Eureka, CA (August 22, 2017) – The 2017 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is quickly coming to an end. With only three weekends of racing left on the 3/8-mile paved oval, the battle for the track championship in all six divisons will likely come down to the wire. This weekend’s Anderson Logging Driver Appreciation Night at the Races will be one of the biggest of the season.
The fight in the California State And Federal Employee’s Credit Union roadrunner class is likely between two drivers. Currently, Daniel Buell holds a narrow nine point lead over Nick Ford. Tim Ratzlaff has an outside shot at the championship as he’s 38 points behind Buell. Bob Ratzlaff and Jennifer Murrell round out the top five but both are likely out of the title fight.
Sophomore driver, MKinzy Uselton has her hands full in the Nor-Cal Automove Legends division. Her lead over Tyler Peach is a mere four points. In third is Brent Mack who’s still in the running as he’s only 12 points behind Uselton. Brad Curtice is 34 points in arrears to the leader while Dominic Vogelsang is five points behind Curtice.
John Lally has a huge lead in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division. Lally’s lead is 48 points. Second place features a tie between Kolby Jackson and Bethany Rapp. Jim Redd is fourth but well out of the running for the track title as he is 97 points behind Lally. Kimberly Sorrels is fifth, only a single point behind Redd.
Brian Murrell, Sr. has had a grasp on the top spot in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class since the beginning of the season. Eugene Palmer has been right on his heels and is only 12 points behind the leader. Brett Murrell has slowly been gaining ground every week and is third in points, 18 behind his father. Two rookies round out the top five and both have had impressive seasons. Scott Taylor is fourth while Trevor Eacret is fifth.
The championship in the Lone Star Junction Thunder Roadster class was turned upside down in the most recent race on August 5th. Ronnie O’Neil took over the lead in the standings but is only four points ahead of Tommy Payne in second. Paul Peeples, Jr. was absent in the last race and lost his points lead. He is 18 points behind O’Neil. Jason Mitchell is the top rookie in the Thunder Roadsters and is fourth, 58 points behind O’Neil. Chris Lawrence is only one point behind Mitchell in fifth.
The Mid City Motor World Super 6 Late Model Challenge Series division will have their final points paying race for the track championship at the Acres this weekend. The series is also presented by Anderson Logging, Danielson Construction and North Coast Lighting And Electric. It will be a battle between the top three drivers, Mic Moulton, Eric Gannon and Marty Walsh. Moulton holds a seven point advantage over Gannon. Walsh is only eight points behind. Brandon White has been a strong contender all year long and is fourth in the standings. David Henderson is fifth.
Going into the weekend, four drivers are locked into the two-race Super 6 Late Model Challenge Series championship playoff at the season ending races at Redwood Acres Raceway and Ukiah Speedway. Four drivers have locked in thanks to winning the first five events. Those drivers are Moulton, Gannon, White and Henderson. Because White won two of the feature events in the series, there are two positions left for the two-race playoff. Walsh will have to have serious problems on Saturday night to knock himself out of condition for the fifth playoff spot while the sixth and final playoff spot will likely be determined between Ryun Leazer and Kenny Demello who are separated by only one point.
Saturday grandstands open at 5 PM with racing starting at 6 PM. Besides all of the racing on track, there will be a meet and greet on the front stretch between the heat races and main events. Fans will be able to see their favorite drivers in all the divisions. Additionally, the annual Murrell 500 will take place between the Murrell family.
Racing at the Acres this weekend will continue into Sunday August 27th as the outlaw karts return to action for Harper Motors Day at the Karts. All six divisions will be in action including the beginner box stocks, the UAS Speedway Karts, the Williamson Financial box stocks, 250s, Speedway/old fart karts and the 500s/open karts. Mud packing begins at 11 AM with qualifying and racing following.
For more information about everything going on this weekend at the Acres, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com