close as all five raced bumper to bumper cleanly. On lap 11, Byers got his car sideways off the fourth turn but managed to reel in his car and not lose position. On lap 13, Billy spun off the second turn bringing out the caution. The restart was to Pries’ advantage as he moved by Fox for second on lap 14, then he moved inside Browne on lap 16, taking the lead the next lap. Barnwell spun on lap 19 and the yellow flag came once again.
Pries got a good start when the green came back out while Brown tried to hold off Fox. Pries held a two car length advantage while second through fourth were nip and tuck for position. On lap 30, Walsh made his way by Byers for fourth. On lap 32 the final yellow flag came. Under caution Barnwell cut a tire forcing him into the pits for the final few laps. For Larry Pries, the last three laps were merely a formality as he claimed the win followed by Brown, Fox, Walsh and Byers. Regretfully, Brown’s car was found to be illegal in post race inspection.
The thunder roadsters made their third start at the Acres with another beautiful field of cars. Paul Peeples, Jr. won the dash over Randy Olson, David Henderson and Ron Rosenthal. Mike Ward won the first heat followed by Jay Bahner, Waymond Hans, Donn Cole and Byron Nelson. Chris Sarvinski took the second heat followed by Troy Combs, Henderson, Randy Olson and Peeples. Leroy Marsh returned to the Acres after a few years hiatus to win the third heat with Rusty Olson using a car barrowed from Bill O’Neill finishing second followed by, Ray Elliott, Chris Banfill and Ron Turner filling out the top five. With the high car count, a B-main event was necessitated and Ward was able to win while Dave McMurray took the second and final transfer spot.
18 cars started the 30 lap roadster main with Marsh and Bruce Ziermar leading the field to the green. Marsh got the jump bringing Rusty Olson with him while Ziermar had major issues falling to the end of the field. On the fifth lap, Sarvinski spun, however the yellow flag was withheld as he got going again. By the tenth lap the field was still spreading out as Marsh lead Olson, Elliott, Combs and Henderson. Elliott and Combs began to reel in Olson for second allowing Marsh to pull his lead out a bit more. On lap 12, Combs pulled to the outside of Elliott while Randy Olson moved to the high side of Henderson. Combs made his way by Elliott on lap 13 just as Bill O’Neill spun off the second turn bringing out the yellow flag.
On the restart, Combs got a jump to the outside of Rusty Olson and Marsh taking the lead. Randy Olson followed suit moving to third, then taking second from Marsh on lap 15. On lap 18, Henderson moved to the inside of Rusty Olson for fourth but Olson held him off. Meanwhile, Randy Olson began to close the gap on Combs for the lead. The yellow flag came out on lap 19 as Elliott, Ward and McMurray were all collected in an incident in the second turn. On the restart, Peeples got a jump and moved to the third position while Henderson got by Rusty Olson for fifth and Marsh for fourth.
On lap 22 while racing for the lead off the fourth turn, Randy Olson turned Combs into the infield bringing out the final yellow flag. Under yellow, Combs showed his frustration with Olson hitting him in the third and fourth turn. Olson was sent to the rear but decided to pull his car to the pits. With the field shuffled, the top five was now Peeples, Henderson, Marsh, Banfill and Rusty Olson. The green came again and Peeples was able to put a gap on Henderson who put a gap on Marsh. On lap 25, Olson pulled his borrowed car into the pits for the night. The last laps went without any major challenges in the top five. When the checkered flag came down it was Paul Peeples making it two in a row followed by Henderson, Marsh, Banfill and Mark Arroyo.
The next race at the Acres is June 10 with the regular field of limited street stocks, mini stocks, real stocks and sportsman cars. It should be another exciting night of racing.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
For the first time in the 2006 season it a somewhat warm night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Even though a few showers fell during the event, it wasn’t enough to severely slow down another exciting night as the thunder roadsters made their third appearance of the season at the Acres, along with the regular four classes of cars. Orion Mosher pulled away from the field in the limited street stock main to win while Craig Baker continued to show his strength in the mini stock division, winning the main event handily. Resuming their battle from the previous race, Bill Bradbury held off Dan Browne to win the real stock main. After some struggles at the start of the season, Larry Pries was able to make his way though the field in the sportsman division and claim victory. After an incident between Troy Combs and Randy Olson, Paul Peeples, Jr. inherited the lead in the roadster main event and was able to fend off David Henderson to win his second main event in a row at the Acres.
The limited street division was able to pick up one more car this weekend as Mark Burris showed up. Kenny Demello won the trophy dash over Orion Mosher, Adrien Betournay and Terry Vallee. Demello and Mosher put on an exciting heat race with Demello holding off Mosher’s challenges to win followed by Betournay, Vallee and Burris. The eight lap main was brought to the green flag by Mosher and Demello. Mosher used his inside front row starting spot to grab the lead from Demello. Though Demello briefly challenged Mosher for the lead, Mosher was eventually able to pull away and take the win with Demello second, Betournay third, Burris fourth and Vallee fifth.
Chad Grammer took home the trophy in the mini stock dash over Scott Baker, Brian Murrell and Stacy Minnick. The heat race had a bit too much excitement in it as a Brian McIntosh spin caught out Glen Bernald and Scott Baker. Craig Baker took the heat win over Grammer, Murrell, Byron McIntosh and Denzel Barrett. 11 cars started the 20 lap main event with the front row comprised of Nick Karanopoulos and Bernald. By the end of the first lap however, Brian McIntosh was able to get by both to nab the top spot. McIntosh’s lead would not last long however, as Murrell moved by for the lead on lap three. That same lap, Scott Baker pulled his car into the pits, calling it a night.
On lap four, Grammer made his way by Murrell bringing Craig Baker with him moving Murrell back to third. For several laps, Baker looked for a way by Grammer. Baker then made his way to the outside of Grammer and the two dueled side by side for the lead. On lap 10, coming off the fourth turn Grammer got loose allowing Baker to completely get by and pull away. Meanwhile, Minnick moved her way past Brian McIntosh four the fifth position. By lap 15, the field had spread out with Baker leading Grammer, Murrell, Minnick and McIntosh. On lap 16, Grammer pulled his car into the pits moving everyone behind up a spot, including long-time mini stock racer Mac Collado to fifth. When the checkered flag fell, the top five was the same, Baker, Murrell, Minnick, Bryan McIntosh and Collado.
The real stock division had perhaps their best field of the season. Dan Browne and Bill Bradbury resumed their battle from the previous race for a bit in the dash with Browne winning followed by Bradbury, Jim Bailey and Barry Barnwell. Ray Robinson won the first heat over Browne, Jim Redd, Troy Wood and Bailey. The second heat was won by Bradbury over Bob Lima, Barnwell, Ray DeMello and Marvin Savage. 17 cars took the green flag in the 25 lap main event with DeMello and Redd sharing the front row. DeMello grabbed the lead from Redd off the start while Doug Way pulled his car into the pits for the night. On lap two, Ryan Robinson moved by Redd for the second spot, then he moved outside of DeMello to challenge for the first position. By lap three, Browne had made his way to the third spot before a yellow flag flew for debris on the track.
The green flag came out again and Browne decided to use the closeness of the front to cars to his advantage. He made his way by Robinson for second by lap four, then he moved his way outside of DeMello to grab the lead on lap five. In the meantime, Bradbury began picking his way through the field. On lap eight, he moved past Bailey for fifth then by Redd for fourth. However any thoughts of taking the lead were fantasy as Browne had pulled out to a large lead over DeMello. On the tenth lap, Robinson spun but no yellow flag flew. The top five at this time was Browne, DeMello, Bradbury, Redd and Lima.
On lap 13, Bradbury moved to DeMello’s bumper and tried to take the second spot while a four car duel between Redd, Lima, Barnwell and Bailey four the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions. Brad Bergquist making his first start of the season blew his engine in the high line on lap 14 but again no yellow flag flew as the fluid was well out of the racing groove. Bradbury made his way by DeMello lap 15. That same lap, Lima made contact with the lapped car of Dana DeVane necessitating a yellow flag and bunching up the field, much to Bradbury’s pleasure and Browne’s dismay. When the green came again, Browne and Bradbury pulled away from DeMello and the rest of the field. On lap 18, Bradbury moved inside of Browne for the lead, taking the position. At the same time, DeMello got too high and lost several spots. Bradbury and Browne continued to duel for the lead as the laps ticked off but when the checkered fell Browne didn’t have enough as Bradbury won followed by Browne, Barnwell, Redd and Lima. Unfortunately in post race inspection, Browne’s car was deemed illegal.
12 cars showed up to race in the sportsman division. Rick Fox held off Marty Walsh, Brandon Barnwell and Larry Pries to win the trophy dash. Angelo Marcelli won the first heat race over Fox, Walsh, Donnie Brown and Al Acuna while Barnwell won the second heat over Ken Hallis, Aaron Byers, Pries and Jerry Peterson. The 35 lap main event was lead to the green flag by Frank Billy and Brown. Brown was able to get a good jump on the start and take the front spot. On lap two, Billy got into the side of Barnwell spinning him and causing the field to scatter. Fortunately, there wasn’t any serious damage done to any of the cars.
The green came out again with Brown leading while Fox tried to get by Billy for second. On lap four, Fox got the spot and set his sights on Brown. The next lap, several cars were able to move past Billy including Pries, Byers and Walsh. The gap between the front five cars began to close as all five raced bumper to bumper cleanly. On lap 11, Byers got his car sideways off the fourth turn but managed to reel in his car and not lose position. On lap 13, Billy spun off the second turn bringing out the caution. The restart was to Pries’ advantage as he moved by Fox for second on lap 14, then he moved inside Browne on lap 16, taking the lead the next lap. Barnwell spun on lap 19 and the yellow flag came once again.
Pries got a good start when the green came back out while Brown tried to hold off Fox. Pries held a two car length advantage while second through fourth were nip and tuck for position. On lap 30, Walsh made his way by Byers for fourth. On lap 32 the final yellow flag came. Under caution Barnwell cut a tire forcing him into the pits for the final few laps. For Larry Pries, the last three laps were merely a formality as he claimed the win followed by Brown, Fox, Walsh and Byers. Regretfully, Brown’s car was found to be illegal in post race inspection.
The thunder roadsters made their third start at the Acres with another beautiful field of cars. Paul Peeples, Jr. won the dash over Randy Olson, David Henderson and Ron Rosenthal. Mike Ward won the first heat followed by Jay Bahner, Waymond Hans, Donn Cole and Byron Nelson. Chris Sarvinski took the second heat followed by Troy Combs, Henderson, Randy Olson and Peeples. Leroy Marsh returned to the Acres after a few years hiatus to win the third heat with Rusty Olson using a car barrowed from Bill O’Neill finishing second followed by, Ray Elliott, Chris Banfill and Ron Turner filling out the top five. With the high car count, a B-main event was necessitated and Ward was able to win while Dave McMurray took the second and final transfer spot.
18 cars started the 30 lap roadster main with Marsh and Bruce Ziermar leading the field to the green. Marsh got the jump bringing Rusty Olson with him while Ziermar had major issues falling to the end of the field. On the fifth lap, Sarvinski spun, however the yellow flag was withheld as he got going again. By the tenth lap the field was still spreading out as Marsh lead Olson, Elliott, Combs and Henderson. Elliott and Combs began to reel in Olson for second allowing Marsh to pull his lead out a bit more. On lap 12, Combs pulled to the outside of Elliott while Randy Olson moved to the high side of Henderson. Combs made his way by Elliott on lap 13 just as Bill O’Neill spun off the second turn bringing out the yellow flag.
On the restart, Combs got a jump to the outside of Rusty Olson and Marsh taking the lead. Randy Olson followed suit moving to third, then taking second from Marsh on lap 15. On lap 18, Henderson moved to the inside of Rusty Olson for fourth but Olson held him off. Meanwhile, Randy Olson began to close the gap on Combs for the lead. The yellow flag came out on lap 19 as Elliott, Ward and McMurray were all collected in an incident in the second turn. On the restart, Peeples got a jump and moved to the third position while Henderson got by Rusty Olson for fifth and Marsh for fourth.
On lap 22 while racing for the lead off the fourth turn, Randy Olson turned Combs into the infield bringing out the final yellow flag. Under yellow, Combs showed his frustration with Olson hitting him in the third and fourth turn. Olson was sent to the rear but decided to pull his car to the pits. With the field shuffled, the top five was now Peeples, Henderson, Marsh, Banfill and Rusty Olson. The green came again and Peeples was able to put a gap on Henderson who put a gap on Marsh. On lap 25, Olson pulled his borrowed car into the pits for the night. The last laps went without any major challenges in the top five. When the checkered flag came down it was Paul Peeples making it two in a row followed by Henderson, Marsh, Banfill and Mark Arroyo.
The next race at the Acres is June 10 with the regular field of limited street stocks, mini stocks, real stocks and sportsman cars. It should be another exciting night of racing.
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