Barnwell and Peeples remain perfect
By Matthew J. Sullivan - Eureka, CA
Another night of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway, another main event victory for sportsman driver Brandon Barnwell and thunder roadster ace Paul Peeples, Jr. In a story which had already been told twice this season, both drivers resumed their winning ways this past Saturday night in dominating fashion. Another driver who made his main event victory look easy was Orion Mosher, winning the limited street stock main event giving him two in a row. Mini stock winner Brian Murrell and real stock winner Barry Barnwell appeared to have more difficult tasks than their fellow main event winners, but both were able to score close wins.
Fast time for the limited street stock division on this night was set by Orion Mosher with a 17.510 mark. Mosher won the dash, while the heat race saw the return of former pure stock and sportsman champ Otis Stabler who took the win closely followed by Mosher and Trevor Miller. The 15 lap main event was almost over as quickly as it started. By lap two, Mosher moved from the back of the grid to the second position. Mosher then maneuvered his way by the leader Duane Mayo on the third lap and never looked back. By the time Miller and Stabler made their way by Mayo, Mosher was nearly a straightaway ahead. At the race’s conclusion it was Mosher the winner followed by Miller, Stabler, Scott Lyons and Stan Young.
18.793 was the quick lap set by Jason Shaha for the mini stock cars. Brian Murrell won the trophy dash but Shaha took the win in the heat race. The mini stock main proved to be the closest finish of the night. Early on, Scott Baker took the lead and stretched out to 20 car lengths or so over second position. Murrell and Shaha methodically worked their way to the front and as the laps wound down, they began to close on Baker. With six laps left, the duo had caught Baker and began to have a real race with him. With three laps remaining, Shaha moved outside of Murrell to pass and tried to get by Baker. In turn one, Baker got loose getting into Shaha and allowing Murrell to get by both to take the lead. Shaha would be right on Murrell’s bumper, but that’s as close as he would get to winning as Murrell took the victory. Baker was third, Glenn Bernald fourth and Stacy Minnick fifth.
Barry Barnwell was quickest in real stock qualifying setting a 19.585 lap. Barnwell won the dash while Bill Middleton and Steve Kimberling won their respective heat races. Chad Grammer gained the early advantage in the 25 lap main event and pulled away from the field. By lap nine though, Barnwell had moved his car into the second position. After 11 laps of catching up to do, Barnwell and Grammer really began to make a race for the lead position. Barnwell didn’t take long to strike, moving by Grammar to take the lead with four laps remaining. With Barnwell pulling away, Grammer had to battle Marvin Savage for second, eventually losing that position. At the finish line, Barnwell was the victor over Savage, Grammer, Kimberling and Middleton.
For the third straight race of the 2007 season, Paul Peeples, Jr. set fast time with a 17.021 lap time. Peeples took the dash victory while Randy Olson and Bill O’Neill won the two heat races. Early on in the 30 lap feature, Mike Ward looked to be the man to beat. However, as David Henderson, Peeples and Olson freight-trained their way from the back to the front, it seemed apparent that Ward would have his hands full holding off those three drivers. Peeples made a move by Henderson on the thirteenth lap for the second position. On lap 14, Peeples quickly made his way past Ward to take the lead. Henderson and Olson would follow Peeples into second and third, however the closest both would come to taking the lead would be after a lap 17 restart. That wasn’t enough though for either driver as Peeples comfortably held command and took the win over Henderson, Olson, Ward and Leroy Marsh, Jr.
Brandon Barnwell set the fast lap for the sportsman division with a 16.751 time. Barnwell notched the win in the trophy dash while North State Challenge Series driver Luke Hall made a rare appearance and won the heat race. Early on in the 30 lap feature, it appeared as if there would be a new winner in the sportsman division in 2007 as Angelo Marcelli held the early lead. However, Barnwell made sure that any of those ideas were quickly put to rest. On lap six he moved outside of Marcelli to take the lead. While Barnwell walked away from the competition, the best racing proved to be from Hall who methodically moved his way past each driver, finally making it to second on lap 20. Hall seemed to have the faster car, but Barnwell’s lead proved to be insurmountable as he took the win. Marcelli finished third while Aaron Byers and Lissa Uselton rounded out the top five finishers.
The next race at the Acres is June 2nd. As always, drivers in the five local divisions will be back to provide more of the same action that’s been seen so far in 2007.
Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Fast Time: Orion Mosher 17.510
Dash: Mosher, Trevor Miller, Duane Mayo, Scott Lyons
Heat: Otis Stabler, Mosher, Miller, Stan Young, Lyons, Mayo
Main: Mosher, Miller, Stabler, Lyons, Young, Mayo, Romeo Venza
Mini Stocks
Fast Time: Jason Shaha 18.793
Dash: Bryan Murrell, Byron McIntosh, Shaha, Max Capps
Heat: Shaha, Scott Baker, Murrell, Glenn Bernald, Capps, By. McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Stacy Minnick
Main: Murrell, Shaha, Baker, Bernald, Minnick, Capps, By. McIntosh, Br. McIntosh
Real Stocks
Fast Time: Barry Barnwell 19.585
Dash: Barnwell, Ryan Peeples, Marvin Savage, Bill Middleton
Heat 1: Middleton, Barnwell, Ray Robinson, Peeples, Troy Wood, Chad Grammer, Mark Mullan
Heat 2: Steve Kimberling, Jim Redd, Savage, Ray DeMello, Mike Cataldi, Jim Bailey, Rick Stone
Main: Barnwell, Savage, Grammer, Kimberling, Middleton, DeMello, Nick Green, Peeples, Wood, Mulla, Cataldi, Robinson, Redd, Stone
Thunder Roadsters
Fast Time: Paul Peeples, Jr. 17.021
Dash: Peeples, Randy Olson, David Henderson, Ron Borges
Heat 1: Olson, Peeples, Leroy Marsh, Jr., Henderson, Mic Moulton, Borges, Jay Bahner, Bill Bradbury, Thomas Payne, Ray Elliott
Heat 2: Bill O’Neill, Dave McMurray, Mike Ward, Donn Cole, Gehry Foster, Bruce Ziemer, Belinda Ward
Main: Peeples, Henderson, Olson, M. Ward, Marsh, Foster, Elliott, Ziemer, Bahner, Borges, Moulton, O’Neill, McMurray, Cole, Payne, Bradbury, B. Ward
Sportsman
Fast Time: Brandon Barnwell 16.751
Dash: Barnwell, Luke Hall, Donnie Brown, Aaron Byers
Heat: Hall, Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries, Rick Fox, Barnwell, Brown, Joe Bonomini, Lissa Uselton, Mike Bourbon, Byers
Main: Barnwell, Hall, Marcelli, Byers, Uselton, Fox, Pries, Bonomini, Bourbon, Brown.
Historic videos, race reports and race results from various Northern California race tracks
Gary Jacob Archives
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Three is a magic number for Barnwell and Peeples
Three is a magic number for Barnwell and Peeples
By Matthew J. Sullivan
After racing the previous Saturday night at the Acres, drivers and teams had to make a quick turnaround to prepare for this past Saturday night’s action. The racing was clean, and there were very few incidents in all five local divisions. However, in the sportsman and thunder roadster divisions, it seemed as if it was the same story that had already been told twice before in the two previous races this season. Both Brandon Barnwell and Paul Peeples, Jr. once again won their respective main events bringing their streak to three wins. Another Barnwell claimed victory as well as Barry Barnwell took the main event victory in the real stock division. Orion Mosher scored his second main in a row sealing the win in the limited street stock class, while Brian Murrell held off his challengers in the mini stock main.
Fast time for the limited street stock division was set by Orion Mosher with a time of 17.510. Mosher took the dash victory over Trevor Miller, who was making his first start of the season, Duane Mayo and Scott Lyons. Former pure stock and sportsman champion Otis Stabler held off Mosher and Miller to win the hotly contested heat race, while Stan Young and Lyons rounded out the top five. Seven cars started the 15 lap main event. Duane Mayo was able to use his pole position to his advantage as he took the early lead. However, Orion Mosher wanted to get to the front as soon as possible, and get to the front he did. On lap two, Mosher moved to the outside of Mayo and powered past to take the lead. Miller made the pass on Mayo for second on lap three, but by then Mosher had already built a substantial lead. With Mosher walking away from the field, the rest of the excitement was left between Mayo, Stabler, Lyons and Young. Unfortunately for Mayo, between laps eight and ten he was passed for third fourth and fifth. At race’s end, Mosher had made it looked easy as he took home the victory followed by Miller, Mayo, Stabler, Lyons and Young.
Eight cars took time in the mini stock division. Jason Shaha set the fast mark at a 18.793. Brian Murrell won the dash followed by Byron McIntosh, Shaha and Max Capps. Shaha would go on to win the heat race followed by Scott Baker, Murrell, Glenn Bernald and Capps. Minnick and Baker lead the field to the green in the 15 lap feature. Baker got the jump off the start and immediately started to build his lead while Minnick slotted into the second position. As the field got into single file, Murrell and Shaha began to pick their way to the front. On lap three, Murrell moved inside and by Bernald while Shaha followed in his tire tracks. While Baker continued to build his lead, Murrell moved under Minnick on lap four and completed the pass, once again bringing Shaha with him.
For a moment, the cars of Murrell and Shaha looked to be at Daytona or Talladega, as they ran nose to tail and began to close on the leader Baker. On lap 9, the duo had caught Baker and Murrell decided to make his move quickly. He got under Baker on lap 10, but momentarily went into the grass and fell back allowing Shaha to make a move on the high side of Baker. The two raced side by side for the lead until lap 12 when Shaha seemed to have the edge. However, going into the first turn, the two made contact giving Murrell the inside line allowing him to take the lead. For the last two laps, Shaha tried to pressure Murrell, but he couldn’t find the running room. When the checkered flag fell, Murrell was the winner followed by Shaha, Baker, Bernald and Minnick.
Barry Barnwell set the pace for the real stock class in qualifications with a 19.585 lap time. Barnwell took the win in the dash over Ryan Peeples, Marvin Savage and Bill Middleton. Middleton won the first heat holding off Barnwell, Ray Robinson, Peeples and Troy Wood who was driving Chuck Essex’s car. Steve Kimberling took the second heat followed by Jim Redd, Marvin Savage and Ray DeMello.
Mark Mullan and DeMello lead the 13 car field to the green for the 25 lap main event. Mullan grabbed the early lead over Chad Grammar. On lap two Middleton moved inside to get by Redd for fourth. Grammar made his way by Mullan for the lead on lap five, while Redd went for a spin off the fourth turn at the same time. No yellow was thrown as Redd was able to continue. On lap six, DeMello got under Mullan for second and brought a train of cars with him including Middleton and Barnwell. At this time, Grammar held about a 10 car length gap over second place DeMello.
Barnwell began to really show his strength on lap eight moving outside of Middleton and completing the pass a lap later. Later that lap, Barnwell made his way by DeMello to take second. Now he set his sights on the leader Grammar. On lap 11, Middleton moved his way to third getting by DeMello. On lap 13, Savage began to move to the front passing Peeples and DeMello. On lap 16, Middleton got sideways in turn two allowing Savage to get by for third. The next lap, Kimberling took advantage of Middleton’s handling issues and moved by him for fourth. By lap 20, Barnwell had finally caught up to Grammer’s rear bumper. On lap 21, Barnwell took a look to the high side of Grammer on the front stretch. Coming off of turn two, Barnwell drove his car to Grammer’s inside to take the lead. With two laps left, Savage was able to get under and by Grammer for second, but it was too late as Barnwell had built a comfortable lead and took the checkered flag first followed by Savage, Grammar, Kimberling and Middleton.
Paul Peeples, Jr. set quick time for the third straight race for the thunder roadsters with a 17.021 lap. He followed his fast lap up with a win in the trophy dash over Randy Olson, driving the car normally wheeled by his brother Rusty, David Henderson and Ron Borges. Leroy Marsh, Jr. won the first heat over Olson, Peeples, Henderson and Mic Moulton who was subbing for Chris Banfill. Bill O’Neill won the second heat over Dave McMurray, Mike Ward, Donn Cole and Gehry Foster.
Ward and Cole brought the 17 car field to the green for the 30 lap main event. Ward was able to grab the early lead while behind him the field jockeyed for position. On lap 7, Bill Bradbury and Borges made contact in the first turn bringing out the yellow flag and tightening up the field. At this time Ward lead over Cole, Bruce Ziemer, Foster and Marsh. On the restart, the trio of Henderson, Peeples and Olson hooked up together. All three got by Marsh, Foster and Ziemer by lap 9 and closed in on the two leaders.
On lap 11, Henderson moved outside of Cole bringing Peeples and Olson with him. The next lap, Peeples found the inside groove under Henderson, completing the pass for second on lap 13. The battle for the lead was a short one as Peeples moved by Ward on lap 14 with Henderson following. On lap 16, Olson moved to third getting by Ward. On lap 17, Marsh and Cole made contact sending Cole spinning and bringing out the yellow.
On the restart the front three pulled away while Ward and Marsh battled for fourth. With the lap winding down, Peeples held a comfortable gap over Henderson, while Olson fell behind the two leaders but maintained a gap over Ward and Marsh. While the front five were spread out, the best racing was from sixth on back as drivers raced side by side battling for position. Unfortunately, the good racing was overshadowed by the dominance of Peeples as he took his third straight main event win followed by Henderson, Olson, Ward and Marsh.
Brandon Barnwell was the fastest of the sportsman cars in qualifying with a 16.751 lap. Barnwell won the dash over North State Challenge Series racer Luke Hall, Donnie Brown and Aaron Byers. In the heat race, Hall took the victory with Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries, Rick Fox and Barnwell completing the top five. Unfortunately during tire warm-ups in the heat, rookie driver McKenna Bell making her first start at the Acres spun and hit the wall on the back stretch ending her evening.
10 cars started the 30 lap sportsman main event with Marcelli and Lissa Uselton leading the field to the green flag. Uselton was driving a backup car previously driven by Fox in prior seasons. Marcelli took the early lead. Barnwell was quickly making his way to the front as he moved by Byers on lap two for third, then moved outside of Uselton for second on lap three. On lap 4, Mike Bourbon and Joe Bonomini spun in turns one and two necessitating a caution flag.
On the restart it was Marcelli leading Barnwell, Byers, Brown and Uselton. On lap six, Brown moved outside of Byers for third. At the same time, Barnwell moved inside of Marcelli to take the lead. On lap seven, Brown slowed and headed into the pits calling it a night. Hall began to show his strength on lap 10 moving by Fox for fifth. On lap 12, Hall passed Uselton for fourth. Five laps later, Hall moved outside of Marcelli and completed the pass on lap 20.
With the field spread out, the best action for the rest of the race was to see if Hall could close the gap on Barnwell who had a substantial 3/4 of a straightaway lead. As the laps wound down, Hall closed the gap to about three car lengths, but by then time had run out. Barnwell took the win over Hall, Marcelli, Byers and Uselton.
Racing at the Acres takes a break before returning June 2nd with all five local classes running once again.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
After racing the previous Saturday night at the Acres, drivers and teams had to make a quick turnaround to prepare for this past Saturday night’s action. The racing was clean, and there were very few incidents in all five local divisions. However, in the sportsman and thunder roadster divisions, it seemed as if it was the same story that had already been told twice before in the two previous races this season. Both Brandon Barnwell and Paul Peeples, Jr. once again won their respective main events bringing their streak to three wins. Another Barnwell claimed victory as well as Barry Barnwell took the main event victory in the real stock division. Orion Mosher scored his second main in a row sealing the win in the limited street stock class, while Brian Murrell held off his challengers in the mini stock main.
Fast time for the limited street stock division was set by Orion Mosher with a time of 17.510. Mosher took the dash victory over Trevor Miller, who was making his first start of the season, Duane Mayo and Scott Lyons. Former pure stock and sportsman champion Otis Stabler held off Mosher and Miller to win the hotly contested heat race, while Stan Young and Lyons rounded out the top five. Seven cars started the 15 lap main event. Duane Mayo was able to use his pole position to his advantage as he took the early lead. However, Orion Mosher wanted to get to the front as soon as possible, and get to the front he did. On lap two, Mosher moved to the outside of Mayo and powered past to take the lead. Miller made the pass on Mayo for second on lap three, but by then Mosher had already built a substantial lead. With Mosher walking away from the field, the rest of the excitement was left between Mayo, Stabler, Lyons and Young. Unfortunately for Mayo, between laps eight and ten he was passed for third fourth and fifth. At race’s end, Mosher had made it looked easy as he took home the victory followed by Miller, Mayo, Stabler, Lyons and Young.
Eight cars took time in the mini stock division. Jason Shaha set the fast mark at a 18.793. Brian Murrell won the dash followed by Byron McIntosh, Shaha and Max Capps. Shaha would go on to win the heat race followed by Scott Baker, Murrell, Glenn Bernald and Capps. Minnick and Baker lead the field to the green in the 15 lap feature. Baker got the jump off the start and immediately started to build his lead while Minnick slotted into the second position. As the field got into single file, Murrell and Shaha began to pick their way to the front. On lap three, Murrell moved inside and by Bernald while Shaha followed in his tire tracks. While Baker continued to build his lead, Murrell moved under Minnick on lap four and completed the pass, once again bringing Shaha with him.
For a moment, the cars of Murrell and Shaha looked to be at Daytona or Talladega, as they ran nose to tail and began to close on the leader Baker. On lap 9, the duo had caught Baker and Murrell decided to make his move quickly. He got under Baker on lap 10, but momentarily went into the grass and fell back allowing Shaha to make a move on the high side of Baker. The two raced side by side for the lead until lap 12 when Shaha seemed to have the edge. However, going into the first turn, the two made contact giving Murrell the inside line allowing him to take the lead. For the last two laps, Shaha tried to pressure Murrell, but he couldn’t find the running room. When the checkered flag fell, Murrell was the winner followed by Shaha, Baker, Bernald and Minnick.
Barry Barnwell set the pace for the real stock class in qualifications with a 19.585 lap time. Barnwell took the win in the dash over Ryan Peeples, Marvin Savage and Bill Middleton. Middleton won the first heat holding off Barnwell, Ray Robinson, Peeples and Troy Wood who was driving Chuck Essex’s car. Steve Kimberling took the second heat followed by Jim Redd, Marvin Savage and Ray DeMello.
Mark Mullan and DeMello lead the 13 car field to the green for the 25 lap main event. Mullan grabbed the early lead over Chad Grammar. On lap two Middleton moved inside to get by Redd for fourth. Grammar made his way by Mullan for the lead on lap five, while Redd went for a spin off the fourth turn at the same time. No yellow was thrown as Redd was able to continue. On lap six, DeMello got under Mullan for second and brought a train of cars with him including Middleton and Barnwell. At this time, Grammar held about a 10 car length gap over second place DeMello.
Barnwell began to really show his strength on lap eight moving outside of Middleton and completing the pass a lap later. Later that lap, Barnwell made his way by DeMello to take second. Now he set his sights on the leader Grammar. On lap 11, Middleton moved his way to third getting by DeMello. On lap 13, Savage began to move to the front passing Peeples and DeMello. On lap 16, Middleton got sideways in turn two allowing Savage to get by for third. The next lap, Kimberling took advantage of Middleton’s handling issues and moved by him for fourth. By lap 20, Barnwell had finally caught up to Grammer’s rear bumper. On lap 21, Barnwell took a look to the high side of Grammer on the front stretch. Coming off of turn two, Barnwell drove his car to Grammer’s inside to take the lead. With two laps left, Savage was able to get under and by Grammer for second, but it was too late as Barnwell had built a comfortable lead and took the checkered flag first followed by Savage, Grammar, Kimberling and Middleton.
Paul Peeples, Jr. set quick time for the third straight race for the thunder roadsters with a 17.021 lap. He followed his fast lap up with a win in the trophy dash over Randy Olson, driving the car normally wheeled by his brother Rusty, David Henderson and Ron Borges. Leroy Marsh, Jr. won the first heat over Olson, Peeples, Henderson and Mic Moulton who was subbing for Chris Banfill. Bill O’Neill won the second heat over Dave McMurray, Mike Ward, Donn Cole and Gehry Foster.
Ward and Cole brought the 17 car field to the green for the 30 lap main event. Ward was able to grab the early lead while behind him the field jockeyed for position. On lap 7, Bill Bradbury and Borges made contact in the first turn bringing out the yellow flag and tightening up the field. At this time Ward lead over Cole, Bruce Ziemer, Foster and Marsh. On the restart, the trio of Henderson, Peeples and Olson hooked up together. All three got by Marsh, Foster and Ziemer by lap 9 and closed in on the two leaders.
On lap 11, Henderson moved outside of Cole bringing Peeples and Olson with him. The next lap, Peeples found the inside groove under Henderson, completing the pass for second on lap 13. The battle for the lead was a short one as Peeples moved by Ward on lap 14 with Henderson following. On lap 16, Olson moved to third getting by Ward. On lap 17, Marsh and Cole made contact sending Cole spinning and bringing out the yellow.
On the restart the front three pulled away while Ward and Marsh battled for fourth. With the lap winding down, Peeples held a comfortable gap over Henderson, while Olson fell behind the two leaders but maintained a gap over Ward and Marsh. While the front five were spread out, the best racing was from sixth on back as drivers raced side by side battling for position. Unfortunately, the good racing was overshadowed by the dominance of Peeples as he took his third straight main event win followed by Henderson, Olson, Ward and Marsh.
Brandon Barnwell was the fastest of the sportsman cars in qualifying with a 16.751 lap. Barnwell won the dash over North State Challenge Series racer Luke Hall, Donnie Brown and Aaron Byers. In the heat race, Hall took the victory with Angelo Marcelli, Larry Pries, Rick Fox and Barnwell completing the top five. Unfortunately during tire warm-ups in the heat, rookie driver McKenna Bell making her first start at the Acres spun and hit the wall on the back stretch ending her evening.
10 cars started the 30 lap sportsman main event with Marcelli and Lissa Uselton leading the field to the green flag. Uselton was driving a backup car previously driven by Fox in prior seasons. Marcelli took the early lead. Barnwell was quickly making his way to the front as he moved by Byers on lap two for third, then moved outside of Uselton for second on lap three. On lap 4, Mike Bourbon and Joe Bonomini spun in turns one and two necessitating a caution flag.
On the restart it was Marcelli leading Barnwell, Byers, Brown and Uselton. On lap six, Brown moved outside of Byers for third. At the same time, Barnwell moved inside of Marcelli to take the lead. On lap seven, Brown slowed and headed into the pits calling it a night. Hall began to show his strength on lap 10 moving by Fox for fifth. On lap 12, Hall passed Uselton for fourth. Five laps later, Hall moved outside of Marcelli and completed the pass on lap 20.
With the field spread out, the best action for the rest of the race was to see if Hall could close the gap on Barnwell who had a substantial 3/4 of a straightaway lead. As the laps wound down, Hall closed the gap to about three car lengths, but by then time had run out. Barnwell took the win over Hall, Marcelli, Byers and Uselton.
Racing at the Acres takes a break before returning June 2nd with all five local classes running once again.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
McIntosh, Barnwell and Peeples two for two to start the season
McIntosh, Barnwell and Peeples two for two to start the season
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Eureka, CA
Fans attending the second race of the season at Redwood Acres Raceway might have thought they were watching the first race. With three of the four winners from opening night going back-to-back with main event victories it would not have been surprising if the fans actually did believe so. Byron McIntosh, Brandon Barnwell and Paul Peeples Jr. were the three drivers who are batting one thousand thus far in the 2007 season in the mini stock, sportsman and thunder roadster divisions while Orion Mosher took his first main event win of the season in the limited street stock class after finishing second in the season opener.
Mosher set quick time for the limited streets with a 17.426 qualifying time. Kenny Demello won the four lap trophy dash, but the rest of the night would belong to Mosher. Driving his yellow and blue numbered 77 truck, Mosher was able to win the heat race and take the limited street stock main event victory over Duane Mayo and George Young. With season opening winner Adrien Betournay not running the full season, Mosher’s win was enough to propel him into the points lead, 18 ahead of second place Young.
Jason Shaha was the quickest of the mini stock cars in qualifying, timing in at 18.940. However, it was Brian Murrell who looked to be the man to beat on this night as he took the win in both the trophy dash and the heat race. It would not be his night in the main event though. The victor would once again be Byron McIntosh taking his second main event of the season and his career. Max Capps drove to a personal best second place finish. McIntosh’s main event win was just enough to keep him in the points lead, however only two ahead of Murrell.
The real stock division had a surprising fast qualifier as Marvin Savage was fastest with a 19.364 lap. Cecil Arispe won the dash while Nick Green and Troy Wood claimed victory in their respective heat races. Wood was able to transfer the momentum of his heat race win to the main event as he held off quick qualifier Savage to take the main event win. Wood holds the points lead in the division over Bill Middleton and Steve Kimberling by seven points.
Qualifying for the sportsman division was headed by Donnie Brown with a 16.880 lap. Long time Acres runner Ken Hallis won the trophy dash while Brandon Barnwell won the heat. The main event came down to the final few feet as Barnwell was able to take the win over Rick Fox coming off turn four. Barnwell holds the points lead over Fox by six points.
The experience of Paul Peeples, Jr. continues to pay off for him in the thunder roadster division. Peeples was fastest in qualifying with a lap of 17.013 however, David Henderson was able to take the dash win over Peeples. Bruce Ziemer won the first heat, while Peeples turned the tables on Henderson in the second heat to win. Peeples and Henderson dueled once again in the main event with Peeples coming out with the win when all was said and done. Peeples’ victory padded his points lead to 26 points over Henderson and Chris Banfill who are tied for the second position.
It’s a quick turnaround this Saturday night as racing will resume once again at the Redwood Acres Raceway. Joining the five local classes will be the BCRA midget division who are making their annual May stop. The midgets will have a little extra prestige this weekend as it will be a double points race for them. It will definitely be another thrilling night on the asphalt at the Acres.
Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Dash: Kenny Demello, Orion Mosher, Romeo Venza
Heat: Mosher, Robert Miller, Demello, Duane Mayo, Scott Lyons, George Young
Main: Mosher, Mayo, Young, Miller, Lyons, Demello
Mini Stocks
Dash: Brian Murrell, Byron McIntosh, Jason Shaha, Scott Baker
Heat: Murrell, Baker, By. McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Max Capps, Nick Karanapoulos, Mark Williams
Main: By. McIntosh, Capps, Br. McIntosh, Murrell, Williams, Karanapoulos, Baker
Real Stocks
Dash: Cecil Arispe, Marvin Savage, Troy Wood, Ryan Walters
Heat 1: Nick Green, Arispe, Walters, Savage, Chad Grammer, Mark Mullan, Chuck Essex, Donnie Hyman
Heat 2: Wood, Steve Kimberling, Rick Crawley, Bill Middleton, Ray Robinson, Doug Way, Rick Peeples, Jim Bailey, Pat Conway
Main: Wood, Savage, Middleton, Kimberling, Green, Walters, Peeples, Crawley, Way, Mullan, Arispe, Essex
Sportsman
Dash: Ken Hallis, Larry Pries, Donnie Brown, Aaron Byers
Heat: Brandon Barnwell, Angelo Marcelli, Rick Fox, Pries, Hallis, Lissa Uselton, Brown, Byers, Mike Bourbon, Joe Bonomini
Main: Barnwell, Fox, Hallis, Pries, Bonomini, Byers, Brown, Marcelli, Bourbon, Uselton
Thunder Roadsters
Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Ray Elliott, Leroy Marsh, Jr.
Heat 1: Bruce Ziemer, Bill Bradbury, Ron Borges, Mike Ward, Gary Payne, Rob Nelson, Belinda Ward, Donn Cole, Dave McMurray
Heat 2: Peeples, Jr., Henderson, Mark Arroyo, Chris Banfill, Marsh, Jr., Jay Bahner, Elliott, Chris Lawrence, Gehry Foster
Main: Peeples, Jr., Henderson, Marsh, Jr., Banfill, Arroyo, Elliott, McMurray, M. Ward, Cole, Ziemer, Lawrence, Bradbury, Nelson, Borges, Foster, Bahner, B. Ward, Payne
Points
Limited Street Stocks
1. Mosher 136, 2. Young 118, 3. Miller 116, 4. Lyons 110 5. Mayo 108, 6. Demello 72, 7. Adrien Betournay 71, 8. Venza 21
Mini Stocks
1. By. McIntosh 135, 2. Murrell 133, 3. Capps 120, 4. Glenn Bernald/Williams 117, 5. Br. McIntosh 112 t6. Karanopoulos 106, t6. Baker 106, 8. Shaha 77, 9. Stacy Minnick 59, 10. Denzil Barrett 11
Real Stocks
1. Wood 136, t2. Middleton 129, t2. Kimberling 129, 4. Savage 120, 5. Green 109, 6. Barrett Barnwell/Walters 108, 7. Arispe 104, 8. Peeples 92, 9. Essex 85, 10. Way 84
Sportsman
1. Barnwell 144, 2. Fox 138, 3. Pries 130, 4. Marcelli 118, t5. Byers 113, t5. Brown 113, 7. Uselton 107, 8. Bonomini 106, 9. Hallis 67, 10. Bourbon 58
Thunder Roadsters
1. Peeples Jr. 152, t2. Henderson 126, t2. Banfill 126, 4. Arroyo 123, 5. Cole 111, 6. M. Ward 102, t7. Elliott 98, t7. Borges 98, t9. McMurray 92, t9. Lawrence 92.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Eureka, CA
Fans attending the second race of the season at Redwood Acres Raceway might have thought they were watching the first race. With three of the four winners from opening night going back-to-back with main event victories it would not have been surprising if the fans actually did believe so. Byron McIntosh, Brandon Barnwell and Paul Peeples Jr. were the three drivers who are batting one thousand thus far in the 2007 season in the mini stock, sportsman and thunder roadster divisions while Orion Mosher took his first main event win of the season in the limited street stock class after finishing second in the season opener.
Mosher set quick time for the limited streets with a 17.426 qualifying time. Kenny Demello won the four lap trophy dash, but the rest of the night would belong to Mosher. Driving his yellow and blue numbered 77 truck, Mosher was able to win the heat race and take the limited street stock main event victory over Duane Mayo and George Young. With season opening winner Adrien Betournay not running the full season, Mosher’s win was enough to propel him into the points lead, 18 ahead of second place Young.
Jason Shaha was the quickest of the mini stock cars in qualifying, timing in at 18.940. However, it was Brian Murrell who looked to be the man to beat on this night as he took the win in both the trophy dash and the heat race. It would not be his night in the main event though. The victor would once again be Byron McIntosh taking his second main event of the season and his career. Max Capps drove to a personal best second place finish. McIntosh’s main event win was just enough to keep him in the points lead, however only two ahead of Murrell.
The real stock division had a surprising fast qualifier as Marvin Savage was fastest with a 19.364 lap. Cecil Arispe won the dash while Nick Green and Troy Wood claimed victory in their respective heat races. Wood was able to transfer the momentum of his heat race win to the main event as he held off quick qualifier Savage to take the main event win. Wood holds the points lead in the division over Bill Middleton and Steve Kimberling by seven points.
Qualifying for the sportsman division was headed by Donnie Brown with a 16.880 lap. Long time Acres runner Ken Hallis won the trophy dash while Brandon Barnwell won the heat. The main event came down to the final few feet as Barnwell was able to take the win over Rick Fox coming off turn four. Barnwell holds the points lead over Fox by six points.
The experience of Paul Peeples, Jr. continues to pay off for him in the thunder roadster division. Peeples was fastest in qualifying with a lap of 17.013 however, David Henderson was able to take the dash win over Peeples. Bruce Ziemer won the first heat, while Peeples turned the tables on Henderson in the second heat to win. Peeples and Henderson dueled once again in the main event with Peeples coming out with the win when all was said and done. Peeples’ victory padded his points lead to 26 points over Henderson and Chris Banfill who are tied for the second position.
It’s a quick turnaround this Saturday night as racing will resume once again at the Redwood Acres Raceway. Joining the five local classes will be the BCRA midget division who are making their annual May stop. The midgets will have a little extra prestige this weekend as it will be a double points race for them. It will definitely be another thrilling night on the asphalt at the Acres.
Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Dash: Kenny Demello, Orion Mosher, Romeo Venza
Heat: Mosher, Robert Miller, Demello, Duane Mayo, Scott Lyons, George Young
Main: Mosher, Mayo, Young, Miller, Lyons, Demello
Mini Stocks
Dash: Brian Murrell, Byron McIntosh, Jason Shaha, Scott Baker
Heat: Murrell, Baker, By. McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Max Capps, Nick Karanapoulos, Mark Williams
Main: By. McIntosh, Capps, Br. McIntosh, Murrell, Williams, Karanapoulos, Baker
Real Stocks
Dash: Cecil Arispe, Marvin Savage, Troy Wood, Ryan Walters
Heat 1: Nick Green, Arispe, Walters, Savage, Chad Grammer, Mark Mullan, Chuck Essex, Donnie Hyman
Heat 2: Wood, Steve Kimberling, Rick Crawley, Bill Middleton, Ray Robinson, Doug Way, Rick Peeples, Jim Bailey, Pat Conway
Main: Wood, Savage, Middleton, Kimberling, Green, Walters, Peeples, Crawley, Way, Mullan, Arispe, Essex
Sportsman
Dash: Ken Hallis, Larry Pries, Donnie Brown, Aaron Byers
Heat: Brandon Barnwell, Angelo Marcelli, Rick Fox, Pries, Hallis, Lissa Uselton, Brown, Byers, Mike Bourbon, Joe Bonomini
Main: Barnwell, Fox, Hallis, Pries, Bonomini, Byers, Brown, Marcelli, Bourbon, Uselton
Thunder Roadsters
Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Ray Elliott, Leroy Marsh, Jr.
Heat 1: Bruce Ziemer, Bill Bradbury, Ron Borges, Mike Ward, Gary Payne, Rob Nelson, Belinda Ward, Donn Cole, Dave McMurray
Heat 2: Peeples, Jr., Henderson, Mark Arroyo, Chris Banfill, Marsh, Jr., Jay Bahner, Elliott, Chris Lawrence, Gehry Foster
Main: Peeples, Jr., Henderson, Marsh, Jr., Banfill, Arroyo, Elliott, McMurray, M. Ward, Cole, Ziemer, Lawrence, Bradbury, Nelson, Borges, Foster, Bahner, B. Ward, Payne
Points
Limited Street Stocks
1. Mosher 136, 2. Young 118, 3. Miller 116, 4. Lyons 110 5. Mayo 108, 6. Demello 72, 7. Adrien Betournay 71, 8. Venza 21
Mini Stocks
1. By. McIntosh 135, 2. Murrell 133, 3. Capps 120, 4. Glenn Bernald/Williams 117, 5. Br. McIntosh 112 t6. Karanopoulos 106, t6. Baker 106, 8. Shaha 77, 9. Stacy Minnick 59, 10. Denzil Barrett 11
Real Stocks
1. Wood 136, t2. Middleton 129, t2. Kimberling 129, 4. Savage 120, 5. Green 109, 6. Barrett Barnwell/Walters 108, 7. Arispe 104, 8. Peeples 92, 9. Essex 85, 10. Way 84
Sportsman
1. Barnwell 144, 2. Fox 138, 3. Pries 130, 4. Marcelli 118, t5. Byers 113, t5. Brown 113, 7. Uselton 107, 8. Bonomini 106, 9. Hallis 67, 10. Bourbon 58
Thunder Roadsters
1. Peeples Jr. 152, t2. Henderson 126, t2. Banfill 126, 4. Arroyo 123, 5. Cole 111, 6. M. Ward 102, t7. Elliott 98, t7. Borges 98, t9. McMurray 92, t9. Lawrence 92.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Peeples, Barnwell, Middleton big winners on Acres opening night
Peeples, Barnwell, Middleton big winners on Acres opening night
By Matthew J. Sullivan
After rain washed out the initial April 21st season opener at Redwood Acres Raceway, the week’s delay only strengthened the excitement among drivers, crew members and fans alike this past Saturday. A packed house was treated to some of the best racing on the west coast provided by the drivers of the thunder roadster, sportsman, real stock, mini stock and limited street stock divisions.
Although the limited street stock class has struggled with its car count in the past, the drivers have always provided some great on-track competition. Class veteran Orion Mosher set quick time and won the trophy dash, but the rest of the night would belong to defending limited street stock champion, Adrien Betournay. He was able to hold off Mosher in the heat race, and in the main event the two battled again with Betournay crossing the line ahead of Mosher. Betournay will not be racing the full season and is hoping to sell his car.
Jason Shaha returned to the Acres after a hiatus of a few seasons and set quick time for the mini stock division. However, the driver who looked to be the man to beat was Brian Murrell. After finishing a close second in points in the division last season, Murrell wanted to get the 2007 season started off right, and he did so by winning the trophy dash and the heat race. In the main event, the two fastest cars appeared to belong to Murrell and Shaha. Unfortunately for them, outside front row starter Byron McIntosh was able to find his groove in the main event and pulled out to a large lead over the field. After working their way through the field, both Murrell and Shaha were able to catch up to McIntosh, but neither could find a way by when the checkered flag flew. The win was McIntosh’s first main event victory in only his second season of racing.
Redwood Acres real stock division has always provided some memorable races and it was no different on this night. Real stock veteran Troy Wood took home the dash win while Barry Barnwell and Steve Kimberling won their respective heat races, but the night would belong to Bill Middleton. After starting in the back, Middleton was able to maneuver his way to the front of the field, passing cars and avoiding incidents. Middleton was in a real pressure cooker the last few laps of the race with both Kimberling and Wood in his mirror waiting for any mistake he would make. To their dismay, Middleton never did and he was able to win. Middleton’s victory definitely had a huge significance to himself and his family as before the season, his nephew Raymond Middleton, Jr. lost his life in a tragic car accident. Raymond had planned to run in the real stock division in 2007.
Acres veteran Larry Pries set the quick time in the sportsman class and won the four lap dash. Another Acres veteran, Angelo Marcelli was able to win the heat. After a poor qualifying effort, Brandon Barnwell was able to use his outside front row starting position to his benefit, first by being ahead of a multi-car wreck in the first turn on the first lap, then by getting around Marcelli on the high line after the race restarted. Although a late race caution flag bunched the field up, Barnwell was able to fend off any and all challenges taking the sportsman main event victory.
The many years of experience that Paul Peeples, Jr. has continue to be of great advantage for him in the thunder roadster division. Peeples set fast time but it was David Henderson who won the dash. Jay Bahner won the first heat race while Peeples took the second. As last season proved, the start of 20 thunder roadsters on the 3/8 paved oval is exciting to say the least. With the field bunched up, Peeples quickly made his way to the front. By lap seven he was in the lead getting by Donn Cole and pulling away from the competition. The best action was provided by Bill O’Neill and David Henderson. With the race winding down, Henderson made a move to O’Neill’s outside, but was boxed in by a slower car allowing O’Neill to keep the position and costing Henderson two spots. Although it was not easy, Peeples made it look like it was taking the main event win.
The next race at the Redwood Acres Raceway takes place May 12th. The Best Appearing Car Contest which was originally scheduled for April 21st will take place before the night's racing action.
Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Dash: Orion Mosher, Kenny Demello, Robert Miller, Adrien Betournay
Heat: Betournay, Mosher, Demello, Miller, Stan Young, Scott Lyons, Duane Mayo
Main: Betournay, Mosher, Young, Mayo, Lyons, Miller
Mini Stocks
Dash: Brian Murrell, Scott Baker, Stacy Minnick, Jason Shaha (DNS)
Heat: Murrell, Shaha, Glenn Bernald, Max Capps, Nick Karanopoulos, Minnick, Baker, Byron McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Denzel Barrett
Main: By. McIntosh, Murrell, Shaha, Bernald, Minnick, Capps, Br. McIntosh, Karanopoulos, Baker
Real Stocks
Dash: Troy Wood, Bill Middleton, Jim Bailey, Ryan Robinson
Heat 1: Barry Barnwell, Cecil Arispe, Robinson, Jim Redd, Ryan Peeples, Chuck Essex, Rick Crawley
Heat 2: Steve Kimberling, Wood, Chad Grammer, Marvin Savage, Nick Green, Middleton, Bailey
Main: Middleton, Kimberling, Wood, Bob Lima, Grammer, Savage, Arispe, Redd, Green, Barnwell, Essex, Robinson, Peeples, Doug Way
Sportsman
Dash: Larry Pries, Rick Fox, Aaron Byers, Angelo Marcelli
Heat: Marcelli, Fox, Brandon Barnwell, Byers, Lissa Uselton, Joe Bonomini, Pries, Donnie Brown, Jason Belt, Mike Bourbon
Main: Barnwell, Fox, Pries, Brown, Uselton, Marcelli, Byers, Bonimini, Belt
Thunder Roadsters
Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Leroy Marsh, Jr., Mark Arroyo
Heat 1: Jay Bahner, Waylon Henze, Bruce Ziemer, Rob Nelson, Mike Ward, Dave McMurray, Chris Lawrence, Bill Bradbury, Belinda Ward, Gary Payne
Heat 2: Peeples, Jr. Bill O’Neill, Arroyo, Gerhy Foster, Donn Cole, Chris Banfill, Ron Borges, Chris Sarvinski, Ray Elliott, Henderson, Marsh, Jr.
Main: Peeples, Jr., Banfill, Cole, O’Neill, Arroyo, Borges, Henderson, Sarvinski, Lawrence, M. Ward, Bahner, Elliott, McMurray, Middleton, Henze, Ziemer, Nelson, Payne, B. Ward, Foster.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
After rain washed out the initial April 21st season opener at Redwood Acres Raceway, the week’s delay only strengthened the excitement among drivers, crew members and fans alike this past Saturday. A packed house was treated to some of the best racing on the west coast provided by the drivers of the thunder roadster, sportsman, real stock, mini stock and limited street stock divisions.
Although the limited street stock class has struggled with its car count in the past, the drivers have always provided some great on-track competition. Class veteran Orion Mosher set quick time and won the trophy dash, but the rest of the night would belong to defending limited street stock champion, Adrien Betournay. He was able to hold off Mosher in the heat race, and in the main event the two battled again with Betournay crossing the line ahead of Mosher. Betournay will not be racing the full season and is hoping to sell his car.
Jason Shaha returned to the Acres after a hiatus of a few seasons and set quick time for the mini stock division. However, the driver who looked to be the man to beat was Brian Murrell. After finishing a close second in points in the division last season, Murrell wanted to get the 2007 season started off right, and he did so by winning the trophy dash and the heat race. In the main event, the two fastest cars appeared to belong to Murrell and Shaha. Unfortunately for them, outside front row starter Byron McIntosh was able to find his groove in the main event and pulled out to a large lead over the field. After working their way through the field, both Murrell and Shaha were able to catch up to McIntosh, but neither could find a way by when the checkered flag flew. The win was McIntosh’s first main event victory in only his second season of racing.
Redwood Acres real stock division has always provided some memorable races and it was no different on this night. Real stock veteran Troy Wood took home the dash win while Barry Barnwell and Steve Kimberling won their respective heat races, but the night would belong to Bill Middleton. After starting in the back, Middleton was able to maneuver his way to the front of the field, passing cars and avoiding incidents. Middleton was in a real pressure cooker the last few laps of the race with both Kimberling and Wood in his mirror waiting for any mistake he would make. To their dismay, Middleton never did and he was able to win. Middleton’s victory definitely had a huge significance to himself and his family as before the season, his nephew Raymond Middleton, Jr. lost his life in a tragic car accident. Raymond had planned to run in the real stock division in 2007.
Acres veteran Larry Pries set the quick time in the sportsman class and won the four lap dash. Another Acres veteran, Angelo Marcelli was able to win the heat. After a poor qualifying effort, Brandon Barnwell was able to use his outside front row starting position to his benefit, first by being ahead of a multi-car wreck in the first turn on the first lap, then by getting around Marcelli on the high line after the race restarted. Although a late race caution flag bunched the field up, Barnwell was able to fend off any and all challenges taking the sportsman main event victory.
The many years of experience that Paul Peeples, Jr. has continue to be of great advantage for him in the thunder roadster division. Peeples set fast time but it was David Henderson who won the dash. Jay Bahner won the first heat race while Peeples took the second. As last season proved, the start of 20 thunder roadsters on the 3/8 paved oval is exciting to say the least. With the field bunched up, Peeples quickly made his way to the front. By lap seven he was in the lead getting by Donn Cole and pulling away from the competition. The best action was provided by Bill O’Neill and David Henderson. With the race winding down, Henderson made a move to O’Neill’s outside, but was boxed in by a slower car allowing O’Neill to keep the position and costing Henderson two spots. Although it was not easy, Peeples made it look like it was taking the main event win.
The next race at the Redwood Acres Raceway takes place May 12th. The Best Appearing Car Contest which was originally scheduled for April 21st will take place before the night's racing action.
Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Dash: Orion Mosher, Kenny Demello, Robert Miller, Adrien Betournay
Heat: Betournay, Mosher, Demello, Miller, Stan Young, Scott Lyons, Duane Mayo
Main: Betournay, Mosher, Young, Mayo, Lyons, Miller
Mini Stocks
Dash: Brian Murrell, Scott Baker, Stacy Minnick, Jason Shaha (DNS)
Heat: Murrell, Shaha, Glenn Bernald, Max Capps, Nick Karanopoulos, Minnick, Baker, Byron McIntosh, Brian McIntosh, Denzel Barrett
Main: By. McIntosh, Murrell, Shaha, Bernald, Minnick, Capps, Br. McIntosh, Karanopoulos, Baker
Real Stocks
Dash: Troy Wood, Bill Middleton, Jim Bailey, Ryan Robinson
Heat 1: Barry Barnwell, Cecil Arispe, Robinson, Jim Redd, Ryan Peeples, Chuck Essex, Rick Crawley
Heat 2: Steve Kimberling, Wood, Chad Grammer, Marvin Savage, Nick Green, Middleton, Bailey
Main: Middleton, Kimberling, Wood, Bob Lima, Grammer, Savage, Arispe, Redd, Green, Barnwell, Essex, Robinson, Peeples, Doug Way
Sportsman
Dash: Larry Pries, Rick Fox, Aaron Byers, Angelo Marcelli
Heat: Marcelli, Fox, Brandon Barnwell, Byers, Lissa Uselton, Joe Bonomini, Pries, Donnie Brown, Jason Belt, Mike Bourbon
Main: Barnwell, Fox, Pries, Brown, Uselton, Marcelli, Byers, Bonimini, Belt
Thunder Roadsters
Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Leroy Marsh, Jr., Mark Arroyo
Heat 1: Jay Bahner, Waylon Henze, Bruce Ziemer, Rob Nelson, Mike Ward, Dave McMurray, Chris Lawrence, Bill Bradbury, Belinda Ward, Gary Payne
Heat 2: Peeples, Jr. Bill O’Neill, Arroyo, Gerhy Foster, Donn Cole, Chris Banfill, Ron Borges, Chris Sarvinski, Ray Elliott, Henderson, Marsh, Jr.
Main: Peeples, Jr., Banfill, Cole, O’Neill, Arroyo, Borges, Henderson, Sarvinski, Lawrence, M. Ward, Bahner, Elliott, McMurray, Middleton, Henze, Ziemer, Nelson, Payne, B. Ward, Foster.
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