Doss bags $2,000 Fall Spectacular Win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time since 2013, Redwood Acres Raceway played host to the Fall Spectacular this past weekend. It was the 24th annual running of the event which first started in 1990. Seven divisions partook in the two-day event which was capped off with a 100-lap late model race.

The California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners were one of the two divisions that raced a full schedule on both Saturday and Sunday. Dave Rogers from Ukiah, California paced qualifying on Saturday with a 20.385 lap. Rogers took the trophy dash win as well as a win in the fast heat while Bob Ratzlaff won the slower heat. Dominic Vogelsang led the opening five laps of the 20-lap main but Rogers had the better car as he took the lead on lap six. Rogers would go on to cruise to the win over James Nichols, Vogelsang, Jordon Paiment and Nick Ford.

Sunday’s roadrunner qualifying was again paced by Rogers with a 20.246. The trophy dash win went to Nichols while the heats were taken by Vogelsang and Rogers. The 20-lap main was similar to the previous night as led the opening portion of the event, this time for eight circuits. As with the night before, it was Rogers who had the stronger car as he maneuvered to the lead on lap nine and held on from there. At the finish it was Rogers sweeping both feature events. Vogelsang placed second while Nichols, Ford and Paiment rounded out the top five.

The Thunder Roadsters were the other division that raced both days. Ronnie O’Neil set fast time on day one with a 17.333 qualifying lap. Aaron Byers claimed the trophy dash win while O’Neil took the heat race. Byers led the opening 1/3 of the 30 lap main before giving way to O’Neil who was able to lead the rest of the way to take the feature win. Byers held off Tommy Payne for second followed by Chris Lawrence and Dax Kinsey.

O’Neil was again fast time on Sunday with a bit of a faster time, a 17.317. Chris Sarvinski took the trophy dash win while O’Neil won the heat. Sarvinski dominated the 30-lap main as he was able to get past Donnie Brown on lap three. Sarvinski pulled out to a substantial margin as Brown tried to fight off the faster competitors for second. At the finish it was Sarvinski taking the win followed by O’Neil, Byers, Lawrence and Payne.

2015 and 2016 North State Modified Series champion, Darrin Knight paced the modifieds with a 16.422. Veteran Willie Thompson won the trophy dash and heat races. Thompson led the opening nine of the 30 lap main but it was Knight who proved to be superior as he took the lead. Knight went on to win over Thompson, Sierra Furia and Orion Mosher.

Derek Copeland substituted for Brian Kamisky on Saturday and he set quick time for the Legends cars with a 17.975. Copeland went on to win the trophy dash and heat races. Kamisky hopped into his car on Sunday for the 50-lap main event. The feature was slowed at the halfway point when Tyler Peach and Anissa Curtice had a meeting in turn two with Curtice hitting the tire barrier. Fortunately she was okay. Nobody could keep pace with Kamisky who started from the back and took the lead on lap seven. At the finish it was Kamisky getting the $500 victory. Brad Curtice placed second followed by Buddy Cox, Brent Mack and Daniel Whitley.

Qualifying for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stocks was paced by Rick Estes with an 18.956. Jarrett Mayo won the trophy dash as well as the heat which awarded him the pole for Sunday’s 40-lap main. The two strongest drivers in the feature were Mayo and Estes. The two traded the lead on lap 15 but contact on lap 16 sent both to the rear giving Brian Murrell, Sr. the lead. Mayo regained the lead from Murrell on lap 31 and was able to take the win over Murrell, Sam Brown, Estes and Nick Ford.

The Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division had a stellar field for the weekend with 20 cars showing up to race. Terry Pittman set the pace in qualifying with a 18.229. Kolby Jackson took the trophy dash win. Richard Knight won the first heat which awarded him the 11th starting position for Sunday’s first main event. Sacramento racer, Erick Ray took the second heat win which gave him the pole position.

The first main event was dominated by Ray. The best fight was for second place as Brian King, Ryan Walters and Pittman battled for the second position. Ray led all 50 laps taking the $1,000 win in what proved to be a rough first main event. Walters beat King for second while Pittman and Corey James rounded out the top five. Ray drew the six pill for the invert which gave Wyatt Roach the pole for the second feature.

Due to his win in the first main, Ray had the opportunity to take $4,000 home. Besides earning $1,000 for winning the first main, he could earn $1,000 for winning the second main, $1,000 for sweeping both mains and an additional $1,000 for having the highest finish between the two main events.

Roach led the opening lap of the second feature before Pittman was able to take the lead. Pittman held on until lap 14 when Ray was able to get to the lead. The first half of the main was much cleaner than the first race was until a rather scary incident involving Kimberly Sorrels, Matt Simon and David Jones in turn four brought out the red flag. Thankfully all three drivers were okay. Ray looked to have the race in hand until a broken axle on lap 24 dashed his hopes. Pittman took the lead back and never lost it again. At the finish it was Pittman taking the $1,000 win over Walters, Brian King, Kolby Jackson and Wyatt Roach. Walters was awarded $1,000 for having the best overall finish in the two races.

Qualifying for the Fall Spectacular 100 late model race was paced by hometown favorite, Brandon White with a 15.900 with 21 drivers in all timing in. Three drivers who did not qualify were Jeremy Doss, Randy Houston and Scott Baker. Doss missed qualifying but was able to race in the slower heat while Houston and Baker had issues in practice which knocked them out of the weekend’s action. Marty Walsh took the win in the first heat which awarded him the 11th starting spot for Sunday’s 100-lap affair while Brandon Ash took the second heat win and pole position for Sunday.

Ash led the first four circuits which were slowed twice by caution flags. On the lap five restart, David Miller took the lead. Junior Roddy got past Ash for second on lap 18 and began a serious bid for the top position. By lap 24, Doss had maneuvered to third after starting 14th. On lap 26, fan favorite Jim Walker fell out. Another caution bunched the field and on the restart Miller and Roddy fought hard for the lead. The two got together and slowed off turn two on lap 29 which allowed Doss to make a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead.

Doss appeared to have the race well in hand by the halfway point while second place Miller appeared to have his hands full with his car. Roddy was able to take second on lap 52 and Miller began to fall out of the top five as White, Eric Gannon, Derek Copeland, Ash and David Henderson were all able to get past. Ash fell out of the race on lap 65.

The race was slowed several times in the final 30 laps which allowed Roddy and the rest of the field to close on Doss. Each restart however, Doss was able to retain his lead. The yellow flags helped Miller regain the handling in his car as he was able to get back to fourth on lap 76. At one point in the final stages, Roddy was able to get right to Doss’ rear bumper but Doss was able to withstand Roddy’s challenge. At the finish it was Doss taking the $2,000 victory, his second Fall Spectacular win. Roddy took second followed by White, Miller and Henderson. Doss’ margin of victory over Roddy was 0.771 seconds.

For full race results and main event videos from the Fall Spectacular weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Henderson, Nelson big winners on Pepsi night

David Henderson claimed his first late model main event win of 2015

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Race two of the 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night. It was Pepsi Night at the 3/8-mile paved facility and as usual the local classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models thrilled a great crowd.

Dylan Ford set fast time for the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunners with a 20.424 lap. The trophy dash was won by Daniel Buell while Ford took heat race honors. The 20-lap feature got off to a rough start when the cars of Buell, Shawn Malloy and Jett Taylor got together off of turn two. In the chaos, Malloy and Taylor got together sending Malloy’s car in the back stretch wall and out of action.

The racing after the restart was fantastic. On lap five, Andrew Pimentel spun in turn one but was able to keep going. The first half of the race saw the lead be traded back and forth between Chad Grammer and Ford. The field tightened up in the second half and it became a six car race for the win between Ford, Grammer, Buell, Taylor, R.C. Brown and Pimentel. Ford was able to take full control of the lead after taking the white flag while contact with another car cut the left front tire of Taylor’s car, taking him out of contention. At the finish it was Ford winning over Grammer, Brown, Buell and Pimentel.

Fast time for the Pacific Towing bomber division was set by Dustin Walters at 18.115. Jim Redd was behind the wheel of Tyler Avelar’s car for the night and was able to win the trophy dash. Dustin Walters took the heat race victory. Redd took the lead from the drop of the green of the 25-lap bomber main event. The field got spread out on lap two when James Moore got sideways in turns three and four, collecting Michael Knight. The race stayed green with Moore continuing in the race while Knight had to pit due to a cut right front tire.

By halfway, Redd pulled out to a full straightaway lead over second place Lance Martins. Moore was able to take second from Martins on lap 15 but the fastest car on the track was Walters. Walters moved to second on lap 19 and closed quickly on Redd. The two got side by side and stayed that way until the final lap. Going down the back stretch, Redd and Walters split the lapped car of Knight but stayed door handle-to-door handle. Both drivers got sideways coming off turn four and in the drag race to the line it was Walters narrowly beating Redd for the win. Moore, Martins and Knight rounded out the finishers.

Chris Champagne made his first ever start at Redwood Acres Raceway in the Pepsi mini stock division, setting the fastest lap in qualifying with a 19.913 The trophy dash win went to division rookie, Eugene Palmer. Brian Murrell, Sr. was the winner of the first heat race while Champagne took the second heat race victory. Though his qualifying effort was not quick, Murrell, Sr. showed surprising speed as he took the lead off the start of the 25-lap feature and was the dominant car of the race. Brian Murrell, Jr. briefly took the lead from Murrell, Sr. on lap 10 but Murrell, Sr. regained the lead on the next lap.

By halfway the faster qualifiers of Rick Estes and Palmer and moved to third and fourth positions and were closing on the father/son Murrell duo. On lap 13, Estes moved to second as Champagne closed in on the front four. Palmer moved to third on lap 14 bringing Champagne with him while dropping Murrell,
Jr. to fifth. The caution flew on lap 15 when Champagne and Murrell, Jr. spun off turn four.

After the restart, Estes and Palmer put heavy pressure on Murrell, Sr. for the lead but neither driver could find a way by him. The yellow flew again when Champagne’s engine failed and he stopped in turn two. The race restarted with four laps left and again Estes tried to find his way by Murrell, Sr.
Coming to three to go, Murrell, Sr. got loose and spun out of the lead off the fourth turn. Estes was able to withstand Palmer’s challenge for the lead and at the line it was Estes winning followed by Palmer, Cole Peterson, Jarrett Mayo and Murrell, Sr.

Paul Peeples, Jr. set fast time at a 17.113 and took home another trophy in the dash for the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadsters. Robbie Nelson held off Peeples to win the heat race. Chris Lawrence took the lead from the drop of the green flag in the 30-lap feature which was slowed only once when Peeples got loose and spun between turns one and two while racing Nelson for second.

The lap seven restart proved to be what Nelson needed as he wrestled the lead from Lawrence while Peeples had to fight his way back through the field. It didn’t take Peeples long to get back to second as he got by Lawrence for the spot on lap nine. The front two of Nelson and Peeples set sail from the rest of the field and it became a two car race for the win. Peeples pressured Nelson all race long but didn’t appear to have the handling necessary to find a way inside or outside of Nelson. On the last lap, Peeples bumped Nelson going into the third turn, got loose and spun. Nelson went on to take the win followed by Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward and Belinda Ward.

The fastest qualifier for the Mid City Motor World late model division was David Henderson at 16.100. The trophy dash was won by Ryun Leazer. The heat race saw an unfortunate incident for George Young as he hit the water barrels at the entrance of pit road off turn two. While Young’s car was finished for the night, the driver himself was unharmed from the incident. Due to the cleanup time and track conditions, the heat race was shortened giving Leazer the win.

Kenny Demello got the jump at the start of the 35-lap feature but the green flag racing didn’t last long as Richard Knight and Ken Hallis got together and spun in turn one on lap two. Demello got the lead again after the restart but the race was slowed again on lap five due to Hallis’ car in the turn four grass after a spin. Another caution flew when Demello spun off turn four collecting Leazer.

After suffering issues in the first race of the season on April 26th, David Henderson was able to move to the lead and showed that he might be the favorite for the 2015 track championship for the late models. Henderson dominated the final portion of the race and took the victory, his first in a late model. Demello placed second followed by Ambrosini, Hallis and Knight.

Racing returns Sunday May 24th for a special Memorial Day weekend event. Joining the roadrunners, bombers and mini stocks will be the Northern California Pro-4 modifieds and the North State Challenge Modified Series. In addition, there will be the first of three Tri-Holiday races for the late model cars. Grandstands open at 4:30 PM and racing begins at 6:00 PM. There is also an open practice on Saturday May 23rd. For more information regarding Redwood Acres Raceway make sure to visit the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Moulton, Peeples Acres track champions

Moulton, Peeples Acres track champions

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final points paying event for the 2014 season occurred this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. Track championships in all five local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models were decided on the night which was sponsored by Mid City Motor World. Although a heavy fog set in and hindered the view of fans and drivers, the racing on the track was as exciting as it has been all year long.

Gary Klinetobe would have had to suffer catastrophic failure going into the night to prevent him from winning the championship in the Humboldt Hydroponic roadrunner division. Thankfully, that did not happen. Nick Vellis took trophy dash honors for his first victory of the season. The first heat race featured an incident on the last lap that saw Andrew McKaughan go head-on into the water barrels at the pit entrance. Thankfully McKaughan was okay. Dylan Ford took the victory in the first heat while Chad Grammer won the second heat.

The racing at the front was intense in the 20-lap main event. It was nose-to-tail, door handle-to-door handle action between Dylan Ford, Eugene Palmer, Steve Kimberling, Jett Taylor and Daniel Buell. The race was slowed on a few occasions, most notably on lap nine when Klinetobe and Andrew Pementel got together and spun between turns one and two.

Klinetobe made a mad dash to the front in the final few laps and was able to overtake Ford for the lead on the final lap. At the checkered flag it was Klinetobe capping off his championship win with a main event victory, his sixth of the season. Klinetobe’s championship rival, Palmer took second while the top five was rounded out by Ford, Buell and Taylor. The final top five in the standings were Klinetobe, Palmer, Tim Abeyta, Robbie Robinson and Ford.

Like Klinetobe, Leonard Ward more or less had the track championship locked down for the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. It was a good thing the margin was so large for Ward because the night belonged to his closest competitor in the standings, Tyler Avelar. Avelar went three-for-three on the night taking wins in the trophy dash, heat race and the main event. Ward finished second followed by James Moore, Chris Naughton and Matt Simon. The top five in points were Ward, Avelar, Moore, Simon and Donnie Hyman.

Brian Murrell, Jr. wanted to do all he could to ensure his chance at winning the track championship in the mini stock division. His efforts paid off in the trophy dash and the heat race as he was able to win both events. It looked as though Murrell was going to cap off his season in a big way in the main event as he led the majority of the race. Unfortunately, engine issues popped up and forced him out of action. Thankfully the track championship was still his.

Rick Estes took the lead and was able to go on and win over Ryan Walters who was driving Ryan Ahrens’ Karmann Ghia. Eugene Palmer took third in Gary Klinetobe’s car while Cole Peterson took fourth and Brian Murrell, Sr. placed fifth. The top five in the point standings in the division were Murrell, Jr., Estes, Chelsea Champagne, Brett Murrell and Peterson.

Paul Peeples, Jr. entered the night more than 30 points ahead of David Henderson and Chris Sarvinski in the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster standings. Shockingly, Peeples suffered engine issues in qualifying which prevented him from racing and opened the championship door for Henderson and Sarvinski. The trophy dash was won by Sarvinski. The first heat race featured an incident that took out Roger Kirkpatrick who was making his first ever start in the division. Mike Ward won the first heat while Henderson took the second heat.

Peeples was able to secure the championship in the main by running the first lap of the 30-lap main. In spite of the door closing on his chances of winning the track title, Henderson was still in win-mode and dominated the feature while Robbie Nelson rode in his mirror doggedly all race long. Things went south for Henderson with seven laps to go when his engine came apart coming off the fourth turn. Nelson was able to withstand Sarvinski’s challenge on the restart to take his first ever main event victory. Belinda Ward took third followed by Chris Lawrence and Mike Ward. The final points standings results were Peeples with the title over Sarvinski, Henderson, Nelson and Belinda Ward.

The closest championship battle at the Acres was in the Mid City Motor World late model division between Mic Moulton and Luke Hall. It appeared as though Hall’s chance at the title went up in smoke when he suffered engine issues prior to the races. Fortunately, Jerry Peterson graciously allowed Hall to race his car which kept Hall in the points fight.

West coast short track legend, Jim Walker made his first start of the season and took the trophy dash win while Moulton took the win in the heat race. The 35-lap feature was highlighted by a thrilling three-car fight for the lead between Moulton, Walker and Hall. Moulton and Walker race side-by-side for the lead lap after lap while Hall did all he could in an unfamiliar car. On lap 15, Walker took the lead from Moulton.

The famous blue 48 pulled out to a 10 to 15 car length gap which Moulton was able to close in on in the final stages. By the time the white flag flew, Moulton was within three car lengths of Walker but that was as close as he would get. At the finish it was Walker taking the popular victory over Moulton, Hall, Kenny Demello and Ken Hallis. In the points standings Moulton took the championship over Hall, Demello, Ryun Leazer and Al Acuna.

The 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway concludes with the Fall Spectacular September 27th and 28th. Along with roadrunners, mini stocks, bombers and Thunder Roadsters will be the addition of modifieds and the 100-lap super late model race as well as the boat race on Sunday. Grandstands open at 4PM on Saturday with racing at 6PM and 11AM on Sunday with opening ceremonies at Noon. Ticket prices each day: $15 General Admission, $12 Children 12 and under/Seniors/Military, and ages 5 and under free. Full and final points standings and more information for the Fall Spectacular weekend can be found at Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

2014 titles on the line this weekend at the Acres

2014 titles on the line this weekend at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 10th race of the 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is only a few days away as the points season will conclude this Saturday night for Mid City Motor World Championship Night. Track championships will be decided in all five local classes and it should be a thrilling night of racing as drivers will be doing all they can to earn the best position they can in the final standings.

Gary Klinetobe has been the man to beat in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division in 2014. Klinetobe has earned five main event victories on the season and leads the standings by 29 markers over second place, Eugene Palmer who has won two main events this year. Palmer is the only driver who has a chance to overtake Palmer for the track championship but his odds are long given that Klinetobe will have to have incredibly bad luck to lose the title.

Tim Abeyta is third in points for the roadrunners while Robbie Robinson is fourth and Kayla Foster is fifth. None of those drivers has been able to find victory lane in a main event this season. Two drivers not high in the points standings have been the only other main event victors in the division in 2014. Jett Taylor pulled off a shocking win on July 19th while Dylan Ford won the most recent race on August 16th.

The track championship looks to be locked up for Leonard Ward in the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber class. Ward holds a virtually insurmountable 61 point margin over Tyler Avelar. Rookie driver, James Moore is third in the standings only six points behind Avelar. The top three drivers have won all but one race this season with Ward taking five wins, Avelar two wins and Moore a win on May 25th.

Matt Simon is fourth in points while Donnie Hyman still holds on to fifth in spite of suffering a season ending injury in the July 19th feature event. Out of town visitor, David Dillinger is the only other driver who has won a main in the bomber class, coming home victorious on July 5th.

The point margin between first and second in the mini stock class is 38 points with Brian Murrell, Jr. holding the advantage over Rick Estes. Even though Murrell’s lead looks to be secure enough for him to take the track championship, Estes cannot be counted out. Both Murrell and Estes have won twice this season but Estes’ wins have occurred the past two races on August 2nd and August 16th.

Brett Murrell holds down third in points and is seven points in arrears to Estes in spite of having bad luck all year long. Chelsea Champagne is fourth in points, 15 behind Murrell while Jordon Paiment is fifth in the standings. Other main event winners in the mini stock class have been Nick Green who won on June 21st and July 19th and visiting driver, David Felch who won the July 5th event.

Unless Paul Peeples, Jr. happens upon some bad luck this Saturday night, it looks as though he will take the track championship in the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division. Peeples has won five times this year and has a 34 point lead over David Henderson and Chris Sarvinski who are tied for second position. Henderson has three main event wins in 2014 including the most recent race on August 16th while Sarvinski’s lone win came on July 5th. Robbie Nelson holds down fourth in points followed by Thomas Payne in fifth who was involved in a serious incident on August 16th which severely damaged his car.

The closest points race at the Acres in 2014 is in the Mid City Motor World late model division. The intense racing that has happened on the track is mirrored in the standings as Mic Moulton leads Luke Hall by only 12 points. Both drivers have won four times this year with Hall having won the August 16th race. These two drivers have finished first and second to each other seven times this season and it will not be surprising to see the championship literally decided on the final lap.

Kenny Demello has not won a main event but has been consistent and is third in points but well out of the championship fight. Division rookie, Ryun Leazer has been steady all year long and sits fourth in points while Acres veteran, Al Acuna holds down fifth. Jerry Peterson is the only other driver to win in the late model division this year having done so on opening night, May 17th. Peterson sits sixth in the standings with a chance of getting into fifth.

Do not miss out on what promises to be a memorable night of racing this Saturday night at the Acres. Grandstands open at 5:00PM while racing begins at 6:30PM. Don’t forget that even though the points races are ending this weekend, there is still the season ending Fall Spectacular event Friday through Sunday September 26th, 27th and 28th. The local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters will be joined by the IMCA modifieds and the 100-lap super late model race.

More information on this weekend’s event as well as the Fall Spectacular race can be found on Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Last lap contact gives Hall the win

Last lap contact gives Hall the win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Racing action returned to Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday for what proved to be an intense night of thrills and spills. In addition to the exciting racing at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval, it was Driver Appreciation Night. After all the heat races in the five local divisions, fans met drivers on the front stretch for a meet-and greet session. Every driver in every division greeted fans young and old, signed autographs and handed out goodies of all sort.

Ken Barrett was victorious in the trophy dash for the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunners. Andrew Pementel won the first heat race while Gary Klinetobe won the second heat. Barrett led the first few laps of the 25-lap feature before giving way to Grey Ethridge. After a lap three restart, Dylan Ford and Chad Grammer moved into the first and second positions. Those two would be the dominant forces in the feature as they were able to pull away from the rest of the field. Grammer did all he could to stick with Ford but Ford proved to have the upper hand as he was able to take the victory. Grammer finished second followed by Ryan Ahrens who was driving Steve Kimberling’s car. Eugene Palmer took fourth while Klinetobe crossed the line fifth.

The John’s Used Cars and Auto Wreckers bomber trophy dash win was taken by James Moore. The heat race was won by Leonard Ward. The 25 lap feature began with Ward leading but Tyler Avelar looked to have the car to beat as he was able to take the lead from Ward and moved to a somewhat comfortable lead. Unfortunately, Avelar’s car began to suffer issues in the final few laps which allowed Ward to move back to the lead and take the win. Matt Simon placed second ahead of Rick Jelton, Moore and Avelar.

Rick Estes won the trophy dash in the mini stock division while Brian Murrell, Jr. won the heat race over Estes in a thrilling last lap duel. Murrell, Jr. was the dominant car in the feature event which was slowed several times. On what proved to be the final restart, Estes was able to get by Murrell from the outside starting position to take the lead and the eventual race victory. Murrell finished a hard fought second followed by Chelsea Champagne, Gary Klinetobe who was making his first start in the mini stock division and Cole Peterson.

The Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster trophy dash victory went to Paul Peeples, Jr. The heat race proved to be the biggest incident of the night. Going into the third turn on lap one, Scott Baker looked to have trouble as he locked up his front brakes. Several cars were collected in the melee including Mike Ward, Thomas Payne, Peeples, Jr. and Reno, Nevada visitor, Jack Randall. Both Payne and Baker’s cars looked to be complete write offs while Randall suffered major damage to his car. Ward and Peeples were able to start the main. None of the drivers were injured in the scary incident.

The 30-lap main featured another unfortunate incident between Chris Sarvinski and Peeples. The two drivers made contact in turn three with Peeples hitting the wall in turn four and ending his night prematurely. David Henderson led from start to finish taking the main event victory. Sarvinski finished second followed by Robbie Nelson, Belinda Ward and Chris Lawrence.

Luke Hall won the trophy dash for the Mid City Motor World late model cars. Kenny Demello took the victory in the first heat race. The second heat saw an incident between Kevin Estep and Dennis DelBiaggio. The two made contact while racing into turn three and both cars went in the wall. Neither driver was able to make it out for the feature. Late model touring series veteran, Junior Roddy made a surprise visit to the Acres for the weekend and won the second heat.

As has been the case for the entire 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway, the 35-lap late model main event featured some of the most intense action on the night. Hall drove to the lead early and pulled out a sizeable gap over the field. A spin by Ken Hallis on lap six bunched the field and forced a restart. Hall again pulled out to a substantial lead while Mic Moulton and Roddy slid into the first and second positions. Moulton slowly but surely began to reel in the gap on Hall as the race progressed.

On lap 19, Moulton got sideways off turn four and went through the infield to save his car. Roddy moved into second while Moulton was able to safely get back on track into third. Hall looked to have a clear path to victory until Donnie Brown and Demello spun in turns one and two forcing a restart on lap 27. The top three of Hall, Roddy and Moulton raced closely nose-to-tail until the final two laps.

Roddy got under Hall coming off turn four with two laps remaining. The two raced door-handle to door-handle down the back stretch until Roddy was able to get the advantage going into turn three. Hall got inside of Roddy coming to the white flag and going into turn one the two came together sending Roddy spinning out of the lead. Hall was able to hold off Moulton’s fight to the line to take what proved to be a controversial victory. Todd Lands from Cloverdale took third ahead of Demello and Brown.

The next action on the oval will be Mid City Motor World championship night, Saturday September 13^th. Before that, Redwood Acres Raceway will host monster truck action Friday August 29^th, Saturday August 30^th and Sunday August 31^st. Also don’t forget that the annual Fall Spectacular has been moved to its traditional weekend on Friday September 26^th, Saturday September 27^th and Sunday September 28^th. Along with super late models, modifieds, Thunder Roadsters, bombers, mini stocks and roadrunners, there will be another boat race after the races on Sunday afternoon. Information for all upcoming events can be found at Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Henderson, Moulton return to victory lane

Henderson, Moulton return to victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday night and it proved to be another action packed affair. The five classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models delighted a great crowd on what proved to be a cool night at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash was won by Dylan Ford. Tim Abeyta took the win in the first heat while Ford followed his dash victory with a win in the second heat. The 20-lap feature was slowed several times in the early laps due to caution flags. Once things got settled, the two dominators in the division, Gary Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer battled for the race lead. Palmer had to give up two positions at the mid-way point due to breaking the 21-second barrier which allowed Klinetobe to put a gap over himself and the rest of the field.

On lap 17, Ford made contact with the back of Chad Grammer’s car in turn three bringing out the caution flag and bunching up the field for what would prove to be the race’s final restart. Young Jett Taylor showed surprising strength taking the lead away from Klinetobe. The final lap of the race featured a thrilling duel for the race win between Taylor, Klinetobe and Palmer. Coming off turn two, Palmer got to the inside of Klinetobe. Going into turn three, the front three cars were three wide for a brief moment. Taylor was able to win the drag race to the checkered flag to win his first main event win in only his fourth race. Klinetobe narrowly beat Palmer for second while Nick Vellis placed fourth and Abeyta took fifth.

James Moore took the trophy for the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. The heat race was taken by Matt Simon. The main event was halted mid-way due to a serious accident involving Leonard Ward and Donnie Hyman. Coming off turn two, Ward’s right rear wheel left his car. With no time to react, Hyman hit the tire and flew into the air before coming back down on the track and sliding into the infield.

On site EMT and fire crew were on the scene immediately to tend to Hyman and the race was halted. Hyman was transported by ambulance to the local hospital and was later flown out of the area for further evaluation. At the time of this writing, Hyman was diagnosed with a lower vertebra injury but is awake and alert.

When the racing resumed, Simon and Eddie Klein battled for the race lead. With two laps remaining, Klein and Simon made contact off turn two resulting in a caution. Tyler Avelar took the race lead and held off Simon and Klein to win his first race of the season.

The trophy dash victory in the Suddenlink Communications mini stock division went to Rick Estes while the heat race was won by Nick Green. Sam Brown led the early stages of the 25-lap feature but soon faced the pressure from the faster cars of Green and Brian Murrell, Jr. On lap eight, Murrell used the inside line to get by Brown for the lead while Green followed into second. Murrell held the top position for two laps before Green powered by on the outside line. Green was able to cruise to the win, his second of the season. Murrell placed second followed by Chelsea Champagne, Brown and Cole Peterson.

The Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster trophy dash victory went to Paul Peeples, Jr. who was also able to take the victory in the heat race. Robbie Nelson led the field to the green in the main event but by the end of lap one it was David Henderson who took the lead. The story of the season in the Thunder Roadster class has been the battle for wins between Peeples and Henderson with Peeples being on the winning end more often. The tables were turned on this night as Henderson was able to withstand all of Peeples’ challenges for the lead.

A brief caution from contact between Chris Sarvinski and Tommy Payne bunched the field but did not give Peeples the advantage that he was hoping for. At the checkered flag it was Henderson winning his second feature of 2014. Peeples took second, Nelson third, Sarvinski fourth and Payne fifth.

Luke Hall took trophy dash honors in the Mid City Motor World late model division. Mic Moulton ran away in the heat race and was victorious in that event. Al Acuna took the lead of the 35-lap feature from pole sitter, Ken Hallis at the start of the event and was able to pull away as the rest of the field sorted itself out. On lap two, Kenny Demello got sideways off turn two and slapped the back stretch wall bringing out a caution. Demello was able to drive his car to the pits but was not able to return to the race.

On the restart, Ryun Leazer was able to get under Hallis for second and was followed by Hall in third. The next lap, Hall and Leazer made contact going into turn one which sent both cars into the wall. Both cars were finished for the night. Oregon visitor, Dana Bowers also suffered cosmetic damage in the incident but was able to continue. Moulton took advantage of the side-by-side restart and was able to wrestle the lead away from Acuna. Moulton was dominant on the night and went the majority of the race unchallenged for the lead.

Jerry Peterson spun out of second for a caution but the closing of the field did nothing to hinder Moulton’s quest for the victory. At the checkered flag it was Moulton winning over Acuna. Bowers took third while Peterson was fourth and Hallis finished fifth.

Racing takes a week off at the Acres before resuming Saturday August 2nd. As always, the five local classes will be in action along with a special feature attraction that has not been seen at Redwood Acres Raceway, boat racing. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in participating in the upcoming boat races or have any further questions regarding other divisions, please visit the official site of Redwood Acres Raceway, www.racingtheacres.com. Further information regarding Donnie Hyman’s injuries will also be posted on the website as they become available in the coming days.

Peterson, Henderson Pepsi night winners

Peterson, Henderson Pepsi night winners

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was the dawn of a new era this past Saturday night at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway as the 2014 racing season at the 3/8-mile paved oval began after an extended and lengthy off season. Besides being the first race of the new year, it was the first race for the track’s new promoters, Blair Aiken and his daughter, Jennifer Aiken. The Aikens took over promoting the Acres this year after Rich and Linda Olson decided to retire at the end of 2013 after 26 straight seasons as the track’s promoters.

Along with the new promoters taking over the responsibility of operating RAR, changes have been made on both sides of the track in order to better improve the experience for the fans. The mini stock class is back at the Acres after being away for a few years. A bigger change comes in the form of new rules for the real stock and sportsman divisions with the idea of local cars in both divisions being able to compete at other tracks in the region and vice versa.  On the fan’s side of the track, there is a new café with a fresh new menu.

The roadrunner division trophy dash win went to Gary Klinetobe. Victories in the heat races went to Steve Paiment and Klinetobe. Gray Ethridge led the opening few laps of the feature event before losing the lead to Rick Esty. A few laps later, Paiment took the lead away from Esty as the field sorted itself out.  Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer worked their way by Paiment just before Tim Abeyta had issues entering turn three and hit the wall.

Things got wild on the restart when Ethridge got together with Esty going into the first turn. Officials disqualified Ethridge for rough driving. On the next restart, Paiment spun resulting in another caution. The run to the checkered flag featured a duel between Klientobe and Palmer. Second place, Palmer tried his best to intimidate Klientobe out of the lead, including applying the bumper several times. Klientobe withstood Palmer’s challenges and went on to claim the win followed by Paiment and Kayla Foster.

Prior to racing in the bomber division, Donnie Hyman’s car suffered issues in practice which forced him out of action for the night. Leonard Ward took home the trophy dash victory while Tyler Avelar narrowly beat Ward to win the heat race. Matt Simon became the second casualty of the night in the heat when he engine let go. The bomber feature was highlighted by an intense duel for the lead between Avelar and Ward. Avelar dominated the race until the closing stages when he began suffering issues.  Ward was able to inherit the lead and cruise to victory a lap ahead of second and third place finishers, Michael Lawrence and rookie driver, James Moore.

The mini stock had only three cars show up on the night with Brian Murrell, Jr. not being able to race after issues in practice. His younger brother, Brett Murrell was able to beat Jordon Paiment in both the trophy dash and feature races. Both drivers are mini stock rookies coming up from the roadrunner division ranks.

Paul Peeples, Jr. took the trophy dash win for the Thunder Roadster cars while David Henderson won the hotly contested heat race over Peeples. The Thunder Roadster feature got off to an unfortunate start when Robbie Nelson and Peeples wrecked coming off turn two. Henderson was also involved but spun and did not receive any damage to his car.

After the restart, Chris Sarvinski and Henderson staged a fantastic nip and tuck duel for the race lead. It appeared as though Sarvinski held the advantage in the power department while Henderson had the edge in handling. With 10 laps left, Henderson was able to find the low day past Sarvinski to take the lead and the eventual victory. Sarvinski fought off Tommy Payne for the runner-up position while Bruce Ziemer took fourth.

Jerry Peterson was victorious in the late model trophy dash. Heat race victories in the division went to Al Acuna and Mic Moulton. The 35-lap feature proved to be a slam-bang affair right from the first lap. Going into the third turn, Luke Hall made contact with Kenny Demello. Demello spun and appeared to have minimal damage but was unable to return to the track. After the restart, the race was slowed again for an incident, this time between Acuna and Peterson who were racing for the lead. Thankfully both drivers were able to continue in the race.

The highlight of the entire evening was the duel for the race lead between Moulton and Hall. The two veteran drivers raced door-handle-to-door-handle for numerous laps, thrilling the packed house. Moulton appeared to have the advantage handling wise but just as he was able to put a gap between himself and Hall, a caution flag flew.

As happens in short track racing, there was contact on lap 25 when Hall got into the rear of Moulton sending Moulton spinning out of the lead and both cars to the rear of the field. This gave the lead to Peterson who had been watching the top two cars duel for the entire race. After the restart, Moulton was able to quickly maneuver his way to second but that was as far as he would get.  Peterson had enough strength to fight off a last lap challenge from Moulton who spun between turns three and four on the final lap. Moulton’s spin allowed Hall to finish second with Acuna taking the third position.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway for a special Sunday evening event this weekend, May 25^th. It’s Salute The Troops night at the Acres featuring the North State Modified Series which is in its inaugural season. Of course the five local divisions of late models, Thunder Roadsters, bombers, mini stocks and roadrunners will also be joining in the action. Grandstand ticket booths open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. There is a special test and tune event Saturday the 24^th for all divisions.

For more information regarding this weekend’s races or anything else this season, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Acres season just getting started

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a week off, racing returns this Saturday evening for the annual Mother’s Day weekend races at Redwood Acres Raceway.  Two races have already been put in the books, the most recent occurring on April 27^th.

Ryan Walters won the most recent feature event for the real stock division over Nick Green, Michael Lawrence, Matt Simon and Harvey Holm.  Ryan and his brother Dustin hold the points lead for the class over Lawrence and William Sand.  They are the only three drivers who started both main events thus far this season.

Young Jordon Paiment held off Ken Barrett in the roadrunner main event on the 27^th, his first ever main event victory.  Things are tight in the battle for the track title in the division as Jarrett Mayo holds a slim three point advantage over Tim Abeyta while Kolby Jackson, Barrett and Paiment aren’t too far behind.

Chris Sarvinski was another first-time main event winner in the most previous race, taking home the checkered flag in the Thunder Roadster division.  The win gave Sarvinski the early season point edge by six markers over David Henderson.  Thomas Payne, Belinda Ward and Jim Rich round out the top five drivers in the roadsters.

Brandon Barnwell’s main event victory on the 27th closed the points gap between he and Angelo Marcelli.  Marcelli leads Barnwell by only three markers followed by Kenny Demello, Jerry Peterson and Al Acuna.

As previously noted, racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday May 11^th.

Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (As of 5/9/13)

Real Stocks

Dustin/Ryan Walters 130, Michael Lawrence 116, William Sand 112, Tyler Avelar 79, Leonard Ward 66, Nick Green 65, Matt Simon 60, Harvey Holm 54, Chris Naughton 54

Roadrunners

Jarrett Mayo 134, Tim Abeyta 131, Kolby Jackson 123, Ken Barrett 122, Jordon Paiment 120, Gary Klinetobe 114, Gray Etheridge 110, Ryun Leazer 104, Brett Murrell 101, Kayla Foster 74, Paul Leazer 59, Eugene Palmer 53, Tony Miles 46, Steve Paiment 44, Brian Murrell, Jr. 42, Barbara Paiment 38

Thunder Roadsters

Chris Sarvinski 139 David Henderson 133, Thomas Payne 129, Belinda Ward 117, Jim Rich 110, Les Barnwell 102, Robbie Nelson 101, Paul Peeples, Jr. 77, Allen Olson 73, Lonnie Tamboury 68

Sportsman

Angelo Marcelli 132, Brandon Barnwell 129, Kenny Demello 119, Jerry Peterson 118, Al Acuna 114.

Airport Auto Brokers Late Models set to visit the Acres

Airport Auto Brokers Late Models set to visit the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It should be an exciting night of racing this Saturday, June 25th at Redwood Acres Raceway. The Airport Auto Brokers Late Model tour cars make their first of two scheduled appearances at the 3/8-mile paved oval. The AABLM cars will be joining the Acres four weekly racing divisions of real stocks, roadrunners, thunder roadsters and sportsman cars. Adding to the excitement and thrill of this weekend’s races will be the 2011 Redwood Acres Fair.

Ryan Robinson currently leads the points standings in the Real Stock division. Robinson’s margin over second place Donnie Hyman is only ten points. Robinson has used consistency to gain the points lead as he has yet to win a main event this season. Casey Mitchell notched the first two main event victories this season while Jim Redd and Bob Lima are the other two winners in the division this season.

The points margin in the roadrunner division is even closer. Robbie Nelson leads surprising rookie driver, Josh Hansen by only seven points. Nelson has a main event victory this season while Hansen has come close but has yet to pull through. Nick Hansen, Ken Barrett and Dylan Cook are the other drivers who’ve scored main event victories in the division.

Defending thunder roadster track champion, Thomas Payne looks to be the main to beat again this season. Payne leads second place Chris Sarvinski by 22 points in the race for the championship. Payne scored a main event victory in the last race on June 11th. Paul Peeples, Jr. has two main event victories on the year while Randy Olson has one.

It’s a battle between two of Redwood Acres Raceway’s most popular and most experienced drivers in the sportsman division. Larry Pries has won the previous two main events and holds the points lead in the class. Pries leads Angelo Marcelli by 11 points. Marcelli has one main event victory while Brandon Barnwell won the first main event of the season.

Trevor Cristiani leads the points standings for the visiting AABLM tour cars. Though Cristiani hasn’t notched a victory yet in the series, he has a firm grip on the points championship as he leads second place Corey James by 127 markers. Cristiani will be making his first appearance ever at the Acres this weekend which could open the door for James and third place, Jim Stillman, Jr. to gain ground in the standings. Last season when the AABLM visited, David Miller won the first race while Kevin Ostern dominated the second. Based on Miller’s dominance in the season ending Fall Spectacular last season, he is definitely the favorite going into this weekend.

All of the racing action gets going at 6:30 this Saturday evening. Don’t miss out!

Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (After Four Races)

Real Stocks
1. 47 Ryan Robinson 247
2. 58 Donnie Hyman 237
3. 48 Steve Kimberling 228
4. 69 Casey Mitchell 213
5. 57 Wyatt Roach 209
6. 44 Matt Simon/Jim Redd 195
7. 1 Nick Green 176
8. 55 Bob Lima/Dan Browne 173
9. 12 Ryan Walters 123
10. 74 Doug Way 120
11. 99 Chris Naughton 99
12. 33 Dax Kinsey 98
13. 3 Mark Williams 10

Roadrunners
1. 24 Robbie Nelson 268
2. 48 Josh Hanson 261
3. 33 Nick Hansen/Brian Murrell, Jr./Sabrina Kinsey 259
4. 47 Michael Lawrence 236
5. 10 Kolby Jackson 229
6. 7 Ken Barrett 226
7. 11 Brett Murrell 193
8. 6 Jennifer Barrett 188
9. 13 Heath Roach 178
10. 43 Greg Mattox 166
11. 69 Tim Abeyta 119
12. 39 Gary Kilnetob 114
13. 77 Aaron Lair 106
14. 01 Dylan Cook 99
15. 14 Jarrett Mayo 82
16. 00 Ryan Leazer 43

Thunder Roadsters
1. 66 Thomas Payne 266
2. 23 Chris Sarvinski 248
3. 5 Bruce Ziemer 237
4. 21 Fergy Ferguson 222
5. 95 Belinda Ward 208
6. 82 Robert Miller 168
7. 16 Allen Olson 154
8. 15 Paul Peeples, Jr. 142
9. 11 Randy Olson 140
10. 50 Dan Browne 102
11. 18 Rob Nelson 101
12. 99 Mike Ward 66
13. 9 Lonnie Tamboury 60
14. 31 Ray Elliott 50
15. 73 Bernard Burns 46
16. 99 Jim Rich 45

Sportsman
1. 01 Larry Pries 266
2. 25 Angelo Marcelli 255
3. 56 Brandon Barnwell 241
4. 8 Kenny Demello 222
5. 19 Dennis DelBiaggio 195
6. 84 Ken Hallis 177
7. 40 Al Acuna 168
8. 21 Joe Bonomini 117
9. 81 Jeremy Yarberry 105

Mitchell, Nelson, Payne and Marcelli early season points favorites at the Acres

Mitchell, Nelson, Payne and Marcelli early season points favorites at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2011 season at Redwood Acres Raceway has got off to a fast start. After the initial season opener was rained out on April 16th, racing was able to resume on April 30th Pepsi Night and May 7th for the Mother’s Day weekend races. Coincidentally, it appeared as though Mother Nature was going to intervene in the middle of the scheduled action for the Mother’s Day races. A heavy mist fell over the track during the real stock heat race slowing and eventually delaying the on-track action. Thankfully the skies lifted and with the cars and drivers in the real stock and roadrunner divisions circling the speedway, the track dried and racing was able to resume.

The winners in the real stock division last race included Ryan Robinson in the trophy dash, Doug Way in the heat race and Casey Mitchell in the main event, giving him both feature wins on the season. In the roadrunner division, Michael Lawrence prevailed in the trophy dash to win while Robbie Nelson doubled up winning the heat race and the main event. Randy Olson swept all three events in the Thunder Roadster division, overcoming oil and carburetor problems that have plagued his car since last season. Larry Pries won the sportsman trophy dash last race while Angelo Marcelli took the heat and main event victories.

With only two races in the books, the battle for the track championship in all four local divisions is still anyone’s race. Casey Mitchell holds a 17 point advantage over second place, Donnie Hyman in the real stocks 142-125. Robbie Nelson has a narrow lead in the roadrunner class, leading the duo of Nick Hansen and Brian Murrell, Jr. by only five points, 139-134. Defending Thunder Roadster track champion, Thomas Payne leads Chris Sarvinski by 13 markers, 134-121. In the sportsman division, Angelo Marcelli leads with 129 points while second place has a tie between Larry Pries and Brandon Barnwell at 124 points. Unfortunately for Barnwell, he hit the wall hard in the last main event and it will be interesting to see if the incident will knock him out of the running for the points championship.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday night May 21st with all four local classes back in action.

Points Standings (After 2 Races)

Real Stocks
1. 69 Casey Mitchell 142
2. 58 Donnie Hyman 125
3. 1 Nick Green 123
4. 74 Doug Way 120
5. 47 Ryan Robinson 116
6. 48 Steve Kimberling 110
7. 55 Bob Lima/Donnie Brown 104
8. 57 Wyatt Roach 96
9. 44 Jim Redd 70
10. 12 Ryan Walters 58
11. 99 Chris Naughton 50
12. 33 Dax Kinsey 46
13. 3 Mark Williams 10

Roadrunners
1. 24 Robbie Nelson 139
2. 33 Nick Hansen/Brian Murrell, Jr. 134
3. 48 Josh Hanson 131
4. 47 Michael Lawrence 129
5. 10 Kolby Jackson 117
6. 43 Rob Mattox 116
7. 13 Heath Roach 109
8. 69 Tim Abeyta 108
9. 7 Ken Barrett 103
10. 11 Brett Murrell 97
11. 6 Jennifer Barrett 92
12. 14 Jarrett Mayo 39
13. 01 Dylan Cook 23

Thunder Roadsters
1. 66 Thomas Payne 134
2. 23 Chris Sarvinski 121
3. 82 Robert Miller 119
4. 21 Fergy Ferguson 119
5. 5 Bruce Ziemer 116
6. 50 Dan Browne 102
7. 16 Allen Olson 101
8. 95 Belinda Ward 101
9. 11 Randy Olson 91
10. 15 Paul Peeples,Jr. 73
11. 73 Bernard Burns 46
12. 99 Jim Rich 45
13. 18 Rob Nelson 43

Sportsman
1. 25 Angelo Marcelli 129
2. 19 Dennis DelBiaggio 124
3. 56 Brandon Barnwell 124
4. 01 Larry Pries 123
5. 84 Ken Hallis 119
6. 40 Al Acuna 113
7. 8 Kenny Demello 106

Miller dominant in Fall Spectacular win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time in several years, Redwood Acres Raceway hosted a two-day, Saturday and Sunday show for the annual season finale, the Fall Spectacular. Much excitement was in the air as the late models and Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds joined the three local classes of real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadsters who still had to decide their final points standings.

Ryan Walters took home the trophy dash win in the real stock division on Saturday evening beating out Doug Way, Nick Green and Casey Mitchell. In the heat race, Mitchell was able to score the victory over Green, Ryan Robinson, Walters and Way. Walters was able to avoid a lap one incident in the main event that slowed some of the faster cars down to easily take the win. Green finished second followed by Robinson, Way and Steve Kimberling.

Mitchell notched the trophy dash win in the Sunday sunshine ahead of Walters, Green and Way. Walters took the heat ahead of Green, Mark Williams, Bill Middleton and Ray Middleton. Going into the final main event for the real stock division, Mitchell had the championship already sewn up. Mitchell was able to withstand a furious charge from Robinson to cap off his championship effort with a win. Walters narrowly beat Green to the line for third while Williams crossed the line in fifth, just inches ahead of Way.

Curt Lewis won the dash for the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds Saturday night beating Chris Straka, Chris Sarvinski and Doug Pulver. Pulver took the heat race win over Sarvinski and Straka. In the main event, Straka was able to hold off Sarvinski to take the victory while Pulver finished in the third position. On Sunday, Timber Cookson took the trophy dash victory over Marty Lewis, Johnny Barker and Cory Thomas. Sarvinski won the heat race over Curt Lewis, Marty Lewis, Kevin Barba and Pulver. A big accident in the early stages of the main event knocked out several competitors including Pulver, Barba, Marty Lewis and Thomas. Sarvinski took the win handily beating Marty Lewis, Barker and Cookson.

In Saturday night’s roadrunner trophy dash, Nick Hansen was able to take the win over Raleigh Willoughby, Ukiah Speedway visitor, Caity Miller and Dax Kinsey. Kinsey was able to hold off Willoughby in the heat race to win followed by Hansen. In the main event, Hansen was able to used slower traffic to get by Willoughby late in the event and take the race victory. Miller took third, Kolby Jackson fourth and Kinsey fifth.

Miller won Sunday’s dash over Kinsey, Willoughby and Hansen. Miller followed up with the heat race win beating Hansen, Robbie Nelson, Willoughby and Kinsey. The track championship for the roadrunner class was locked up by Willoughby going into the final main event. The main event featured a spirited duel between the two youngsters of Nelson and Willoughby. Willoughby was able to briefly take the lead late in the going, but drove too hard in turn one allowing Nelson to sneak back by. Nelson was able to take his first-ever main event victory beating Willoughby, Hansen, Kinsey and Jackson.

Paul Peeples, Jr. won the thunder roadster trophy dash over Randy Olson, Fergy Ferguson and Bruce Ziemer. Olson held off Peeples in the heat race to take the win followed by Chris Sarvinski. Unfortunately for Olson, his car suffered engine woes and he was forced to start at the back of Sunday’s main event due to him changing cars. Meanwhile, Peeples started fourth due to an inversion from the heat race finish.

Peeples grabbed the lead early in the main event and appeared to have the race well in hand until at the halfway point when controversy took place. AABLM starter, Johnny Miskill who was doing the flagging for the event gave the field the crossed flags signaling the halfway point of the race. Peeples slowed down allowing Payne, Olson and others to get by. Peeples realized his mistake and got back on the gas and just after that the caution was thrown. Peeples was moved back to his first place position and went unchallenged the next 20 laps taking the victory. Payne took second and the 2010 track championship in the division over Olson, Sarvinski and Ferguson.

28 late models in all showed up for the events on Saturday. Unfortunately, Mike Lovell broke and was unable to even qualify. Junior Roddy set quick time with a 15.595 time. Race officials scratched the trophy dash due to drivers not lining up in a timely fashion. The first heat determined the starting positions for Sunday’s B main event. Redwood Acres Raceway driver, Donnie Brown ran away from the field to take the victory over Jeremy Donahoo, Roger Sanderson, David Dillinger and Joe Aiken.

The second heat determined the 11 through 20 starting positions in Sunday’s 100-lap affair. Two more Acres locals, Joe McDonald and Larry Pries fought for the victory with McDonald coming out ahead. 2010 Redwood Acres Raceway Sportsman champ, Mic Moulton placed third while another local, Jerry Peterson was fourth and Allen Gibney took fifth. The third and final heat race determined positions one through 10 with a possible invert of two, four or six cars for Sunday’s feature. Randy Houston crossed the line first over David Miller, Kevin Ostern, Jeremy Hopkins and Mike Doss.

Aiken had engine failure in Sunday’s practice and was unable to start the B-main event. Donahoo and Dillinger finished first and second and took the two transfer positions to the 100-lap main. The draw for the invert was two giving the pole position to Miller. Literally from the drop of the green flag, Miller pulled away from the rest of the field. Houston held up in second head of Ostern and others. There was a lot of give-and-take action from all the drivers throughout the field as the race was clean and green with nary the sign of a caution flag. Miller’s torrent pace may have been the undoing for Doss and Ostern as both drivers appeared to have problems, pulling their cars into the pits before the halfway point.

By the 50-lap mark, it looked as though nobody had anything for Miller as he was half a lap ahead of second place, Houston. The caution finally flew on lap 61 when Pries spun off the second turn. At this point, only seven cars remained on the lead lap and while the caution closed the gap between Houston and Miller, there were six cars between the two drivers. Miller pulled away once again on the restart while Houston and others tried to manage their way through lapped traffic.

As the race entered its closing stages, Howard Ford began to make his presence known. With less than 20 laps to go, Ford managed to make his way past Houston in second. It appeared as though Ford’s only hope to catch Miller would be a caution flag as Miller was again half a lap ahead of his competition. In the final 10 laps, the gap between first and second closed dramatically with Miller appearing to be suffering some sort of issue. Coming to the white flag, Ford had the gap to just 10 car lengths on Miller. Between turns one and two, the lapped car of Pries broke between the front two cars pounding the wall. Coming off turn four, Ford closed the gap to five car lengths. It was enough for David Miller to take the checkered flag first with Ford crossing the line second. Houston placed third while David Braund ran a solid and clean race all day to place fourth, an impressive finish in his first race at the Acres. Dennis DelBiaggio had what is likely the best race of his career, finishing in fifth place. Junior Roddy was sixth while Alan Cress placed seventh, the final car on the lead lap.

Information regarding the annual awards banquet will be made available soon on the track’s phone 707-442-3232. Congratulations to the 2010 Redwood Acres Raceway track champions; Mic Moulton in the sportsman division, Tommy Payne in the Thunder Roadster division, Raleigh Willoughby in the roadrunner division, Casey Mitchell in the real stock division and Scott and Craig Baker in the mini stock division.

2006 Thunder Roadster Season: A Look Back

2006 Thunder Roadster Season: A Look Back

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2006 season marked the beginning of a new division at Redwood Acres Raceway; the thunder roadsters. These new cars were highly anticipated because of their open-wheel look, the number of cars and drivers and the various experience levels of every driver. Suffice to say, the new class did not disappoint. The roadsters provided some of the most memorable races of the season.

David Henderson won the 2006 thunder roadster championship by 120 points, but it never appeared as if he was running away with the title. Henderson only had one win, however he was almost always among the top three finishers when the checkered flag fell. Henderson’s lone win proved to be in the very first race of the season where he held off a number of drivers to take a hard fought victory.

Paul Peeples, Jr. proved to be Henderson’s toughest points competitor. Peeples notched four wins, three in a row at one point. Peeples four victories proved to be the most in the division, but he was not able to maintain the consistency that Henderson was able to. Troy Combs proved to be one of the drivers to beat on a weekly basis despite the 2006 season being his first at the Acres. Combs took two main event victories and third in the points.

Another Acres newcomer was Chris Sarvinski. Sarvinski was always among the quicker cars, and was able to be among the top finishers on a regular basis. Acres veteran Bill O’Neill returned to racing after several years away from the oval. O’Neill was able to dial in his car during the season, scoring several strong runs and finishing fifth in points.

Leroy Marsh missed the first few races of the season, but took to the track in his roadster like a duck to water. Marsh came close to winning several races but wasn’t able to take the checkered flag in first. Despite missing a few races, Marsh placed sixth in points. Randy Olson returned to racing after not driving for a few years. Olson won three main events, set the track record of 16.885 and finished seventh in points despite not racing the full schedule. Acres rookie Ray Elliott drove his colorful 31 car to a number of good runs to finish in eight place in the standings.

Bruce Ziemer had the wildest wreck of all the roadster drivers flipping in a race at Ukiah Speedway. Fortunately Ziemer was okay and was able to continue racing at the Acres finishing ninth in the points. Mark Arroyo looked to be one of the faster competitors as the season concluded, and his steady finishes made him the tenth place points finisher. Over thirty different drivers participated in the thunder roadster class during the 2006 season. During the Fall Spectacular weekend drivers from Nevada and Texas made the trek to race against what is the highest number of roadster cars and drivers in the nation.

The 2007 season should have more of the same kind of action that the 2006 season provided. David Henderson will return to defend his championship, but it won’t be an easy road going against the likes of Peeples, Combs, Olson and Marsh. With more experience, drivers like Sarvinski, Elliott, Ziemer, Arroyo, Donn Cole, Mike Ward, Jay Bahner and Chris Banfill should be strong competition too. Veterans including O’Neill, Dave McMurray and Rusty Olson will be tough to beat along with Mark Baldwin who missed the last half of the 2006 season due to an injury. A variety of drivers can win on any given night, and with that kind of group excitement is sure to be found.