Redwood Acres Raceway Fall Spectacular Winners

Late Models:
1990: Randy Olson
1991: Bob Strauss
1992: Randy Olson
1993: Jeff Rogers
1994: Roger Gannon
1995: Darrell Midgley
1996: Randy Olson
1997: Randy Olson
1998: Darrell Midgley
1999: Mike Sackett
2000: Mike Sackett
2001: Mike Sackett
2003: Mike Sackett
2004: David Miller
2005: Josh Bews
2006: Ryan Foster
2007: Howard Ford
2009: Noel McCormack, Jr.
2010: David Miller
2011: Howard Ford
2012: Jeremy Doss
2013: Eric Schmidt
2016: Jeremy Doss
2017: Brandon White

Modifieds:
1991: Robert Carrel
1992: Rick Rose
1993: Darrell Midgley
1994: Richie Potts
1995: Blair Aiken
1996: Bob Strauss
1997: Bob Strauss
1998: Bob Strauss
1999: Denny Cashada
2000: Kelly Peacock
2001: Clarence Reddick
2002: Bill Binns
2003: Derek Thorn
2004: Gary Lowblad
2005: Jay Linstroth
2006: Willie Thompson
2007: Thomas Wright
2012: Darrin Knight
2013: Darrin Knight
2014: Darrin Knight

Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2012 season nearing its conclusion

Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2012 season nearing its conclusion

By Matthew J. Sullivan

This weekend marks the end of the 2012 season for racing at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway the 25th straight year of pavement race on the 3/8-mile oval.  In what has become a Northern California tradition, the year will conclude this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 21st-23rd) with the Fall Spectacular.  Along with the local classes of cars and drivers from the real stocks, roadrunner and thunder roadster divisions will be the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model touring series along with the return of the IMCA modified open race.

The battle for Redwood Acres Raceway’s sportsman division concluded on the September 15th Larry Pries Memorial event as Brandon Barnwell sealed his 2012 track championship with a main event victory.  Barnwell’s 2012 crown marks his third championship in the sportsman division, his previous titles coming back-to-back in 2007 and 2008.  The title in the thunder roadster division has been sealed as well by Paul Peeples, Jr.  Peeples championship mirrors Barnwell’s run as he too previously won titles in the roadster class in 2007 and 2008.  Donnie Hyman appears to have the real stock track title well within reach as he has a nearly insurmountable margin of 93 points over second place, Dax Kinsey.  Things are closer in the roadrunner class as Michael “Cheeseburger” Lawrence has a 34 point gap over second place driver, Ken Barrett.

As previously mentioned, the 2012 Fall Spectacular marks the return of the very popular IMCA modified open race after a five-year absence.  Thomas Wright won the most recent running of the event in 2007 over Jay Linstroth, Richie Potts and Charlie Kramm.  The 2006 running saw Oregon veteran, Willie Thompson come across the line first ahead of Jerry Dubach, Scott Winters, Eddie Laws and Gary Lowblad.  The 2005 race was won by Jay Linstroth beating out Ken Scales, Willie Thompson, Richie Potts and David Sullivan.  The modifieds visited the Acres earlier this year in June with Guy Young taking the victory.

The AABLM series will be staging its ninth race of 2012 this weekend, the series’ third visit to the Acres on the year.  Randy Houston won the season opening race in May while Forrest Kuecker won his first ever AABLM event in the race in late July.  Howard Ford won both ends of a double-header in the 2011 running of the Fall Spectacular.  Jeremy Doss has been the dominant force in the series, scoring five wins this year but the young driver has yet to taste success thus far at Redwood Acres Raceway.  He’ll face top competition including Houston, David Miller, Jim Walker and another youngster in his teammate, Brandon White who won the AABLM’s last race at Shasta Speedway on September 15th.

Redwood Acres Raceway will have open practice on Friday for all cars and drivers beginning at 2:00PM followed by a barbeque.  Racing will begin Saturday at 6:00PM while Sunday’s events will begin at 1:00PM.  Any questions regarding this weekend’s races should be directed to the raceway by calling 707-442-3232.

Past Late Model Fall Spectacular Winners
1990 – Randy Olson
1991 – Bob Strauss
1992 – Randy Olson
1993 – Jeff Rogers
1994 – Roger Gannon
1995 – Darrell Midgley
1996 – Randy Olson
1997 – Randy Olson
1998 – Darrell Midgley
1999 – Mike Sackett
2000 – Mike Sackett
2001 – Mike Sackett
2003 – Mike Sackett
2004 – David Miller
2005 – Josh Bews
2006 – Ryan Foster
2007 – Howard Ford
2009 – Noel McCormack, Jr.
2010 – David Miller
2011 – Howard Ford/Howard Ford

Houston, we have a winner

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night after a two week layoff. Joining the four local divisions of real stocks, roadrunners, thunder roadsters and sportsman cars was the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series for their second and final points visit to the 3/8-mile paved oval. After rear end issues in practice prevented him from qualifying, Randy Houston came from the rear of the field to handily win the 75-lap AABLM feature. Other main event victors on the night included Larry Pries in the sportsman division, Paul Peeples, Jr. in the thunder roadsters, Ryan Ahrens in the roadrunners and Donnie Hyman in the real stocks.

The real stock trophy dash went to Hyman over Ryan Robinson. Hyman then took the victory in the heat race beating out Wyatt Roach, Robinson, Bob Lima and Doug Way. Roach took the lead in the early going of the main event before falling victim to Hyman and Dustin Walters who was making his first start of the season driving the car normally piloted by his brother, Ryan. Walters looked as if he would be a serious contender to Hyman but misfortune struck. Coming off the fourth turn, it appeared as though something broke as Walters’ car went into the wall hard. Roach was collected in the process taking both drivers out of action. Hyman was able to take the win without serious threat over Robinson, Lima, Chris Naughton and Dax Kinsey.

The roadrunner division had its biggest turnout of cars ever with 16 total. Brett Murrell took his first ever victory in the trophy dash over Ryan Ahrens who was making his first start of the season after racing in the mini stock class last year. Dylan Cook won the faster heat race while Ken Barrett won the slower heat. The main event proved to be an example of 25 laps of controlled chaos. Rick Crawley held the lead early before giving way to Kolby Jackson. Jackson’s time didn’t last long as Dylan Cook took the top position. After a lap 13 caution, racing resumed with Cook still in the lead however going into the first turn he and the other three cars behind him got loose all at the same time. Several cars spun resulting in a yellow flag. Ahrens inherited the lead and was able to take the victory followed by Brian Murrell, Jr., Greg Mattox, Barrett and Cook.

Bruce Ziemer held off Paul Peeples, Jr. to win the thunder roadster trophy dash. Peeples beat Rob Nelson to the line by inches in the main event followed by Thomas Payne, Allen Olson and Chris Sarvinski. Nelson led the early laps of the feature from pole position before Ray Elliott took over the top spot. It didn’t take long for the fast cars of Peeples, Ziemer and Olson to move up to second, third and fourth behind Elliott. The only major incident of the race occurred when Sarvinski spun off the fourth turn collecting Payne. Fortunately both drivers were able to continue without damage. After the restart, Elliott did all he could to hold off Peeples, but eventually Peeples was able to get by for the lead. Elliott’s good night went bad when his engine soured, forcing him out of the race. Peeples cruised to the victory over Payne, Ziemer, Olson and Nelson.

The trophy dash in the sportsman division went to Brandon Barnwell followed by Larry Pries. Barnwell then took the heat race win followed by Kenny Demello, Angelo Marcelli, Dennis DelBiaggio and Pries. Demello led from pole early but was overtaken by Pries and DelBiaggio for position. After a spin on lap 12 by Joe Bonomini, the field tightened up and racing resumed. DelBiaggio did all he could to find a way by Pries for the lead but Pries was able to withstand DelBiaggio’s challenges to win. Marcelli took third with Demello fourth and Barnwell fifth.

Junior Roddy won the six-lap trophy dash for the AABLM series beating Northern California racing legend, Jim Walker who was racing for the first time in a year. The first 20 or so laps of the 75-lap main event proved to be late model short track racing at its best. With a full field invert, Allen Gibney started from pole and used it to his advantage as he led from the start. However, outside pole sitter, Mike Neilson kept fighting and was able to take the lead. Neilson built his lead to nearly a straightaway as Gibney did all he could to hold off the rest of the pack in second.

The eyes of the partisan crowd were firmly fixed on the blue 48 of Walker and he proved to still have some of the same magic that’s made him a fan favorite all along the west coast. After starting from seventh, Walker methodically picked his way through the field. Walker used the high line and was able to pick off Donahoo for third and then Gibney for second. Following in Walker’s tracks was Howard Ford who had set fast time earlier in the day.

The lone caution flag of the race on lap 15 took away Neilson’s large lead and gave Walker a chance to really get the local crowd on their feet. Neilson and Walker fought a hard but clean battle side-by-side until Neilson was able to take control. Walker’s car slowed dramatically and he fell back through the pack and eventually pulled into the pits for the rest of the night. At the same time, Randy Houston began to make his move for the lead. He quickly passed Ford on the high side, then did the same to Neilson off turn two. From that point on, Houston was absolutely dominant as he built up a substantial lead and was able to more or less cruise to the victory. Ford took second while AABLM points leader, Trevor Cristiani took third, the last car on the lead lap. Mike Doss and Neilson rounded out the top five finishers.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this week with Fan Appreciation night. Fans who’ve saved ticket stubs from any five races this season can enter the event free. Those who haven’t will only have to pay $5 to get in. Prior to the races, drivers in all divisions will pull their cars onto the front stretch and fans will be allowed on the track for a meet and greet.

AABLM Race Results
Fast Time: Howard Ford 15.724, 87.811 MPH
Trophy Dash: Junior Roddy, Jim Walker, Mike Doss, Corey James, Trevor Cristiani, Howard Ford
Main Event: Randy Houston, Ford, Cristiani, Doss, Mike Neilson, Jeremy Donahoo, Allen Gibney, Roddy, Jim Stillman, Jr., Walker, James.

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.

2010 season looms at the Acres

2010 season looms at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2010 racing season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway begins in just a few short weeks. It will be the 23rd year of racing on the pavement at the 3/8 mile facility. The track was converted from dirt to asphalt between late 1987 and early 1988. Many folks may be surprised to know that Redwood Acres Raceway is among the oldest race tracks not only in California, but on the west coast. The track’s first races were held in 1947 on dirt, a year after Merced Fairgrounds Speedway came to be and around the same time that Stockton 99 Speedway began holding events. In 1956 and 1957, the track was known as Eureka Speedway and was converted to a 5/8 mile track and hosted two NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events. Herb Thomas won the ’56 race while Lloyd Dane won in ’57. The facility also hosted the Pacific Coast Late Model series/Winston West in its dirt days. Bill Amick won in 1964, Harold Hardesty in 1968 and legendary driver, Hershel McGriff won in 1972.

After years of success on the dirt, the cost to keep up and maintain the track became too much to handle and it was decided to pave the track. Along with NASCAR’s sanctioning, Redwood Acres Raceway “reopened” in 1988. Between 1988 and 1995, the Acres hosted 7 NASCAR Southwest Tour events and 2 Winston West races. Mike Chase won the inaugural tour event in July of 1988. The next season, Bill Sedgwick won the West race while Chase won the tour race yet again. In 1990, Troy Beebe took the tour race while Sedgwick won the final West race at the Acres. Ron Hornaday, Jr. won the ’91 event over Rick Carelli who won the ’92 event. Hornaday won the 1993 race and after a year away from the raceway, M.K. Kanke won the final tour event in 1995.

Since the track was paved, Redwood Acres Raceway has produced several well-known drivers. Though Jim Walker and Randy Olson had established themselves prior to the 1988 season, they both honed their skills at the Acres for several years and are a huge part of the track’s pavement history. 1997 NASCAR Southwest Tour champion, Bryan Germone ran at the Acres to prepare himself for the tour. Rusty Olson moved from the Acres to win numerous late model events and a truck title. Paul Peeples, Jr. drove in the mini stock class before winning the 1994 NASCAR Pacific Coast Region title. Current well-known alumni include late model touring champion, Howard Ford, late model racer, Mic Moulton and Luke Hall who has raced in two ARCA events.

The 2010 season at the Acres officially begins April 24th but there is an open practice this Saturday, April 10th. Local classes include the sportsman (late model) division, Thunder Roadsters, real stocks, mini stocks, roadrunners and limited street stocks. The AABLM series is scheduled to race May 22nd, July 31 and September 25th for the Fall Spectacular while the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds are scheduled for June 5th, August 28th and September 25th. These events are subject to change if the car count is lacking.

Redwood Acres Raceway 2010 Schedule
April 10th - Practice
April 24th
May 1st
May 8th
May 22nd – AABLM series
June 5th – Pro-4 Modifieds
June 19th
June 25th & 26th - Fair Races
July 10th
July 31st – AABLM series
August 7th
August 28th – Pro-4 Modifieds
September 11th
September 25th – Fall Spectacular featuring AABLM series and Pro-4 Modifieds
Past Track Champions at Redwood Acres Raceway
1988
Super Stock – Jim Walker
Street Stock – Tim Standifer

1989
Super Stock – Jim Walker
Street Stock – Rusty Olson
Mini Stock – Doug Pulver

1990
Super Stock – Randy Olson
Street Stock – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Doug Pulver

1991
Sportsman – Randy Olson
Mini Stock – Matt Kunkler/Jerry McCurtain

1992
Sportsman – Randy Olson
Mini Stock – Tony Pulver

1993
Sportsman – Steve Moulton
Mini Stock – Ron Borges

1994
Sportsman – Rusty Olson
Mini Stock – Bert Guthridge

1995
Sportsman – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Mic Moulton
Pure Stock – Ray Rapp

1996
Sportsman – Glenn Shewry
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Ray Rapp

1997
Sportsman – Tim McCracken
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Otis Stabler

1998
Sportsman – Larry Pries
Mini Stock – Bernard Burns
Pure Stock – Craig Johnson

1999
Sportsman – Otis Stabler
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Pure Stock – Craig Johnson

2000
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Jason Shaha
Real Stock – Rusty Turner
Pure Stock – Jeff Broderson

2001
Sportsman – Shawn Andrews
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Real Stock – Rusty Turner
Pure Stock – Jeff Broderson

2002
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Phil Wood
Real Stock – Rick Fox

2003
Sportsman – Roger Sanderson
Mini Stock – Jaison Chand
Real Stock – Aaron Byers
Limited Street Stocks – Lee Branstetter

2004
Sportsman – Angelo Marcelli
Mini Stock – Jerry Peterson
Real Stock – Cecil Arispe
Limited Street Stock – Ron Brown

2005
Sportsman – Geoff Brandon
Mini Stock – Jaison Chand
Real Stock – Trevor Miller
Limited Street Stock – Duane Mayo

2006
Sportsman – Marty Walsh
Mini Stock – Chad Grammer
Real Stock – Bill Bradbury
Limited Street Stock – Adrien Betournay
Thunder Roadsters – David Henderson

2007
Sportsman – Brandon Barnwell
Mini Stock – Byron McIntosh
Real Stock – Bill Middleton
Limited Street Stock – Scott Lyons
Thunder Roadsters – Paul Peeples, Jr.

2008
Sportsman – Brandon Barnwell
Mini Stock – Craig Baker
Real Stock – Jim Redd
Limited Street Stock – Fergy Ferguson
Thunder Roadsters – Paul Peeples, Jr.

2009
Sportsman – Dennis DelBiaggio
Mini Stock – Craig Baker
Real Stock – Ryan Walters
Thunder Roadsters – David Henderson
Roadrunners – Charlie Anderson

Rain delays RAR season opener

Rain delays RAR season opener

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the second straight year, rain forced the cancellation of the season opening race at Redwood Acres Raceway. Thankfully, the delay will only be one week as racing will return to the Acres (weather permitting of course) this coming Saturday night. Along with the five local classes of mini stocks, limited street stocks, real stocks, thunder roadsters and sportsman cars will be the first of three North State Challenge Series late model races held at the raceway for the 2008 season. Crescent City, California driver and Redwood Acres Raceway alumnus Howard Ford won the first race of the North State Challenge Series season two weeks ago at Shasta Raceway Park in Anderson, California, and he will definitely be among the favorites to win this Saturday night.

Added to all of the racing excitement will be a special memorial for former Acres racer and North State series driver Hank Hilton. Hank passed away earlier this year due to cancer. He was known as Hammerin’ Hank to Northern California race fans, however Hank was recognized as one of the cleanest racers and a true gentleman by his competitors. Hank’s racing experience dated back to 1949 when he raced his first stock car race at age 16, and his blue number 98 car was a familiar sight in the North State series as well as the open competition events that were held at Redwood Acres Raceway and Shasta Speedway in the 80s and 90s.

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular only a month away

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2007 Fall Spectacular for Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway is just around the corner. This year’s final event will mark the close of the 50th year of racing action at the historic facility. Joining Redwood Acres’ local classes of limited street stocks, mini stocks, real stocks and thunder roadsters will be the I.M.C.A./Grand American Modifieds and the late models.

There are some noticeable changes for the Spectacular this year. Instead of the traditional two-day show of racing, all of it will be held on one night. Another difference is that the Northwood Chevrolet 100 is a North State Challenge Series sanctioned points event. The changes should only make for an even more exciting and action-packed night of racing at the Acres.

Last season’s Northwood Chevrolet 100 was won by Redding, California’s Ryan Foster in dramatic fashion. Foster notched an astounding 15.184 lap time in qualifying but started from the tail end of the field. Foster diced his way through the field and wrestled the lead away from Lakeport, California’s Derek Thorn on lap 65 to go on for the win. Mike Doss took third, Howard Ford fourth and Mike Sackett fifth.

A veteran racer from Oregon, Willie Thompson lead all 50 laps of last year’s I.M.C.A./Grand American Modified holding off Jerry Dubach, Scott Winters, Ed Laws and Gary Lowblad to score the victory. One of the great things about the modified race at the Acres is that it attracts numerous drivers from all over Northern California and Southern Oregon. Last season’s race featured drivers who raced at tracks such as Lakeport Speedway, Ukiah Speedway, Shasta Raceway Park, All American Speedway, Stockton “99" Speedway, Madera Speedway, Douglas County Speedway and Altamont Motorsports Park.

Friday September 28th is an open practice for any and all drivers and teams who wish to get their cars tuned to the 3/8 mile paved oval. Afterward, a free barbeque will be held in the pits for all drivers and crew members. Saturday September 29th is race night. The grandstands open at 4:00PM for qualifying while racing will begin at 6:00PM. Don’t miss out on your chance to see some exciting racing at one of the finest facilities on the west coast!

Rain wipes out opening night at the Acres

Rain wipes out opening night at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

With stormy skies and the wind blowing furiously, Redwood Acres Raceway officials cancelled the 2007 April 21 season opener early Saturday. Unfortunately, that meant that there wouldn’t be any racing action, but fortunately it only meant that there would be a week’s delay until the next scheduled event which is set this Saturday night, April 28 at 6:00 PM.

The weather is looking very good for what will now be an even bigger season opener at the 3/8 mile paved oval. Joining the local classes of limited street stocks, mini stocks, real stocks, thunder roadsters and sportsman cars will be the North State Challenge Series late models. Ironically, the NSCS also had their season opener at Anderson, California’s Shasta Raceway Park washed out, so they too will be holding their first race this weekend. Among the drivers expected to show are Howard Ford from Crescent City, CA, Mike Doss from Lakeport, CA, Luke Hall from Fortuna, CA, Randy Houston from Portland, OR and C.J. Bawden from Carson City, NV. These drivers are just a few of the ones that are capable of bringing home the trophy at the end of the 100 lap feature event.

One of the unfortunate casualties of the April 21 rain-out was the much anticipated Best Appearning Car Contest, as voted on by the fans. That event has been moved to May 12th. Perhaps it will give drivers a bit of incentive to keep their cars clean going into their next race.

1998 Nor-Cal Late Model Final Points Standings

33 Howard Ford Klamath, CA 614
80 Jim Parnell Orangevale, CA 515
9 Mark Ingersoll North Bend, OR 500
8 Richard Anderson Sacramento, CA 485
02 Sal Lopez Sacramento, CA 469
5 Frank Howard Clearlake Riviera, CA 444
22 DJ Krentz Sparks, NV 429
35 Tim Bost Sacramento, CA 421
98K Hank Hilton Klamath, CA 404
94 Mic Moulton Eureka, CA 339
68 Steve Parrish Santa Monica, CA 333
31 Bill Ward Redding, CA 319
96 Mike Lehman Rio Linda, CA 317
16 Rusty Olson Eureka, CA 302
3 Rob Iverson Carson City, NV 295
28 Tim McCracken McKinleyville, CA 282
50 Jerry Allec Jr. Carson City, NV 227
15 Dane Nissen Williams, CA 218
17 Randy Olson Eureka, CA 212
48 Jimmy Walker Ferndale, CA 202
23 David Deniz Elverta, CA 187
55 Tony Diaz Reno, NV 177
88 Ron Peters McKinleyville, CA 154
25 Glen Keyes Carson City, NV 148
40 Lee Sutton So. Lake Tahoe, CA 128
77m CJ Jahnke Reno, NV 128
93 Donna Fouts Roseburg, OR 117
84 Ken Hallis Redding, CA 116
12 Neal Merritt Reno, NV 89
26 Paul Peeples Mckinleyville, CA 85
1 Tony Perdue Antelope, CA 85
35x Richard Lawler Sparks, NV 81
77J Rob Ledsetter Klamath Falls, OR 82
07 Chris Maupin Selma, OR 80
75 Roger Gannon Redding, CA 79
37 Randy Hvall Grants Pass, OR 74
77 Brad Wasmund Ashland, OR 73
7 Guy Young Redding, CA 71
85 Jeff Rogers Redding, CA 78
13 Boomer Schultz Placerville, CA 77
37 Randy Hvall Grants Pass, OR 74
77 Brad Wasmund Ashland, OR 73
7 Guy Young Redding, CA 71
85 Jeff Rogers Redding, CA 70
19 Dennis Del Biaggio Ferndale, CA 59
3x Ben Twisselman Blocksburg. CA 57
77 Dane Smith Medford, OR 53
99 Mike Sackett Myrtle Point, OR 50
21 Dennis Loe Roseville, CA 49
00 Bob Markin McKinleyville, CA 47
41 John Wood Walnut Creek, CA 42
11 Dan Wait Redding, CA 40
37x Sonny Wahl Las Vegas, NV 23
96x Gary Sellars Ukiah, CA 11
30 Ruben Guzman Morgan Hill, CA 3
26 Geoff Brandon Eureka, CA 3
51 Brian Griffitts Stockton, CA 2
53 Joe Wilson Cresent City, CA 19

Nor-Cal Late Model Results - Race 10 - Silver State Raceway - September 19, 1998

Qualifying Times
Car # Driver Time
33 Howard Ford 13.06
13 Boomer Schultz 13.19
50 Jerry Allec Jr. 13.22
12 Neil Merritt 13.29
80 Jim Parnell 13.33
77N C.J. Jahnke 13.37
40 Lee Sutton 13.41
35 Tim Bost 13.43
22 D.J. Krentz 13.47
02 Sal Lopez 13.54
31 Bill Ward 13.60
8 Richard Anderson 13.74
96 Mike Lehman 13.78
25 Glen Keyes 13.80
6 Mark Ingersoll 13.89
5 Frank Howard 13.94
77J Rob Ledbetter 14.01
68 Steve Parrish 14.03
98K Hank Hilton 14.12
1 Tony Perdue 14.55
23 David Deniz 14.55
55 Tony Diaz 15.13

A Trophy Dash: Allec, Jr., Merritt, Schultz, Ford
B Trophy Dash: Keyes, Ward, Anderson, Lehman
Main Event: Ford, Allec Jr., Krentz, Ward, Sutton, Parnell, Anderson, Ingersoll, Parrish, Lehman.

Nor-Cal Late Model Results - Race 8 - Silver State Raceway - August 8, 1998

Qualifying Times
33 Howard Ford 13.07
3 Rob Iverson 13.21
18 Randy Hedrick 13.23
35 Tim Bost 13.29
80 Jim Parnell 13.33
22 D.J. Krentz 13.36
12 Neil Merritt 13.40
77m C.J. Jahnke 13.44
15 Dane Nissen 13.49
02 Sal Lopez 13.51
99 Mike Sackett 13.56
94 Mic Moulton 13.64
93 Donna Fouts 13.65
68 Steve Parrish 13.67
9 Mark Ingersoll 13.68
5 Frank Howard 13.71
8 Richard Anderson 13.71
98 Hank Hilton 13.78
96 Mike Lehman 13.84
37 Sonny Wahl 13.93
35x Richard Lawler 13.96
77j Rob Ledbetter 14.21
23 Deniz 14.68

Results: Iverson, Merritt, Ford, ?, ?, Lopez, Ingersoll, Anderson, Moulton, Fouts

Nor-Cal Late Model Results - Race 7 - Redwood Acres Raceway - July 25, 1998

Qualifying
33 Howard Ford 15.702
48 Jim Walker 15.856
28 Tim McCracken 15.862
16 Rusty Olson 15.870
17 Randy Olson 15.886
35 Tim Bost 16.037
3 Rob Iverson 16.130
19 Dennis DelBiaggio 16.132
31 Bill Ward 16.152
9 Mark Ingersoll 16.158
80 Jim Parnell 16.194
02 Sal Lopez 16.213
15 Dane Nissen 16.232
94 Mic Moulton 16.251
5 Frank Howard 16.348
8 Richard Anderson 16.353
88 Ron Peters 16.404
22 D.J. Krentz 16.410
68 Steve Parrish 16.509
98 Hank Hilton 16.767
96 Gary Sellars 16.887
84 Ken Hallis 17.081
07 Chris Maupin 17.414
25 Glen Keys 17.850
3x Ben Twisselman 18.095
12 Neal Merritt DNQ
26 Paul Peeples, Jr. DNQ

A Trophy Dash: Rusty Olson, McCracken, Ford, Walker
B Trophy Dash: Moulton, Lopez, Parnell, Nissen
Heat Race 1: Ken Hallis, Hilton, Peeples, Jr.
Heat Race 2: Krentz, Walker, Moulton
Heat Race 3: Randy Olson, Peters, Ward
B Main Event: Peeples, Jr., Hallis, Hilton, Twisselman
Main Event: Tim McCracken, Iverson, Walker, Moulton, Bost, Ward, Ingersoll, Howard, Krentz, DelBiaggio.

Nor-Cal Late Model Results - Race 5 - Silver State Raceway - June 20, 1998

Qualifying
16 Rusty Olson 13.25
80 Jim Parnell 13.33
35 Tim Bost 13.33
50 Jerry Allec Jr. 13.34
33 Howard Ford 13.45
02 Sal Lopez 13.49
22 D.J. Krentz 13.57
5 Frank Howard 13.59
9 Mark Ingersoll 13.64
68 Steve Parrish 13.65
15 Dane Nissen 13.71
96 Mike Lehman 13.93
8 Richard Anderson 14.20
25 Glen Keyes 14.48
93 Donna Fouts 14.68
55 Tony Diaz 14.88
23 David Deniz 14.92

A Trophy Dash: Allec Jr., Bost, Olson, Parnell
B Trophy Dash: Lehman, Anderson, Nissen, Keyes
Heat Race 1: Lopez, Allec Jr., Howard
Heat Race 2: Nissen, Ingersoll, Ford
Main Event: Allec Jr., Olson, Ford, Parrish, Bost