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.
Historic videos, race reports and race results from various Northern California race tracks
Gary Jacob Archives
Showing posts with label Nick Green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nick Green. Show all posts
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Henderson, Mayo back in victory lane
By Matthew J. Sullivan
After a week off, racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday night for the annual Mother’s Day races. As always, the four local classes of real stocks, roadrunners, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman cars put on a great show for the fans in attendance.
Division rookie, Michael Lawrence took the trophy dash victory in the real stock division while the victor in the heat race was Nick Green. The feature event for the division was dominated by Matt Simon who led from the drop of the green flag. On the final lap, Simon got loose in turn two which allowed Green to take the lead and the victory. Lawrence took third followed by Harvey Holm and Leonard Ward.
Thanks in part to being the only driver who has started all three events in the real stock division, Lawrence holds a sizeable gap in the battle for the track championship. Lawrence’s margin over Green and Tyler Avelar who are tied for second is 44 points. The brother duo of Dustin and Ryan Walters is fourth in points with Simon fifth.
The roadrunner trophy dash winner was Jordon Paiment while the heat race winners were Gary Klinetobe and Paiment again. The main event featured a great battle between Jarrett Mayo and Paiment. Unfortunately, Paiment was collected in an incident with Ken Lawrence with both drivers unable to continue. Jarrett Mayo took his second main event win of the year ahead of Klinetobe, Kolby Jackson, Ken Barrett and Ryun Leazer.
Mayo’s victory allowed him to pull slightly farther ahead of Jackson in points with an 18 point gap. Tim Abeyta, Barrett and Klinetobe round out the top five with Paiment, Leazer, Gray Ethridge, Brett Murrell and Eugene Palmer sixth through tenth.
The Thunder Roadster trophy dash went to Thomas Payne while Lonnie Tamboury took the heat race win. David Henderson made his way through the field quickly in the main event and was absolutely dominant, creating a sizeable gap over the rest of the pack. Henderson easily took the main event victory over Payne, Mike Ward, Chris Sarvinski and Tamboury.
Saturday night’s victory helped boost Henderson in points after engine problems in the previous race. Henderson holds a slim six point lead over Sarvinski while Payne, Belinda Ward and Robbie Nelson complete the top five in Thunder Roadster points.
Brandon Barnwell looked to be the man to beat on the night in the sportsman division taking wins in the dash and the heat race. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse at the start of the main event. Going down the backstretch on the first lap, Barnwell and Kevin Estep got together forcing both cars hard into the wall and ending the race for both drivers. Dennis DelBiaggio made his first start of 2013 and was the class of the field winning handily over Angelo Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Ken Hallis.
Thanks to Barnwell’s misfortune, Marcelli took over the division point lead. Marcelli leads Barnwell by eight points. Demello lies third ahead of Jerry Peterson and Al Acuna.
Racing returns to the Acres this Saturday night with all four division returning to the track for what should be another exciting night of action.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Young Cristiani wins big on Fair Nights
Young Cristiani wins big on Fair Nights
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Making his first ever start at Redwood Acres Raceway, 17 year old Trevor Cristiani took the victory in the AABLM 75-lap feature event during the Redwood Acres Fair. Not only was it Cristiani’s first visit and win at the 3/8-mile paved oval, in addition it was his first career win in the AABLM touring series of which he is competing in full-time for the first time. Cristiani’s win solidified his top position in points making it an extraordinary task to catch the Ukiah, California driver. In local action, Dennis DelBiaggio took the win in the sportsman division while other main event winners were Paul Peeples, Jr. in the Thunder Roadster class, visiting driver Caity Miller in the roadrunners and Nick Green in the real stock division.
Ryan Robinson took the victory in the real stock trophy dash while Jim Redd won the heat race. The first lap of the main event saw trouble for 2010 real stock track champion, Casey Mitchell as his string of bad luck in 2011 continued with a flat left rear tire. Redd looked to be a serious contender for the victory but was sidelined by an overheating problem. The closing laps proved to be a race for the win between three yellow cars, Nick Green, Robinson and Donnie Hyman. Hyman looked to have second place from Robinson with only a handful of laps left but got loose off turn four, breaking his momentum. At the checkered flag, it was Green holding off Robinson and Hyman to win. Wyatt Roach placed fourth while Mark Williams was fifth.
Dylan Cook looked to be very strong in the roadrunner division on the night as he took home the win in the trophy dash and in the heat race. In the main event, it was an early battle of the brothers between Brett and Brian Murrell, Jr. until Brian took the lead. The race was marred by several incidents and by a lap 8 restart, Cook held the lead over visiting driver, Caity Miller from Santa Rosa. However, going into the first turn, Cook got loose and spun handing the lead to Miller. After a brief battle Brian Murrell, Jr., Miller ran away from the field and went to the checkered flag unchallenged. Cook was able to get back to second ahead of Murrell, Jr., Ken Barrett and Michael Lawrence.
The Thunder Roadster trophy dash went to Randy Olson while the heat win went to Paul Peeples, Jr. As expected, when Olson and Peeples are on the same track, they’re usually the two that have to be beat to win and it was no different on this night. Peeples and Olson ran nose to tail in first and second for the majority of the feature race. Peeples wasn’t seriously challenged until late in the going when traffic broke his momentum allowing Olson to move to his bumper. Olson was unable to mount a serious attack on Peeples for the lead and at the checkered flag it was Peeples winning over Olson, Lonnie Tamboury, Bruce Ziemer and Thomas Payne.
Larry Pries won the trophy dash but in the heat race he got loose and spun in turn four damaging his rear end. Brandon Barnwell won the heat. Kenny led the early stages of the main event from his pole starting position but he did not have enough strength to hold off Dennis DelBiaggio. For perhaps the first time all season, it was an uneventful race for DelBiaggio as he more or less cruised to the victory. Angelo Marcelli placed second, Larry Pries third, Brandon Barnwell fourth and Demello fifth.
The Airport Auto Brokers Late Model touring series made their first of two scheduled visits to the Acres this season. Crescent City driver, Howard Ford held off Roseville’s Eric Schmidt to win the trophy dash. The invert for the 75-lap feature was eight giving the front row to Jim Stillman and Jeremy Hopkins while fast qualifier, Randy Houston had to start eighth. There was trouble on the first lap as Jeremy Donahoo broke loose and spun between turns three and four. Ford had nowhere to go and nailed Donahoo’s spinning car forcing both drivers out of action. It was determined that the track had been severely oiled down. Officials brought the remainder of the field in the pits to allow the track crew, including promoter Rich Olson to clean the race track.
After a delay of over 30 minutes, the race resumed but not for long. Going into turn one, David Miller made contact with Corey James’ bumper sending James spinning into the wall. Behind him, several drivers including Miller, Schmidt and Houston spun to avoid him. Thankfully everyone was able to continue racing. The race was caution free from that point on with Junior Roddy the leader on the restart. Allen Gibney was going everything he could to hold off the faster cars but by lap eight Trevor Cristiani was able to maneuver to second. Fast time qualifier, Randy Houston lost power and drove to the pits. Cristiani wasted no time taking the lead from Roddy as he passed him as soon as he caught him. Not long later, James pulled his car into the infield. Schmidt and Miller both got by Roddy for second and third.
Miller looked to be the strongest car in the field and after finally getting by Schmidt, he closed quickly on Cristiani. Everything looked to be playing right in the hands of the more experienced Miller, but coming off turn four he spun. AABLM flagman, Johnny Miskill held off on the yellow as Miller got going again Cristiani now held a comfortable margin while Schmidt and Doss battled for second place. The handling on Schmidt’s car looked to get worse as the race went on and Doss was able to take second in the closing stages of the race. When the double checkered flags dropped, it was Cristiani winning handily over Doss, Schmidt and Miller, the only four cars on the lead lap.
Racing takes a one week break at the Acres before returning July 9th when the Tri-Track Modified series will make their first and only stop of the season. Following that, the AABLM series returns to the raceway for the second time the next race on July 30th.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Making his first ever start at Redwood Acres Raceway, 17 year old Trevor Cristiani took the victory in the AABLM 75-lap feature event during the Redwood Acres Fair. Not only was it Cristiani’s first visit and win at the 3/8-mile paved oval, in addition it was his first career win in the AABLM touring series of which he is competing in full-time for the first time. Cristiani’s win solidified his top position in points making it an extraordinary task to catch the Ukiah, California driver. In local action, Dennis DelBiaggio took the win in the sportsman division while other main event winners were Paul Peeples, Jr. in the Thunder Roadster class, visiting driver Caity Miller in the roadrunners and Nick Green in the real stock division.
Ryan Robinson took the victory in the real stock trophy dash while Jim Redd won the heat race. The first lap of the main event saw trouble for 2010 real stock track champion, Casey Mitchell as his string of bad luck in 2011 continued with a flat left rear tire. Redd looked to be a serious contender for the victory but was sidelined by an overheating problem. The closing laps proved to be a race for the win between three yellow cars, Nick Green, Robinson and Donnie Hyman. Hyman looked to have second place from Robinson with only a handful of laps left but got loose off turn four, breaking his momentum. At the checkered flag, it was Green holding off Robinson and Hyman to win. Wyatt Roach placed fourth while Mark Williams was fifth.
Dylan Cook looked to be very strong in the roadrunner division on the night as he took home the win in the trophy dash and in the heat race. In the main event, it was an early battle of the brothers between Brett and Brian Murrell, Jr. until Brian took the lead. The race was marred by several incidents and by a lap 8 restart, Cook held the lead over visiting driver, Caity Miller from Santa Rosa. However, going into the first turn, Cook got loose and spun handing the lead to Miller. After a brief battle Brian Murrell, Jr., Miller ran away from the field and went to the checkered flag unchallenged. Cook was able to get back to second ahead of Murrell, Jr., Ken Barrett and Michael Lawrence.
The Thunder Roadster trophy dash went to Randy Olson while the heat win went to Paul Peeples, Jr. As expected, when Olson and Peeples are on the same track, they’re usually the two that have to be beat to win and it was no different on this night. Peeples and Olson ran nose to tail in first and second for the majority of the feature race. Peeples wasn’t seriously challenged until late in the going when traffic broke his momentum allowing Olson to move to his bumper. Olson was unable to mount a serious attack on Peeples for the lead and at the checkered flag it was Peeples winning over Olson, Lonnie Tamboury, Bruce Ziemer and Thomas Payne.
Larry Pries won the trophy dash but in the heat race he got loose and spun in turn four damaging his rear end. Brandon Barnwell won the heat. Kenny led the early stages of the main event from his pole starting position but he did not have enough strength to hold off Dennis DelBiaggio. For perhaps the first time all season, it was an uneventful race for DelBiaggio as he more or less cruised to the victory. Angelo Marcelli placed second, Larry Pries third, Brandon Barnwell fourth and Demello fifth.
The Airport Auto Brokers Late Model touring series made their first of two scheduled visits to the Acres this season. Crescent City driver, Howard Ford held off Roseville’s Eric Schmidt to win the trophy dash. The invert for the 75-lap feature was eight giving the front row to Jim Stillman and Jeremy Hopkins while fast qualifier, Randy Houston had to start eighth. There was trouble on the first lap as Jeremy Donahoo broke loose and spun between turns three and four. Ford had nowhere to go and nailed Donahoo’s spinning car forcing both drivers out of action. It was determined that the track had been severely oiled down. Officials brought the remainder of the field in the pits to allow the track crew, including promoter Rich Olson to clean the race track.
After a delay of over 30 minutes, the race resumed but not for long. Going into turn one, David Miller made contact with Corey James’ bumper sending James spinning into the wall. Behind him, several drivers including Miller, Schmidt and Houston spun to avoid him. Thankfully everyone was able to continue racing. The race was caution free from that point on with Junior Roddy the leader on the restart. Allen Gibney was going everything he could to hold off the faster cars but by lap eight Trevor Cristiani was able to maneuver to second. Fast time qualifier, Randy Houston lost power and drove to the pits. Cristiani wasted no time taking the lead from Roddy as he passed him as soon as he caught him. Not long later, James pulled his car into the infield. Schmidt and Miller both got by Roddy for second and third.
Miller looked to be the strongest car in the field and after finally getting by Schmidt, he closed quickly on Cristiani. Everything looked to be playing right in the hands of the more experienced Miller, but coming off turn four he spun. AABLM flagman, Johnny Miskill held off on the yellow as Miller got going again Cristiani now held a comfortable margin while Schmidt and Doss battled for second place. The handling on Schmidt’s car looked to get worse as the race went on and Doss was able to take second in the closing stages of the race. When the double checkered flags dropped, it was Cristiani winning handily over Doss, Schmidt and Miller, the only four cars on the lead lap.
Racing takes a one week break at the Acres before returning July 9th when the Tri-Track Modified series will make their first and only stop of the season. Following that, the AABLM series returns to the raceway for the second time the next race on July 30th.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Champions crowned on Memorial night at the Acres
Champions crowned on Memorial night at the Acres
By Matthew J. Sullivan
The final points race of the season for the two of the five local divisions came and went this past Saturday night at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. In addition to champions being crowned, the event held a special air as it was the annual memorial night at the 3/8-mile paved oval facility, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Going into the night, the points race for the mini stock track championship was already locked up by the brother combination of Scott and Craig Baker. Craig Baker was behind the wheel of the car this night and took the win in the trophy dash over Brian McIntosh, Brian Murrell and Brian Murrell, Jr. Due to the car count, the division had to forego a heat race and ran a 10-lap main event. Baker had issues from the drop of the green flag and fell out of the event. McIntosh briefly took the lead but got loose off turn two allowing Murrell, Jr. to take the win. A brief caution flag served as a delay to Murrell, Jr’s victory celebration as he was able to take the main event victory ahead of his father, Murrell, Sr., Ken Barrett and McIntosh.
Ryan Walters won the real stock trophy dash over Steve Kimberling, Casey Mitchell and Ryan Robinson. Bill Middleton’s night was ended prematurely in the heat race when Nick Green pushed Middleton going into turn one. Middleton jumped on his brakes in attempt to slow down but was unable to as he hit the wall hard ending his night. Mitchell took the heat race victory ahead of Kimberling, Robinson, Doug Way and Matt Simon. Green took the race lead in the early stages of the main event. Mitchell proved to be the fastest car on the track but had to maneuver through the field before finally getting to the second spot with eight laps remaining in the 20-lap feature. Mitchell closed in with three laps remaining but could not mount a charge to get by Green. At the checkered flag it was Green winning over Mitchell, Robinson, Kimberling and Jim Redd.
Raleigh Willoughby won the roadrunner trophy dash over Nick Hansen, Robbie Nelson and Dax Kinsey. Nelson took the win in the heat race over Hansen, Kinsey, Kolby Jackson and Willoughby. Jackson held the lead at the start of the roadrunner main event while the faster cars tried to maneuver through traffic to get to the front. Hansen had power issues and pulled his car behind the wall on the second lap of the event. At the same time Hansen had his issues, Kinsey and Nelson got together on the back stretch resulting in Nelson getting a flat tire and the caution flying.
Kinsey was sent to the rear and the race restarted with Jackson leading brand-new father, Michael Lawrence on the restart. Willoughby looked poised to capitalize on his championship win with a main event win on the night as he got by Lawrence on lap 12. Willoughby worked on Jackson until finally finding the inside line coming off turn two on lap 16 to take the lead. The caution flew on lap 20 when Nelson spun Kinsey on the front stretch. Nobody was able to touch Willoughby after the restart and at the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning over Jackson, Lawrence, Tim Abeyta and Kinsey.
Paul Peeples, Jr. won the roadster dash over Tommy Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Bruce Ziemer. Rob Nelson held off Peeples to take the heat race win followed by Belinda Ward, Ziemer and Payne. Fergy Ferguson took the lead at the start of the main event, but after a brief caution flag and a restart, he could not hold off the faster car of Peeples as Peeples moved into the lead on lap two. Payne did his best to try to put pressure on Peeples, but it wasn’t enough for Peeples to make a mistake as he took the win over Payne, Ferguson, Ziemer and Ward.
The championship in the sportsman division was still wide-open between Mic Moulton and Angelo Marcelli. Moulton struck first with the trophy dash win followed by Joe McDonald, Larry Pries and Marcelli. McDonald took the heat race victory over Marcelli, Moulton, Jerry Peterson and Pries. Kenny Demello seized the lead in the main event from his pole position starting spot but by lap two, McDonald was there to take the spot away. On lap three, Demello spun between turns three and four. Marcelli spun to avoid Demello but unfortunately Jimmy Yarberry spun into Marcelli’s car damaging his front end. Fortunately Marcelli was able to return to action, unfortunately the track position he lost diminished his hopes for the sportsman track championship.
After the restart, McDonald pulled away as second place Ken Hallis did his best to hold off Pries for the second spot. On lap 11, the two came together with Hallis spinning into the infield bringing out the yellow. Pries was sent to the rear moving Moulton into second. This set the stage for a showdown that fans had been waiting for all season as McDonald and Moulton led the rest of the field to the restart. Moulton rode in McDonald’s mirror for the duration of the race. With six laps remaining in the race, the two ran into slower traffic. McDonald was better able to maneuver through the cars while Moulton lost a bit of ground. Moulton was able to close the gap but unable to make the necessary maneuver to take the lead away from McDonald. At the checkered flag it was McDonald victorious over Moulton, Peterson, Pries and Hallis. Nevertheless, Moulton’s strong finish was enough for him to take the sportsman division crown.
The annual Fall Spectacular is still to be run. Joining the real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadster cars will be the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds. The featured attraction for the weekend will be the 100-lap late model event. For the first time in several years, the Fall Spectacular will return to being a two-day event, Saturday September 25th and Sunday September 26th. Any questions concerning the Fall Spectacular should be made to Redwood Acres Raceway’s track office at 707-443-2118.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
The final points race of the season for the two of the five local divisions came and went this past Saturday night at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. In addition to champions being crowned, the event held a special air as it was the annual memorial night at the 3/8-mile paved oval facility, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Going into the night, the points race for the mini stock track championship was already locked up by the brother combination of Scott and Craig Baker. Craig Baker was behind the wheel of the car this night and took the win in the trophy dash over Brian McIntosh, Brian Murrell and Brian Murrell, Jr. Due to the car count, the division had to forego a heat race and ran a 10-lap main event. Baker had issues from the drop of the green flag and fell out of the event. McIntosh briefly took the lead but got loose off turn two allowing Murrell, Jr. to take the win. A brief caution flag served as a delay to Murrell, Jr’s victory celebration as he was able to take the main event victory ahead of his father, Murrell, Sr., Ken Barrett and McIntosh.
Ryan Walters won the real stock trophy dash over Steve Kimberling, Casey Mitchell and Ryan Robinson. Bill Middleton’s night was ended prematurely in the heat race when Nick Green pushed Middleton going into turn one. Middleton jumped on his brakes in attempt to slow down but was unable to as he hit the wall hard ending his night. Mitchell took the heat race victory ahead of Kimberling, Robinson, Doug Way and Matt Simon. Green took the race lead in the early stages of the main event. Mitchell proved to be the fastest car on the track but had to maneuver through the field before finally getting to the second spot with eight laps remaining in the 20-lap feature. Mitchell closed in with three laps remaining but could not mount a charge to get by Green. At the checkered flag it was Green winning over Mitchell, Robinson, Kimberling and Jim Redd.
Raleigh Willoughby won the roadrunner trophy dash over Nick Hansen, Robbie Nelson and Dax Kinsey. Nelson took the win in the heat race over Hansen, Kinsey, Kolby Jackson and Willoughby. Jackson held the lead at the start of the roadrunner main event while the faster cars tried to maneuver through traffic to get to the front. Hansen had power issues and pulled his car behind the wall on the second lap of the event. At the same time Hansen had his issues, Kinsey and Nelson got together on the back stretch resulting in Nelson getting a flat tire and the caution flying.
Kinsey was sent to the rear and the race restarted with Jackson leading brand-new father, Michael Lawrence on the restart. Willoughby looked poised to capitalize on his championship win with a main event win on the night as he got by Lawrence on lap 12. Willoughby worked on Jackson until finally finding the inside line coming off turn two on lap 16 to take the lead. The caution flew on lap 20 when Nelson spun Kinsey on the front stretch. Nobody was able to touch Willoughby after the restart and at the checkered flag it was Willoughby winning over Jackson, Lawrence, Tim Abeyta and Kinsey.
Paul Peeples, Jr. won the roadster dash over Tommy Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Bruce Ziemer. Rob Nelson held off Peeples to take the heat race win followed by Belinda Ward, Ziemer and Payne. Fergy Ferguson took the lead at the start of the main event, but after a brief caution flag and a restart, he could not hold off the faster car of Peeples as Peeples moved into the lead on lap two. Payne did his best to try to put pressure on Peeples, but it wasn’t enough for Peeples to make a mistake as he took the win over Payne, Ferguson, Ziemer and Ward.
The championship in the sportsman division was still wide-open between Mic Moulton and Angelo Marcelli. Moulton struck first with the trophy dash win followed by Joe McDonald, Larry Pries and Marcelli. McDonald took the heat race victory over Marcelli, Moulton, Jerry Peterson and Pries. Kenny Demello seized the lead in the main event from his pole position starting spot but by lap two, McDonald was there to take the spot away. On lap three, Demello spun between turns three and four. Marcelli spun to avoid Demello but unfortunately Jimmy Yarberry spun into Marcelli’s car damaging his front end. Fortunately Marcelli was able to return to action, unfortunately the track position he lost diminished his hopes for the sportsman track championship.
After the restart, McDonald pulled away as second place Ken Hallis did his best to hold off Pries for the second spot. On lap 11, the two came together with Hallis spinning into the infield bringing out the yellow. Pries was sent to the rear moving Moulton into second. This set the stage for a showdown that fans had been waiting for all season as McDonald and Moulton led the rest of the field to the restart. Moulton rode in McDonald’s mirror for the duration of the race. With six laps remaining in the race, the two ran into slower traffic. McDonald was better able to maneuver through the cars while Moulton lost a bit of ground. Moulton was able to close the gap but unable to make the necessary maneuver to take the lead away from McDonald. At the checkered flag it was McDonald victorious over Moulton, Peterson, Pries and Hallis. Nevertheless, Moulton’s strong finish was enough for him to take the sportsman division crown.
The annual Fall Spectacular is still to be run. Joining the real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadster cars will be the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds. The featured attraction for the weekend will be the 100-lap late model event. For the first time in several years, the Fall Spectacular will return to being a two-day event, Saturday September 25th and Sunday September 26th. Any questions concerning the Fall Spectacular should be made to Redwood Acres Raceway’s track office at 707-443-2118.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Season winding down as the AABLM series returns to the Acres
Season winding down as the AABLM series returns to the Acres
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Only five races remain in the 2010 season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. After seven events the true contenders for the track championships in the five divisions have become clear. Besides the points races drawing to a close, the final five events are all special events with the AABLM touring series making its second of two schedule points visits this weekend followed by Back-To-School Night on August 7th, Fan Appreciation Night on August 28th, the September 11th Memorial Race and the September 25th Fall Spectacular which the AABLM will be returning for a non-points, all-money event.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Scott Baker appears to have the mini stock points title well in hand as he holds a 57 point cushion over second place, Ken Barrett. Brian Murrell, Jr. sits third 97 markers behind Baker while Brian Murrell, Sr. and Brian McIntosh rest in fourth and fifth positions in the standings.
As usual, the real stock division has been ultra-competitive as six different drivers have taken home main event victories. Through it all, Casey Mitchell has been the most consistent as he has accumulated 525 points. Nick Green has been strong all season and is second with 502 points, 23 behind Mitchell. Ryan Robinson was the points leader earlier in the season, but issues during the June 26th Fair Night main event cost him dearly and he now is third with 486 points. The duo of Shawn Craig and Ryan Walters hold fourth with 463 points while Bill Middleton is fifth with 348.
The roadrunner division holds the distinction of having the most cars that have raced at the Acres this season, 20 in total. Raleigh Willoughby dominated the early portion of the season and though he’s had bad luck of late, he still holds a commanding lead over second place Dax Kinsey, 542 points to 471 points. Nick Hansen has been a strong competitor as the season has progress. He is third with 442 points. Jimmy Murray is fourth with 431 points and Dustin DelBiaggio is fifth with 369 points.
Although Paul Peeples, Jr. has been the commanding force in the thunder roadster division this season, he did not race on July 10. His absence allowed Tommy Payne to take the lead in the standings with 509 to Peeples 504. Brandon Barnwell in third and Mike Ward in fourth are still within striking distance with 488 and 482 points apiece while Chris Sarvinski is sixth with 414 points.
Ironically, the top two positions in the sportsman division are the same as in the thunder roadster division. Like Payne, Angelo Marcelli has 509 points and is the leader while Mic Moulton is second with 504. However, the gap to third is much closer with Dennis DelBiaggio at 501 points. Larry Pries still has an outside chance of taking the division title with 481 points while Jerry Peterson is out of it with 453 points.
As previously noted, the AABLM series joins the five local divisions at Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend, July 31st. In their last visit on May 22nd, David Miller was the dominant force taking the lead in the early stages of the race and running away by the end. With the series having been on break for more than a month, it’s likely that there will be a full field of cars and drivers who are excited to get back to racing.
Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (After 8 races)
Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Scott Baker 352, Barrett/Walford 295, Brian Murrell, Jr. 255, Brian Murrell, Sr. 210, Brian McIntosh 191, Ryan Ahrens 182, Craig Baker 79, Robbie Robinson 57, Ricky Davis 51
Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Casey Mitchell 525, Nick Green 502, Ryan Robinson 486, Craig/Walters 463, Bill Middleton 348, Ronnie O'Neill 333, Ray Middleton 269, Jim Redd 246, Doug Way 225, Dustin Walters 179, Wyatt Roach 125, Aaron Sandifer 97, Bob Lima 64, Landon Newell 50
Roadrunners
Track Record: Raleigh Willoughby 21.307
Raleigh Willoughby 542, Dax Kinsey 471, Nick Hansen 442, Jimmy Murray 431, Dustin DelBiaggio 369, Michael Lawrence 345, Charlie Anderson 321, Kolby Jackson 281, Robbie Nelson 279, Ken Barrett 264, Bill Snow 253, Kent Campbell 249, Tim Abeyta 233, Dylan Cook 221, Brett Murrell 208, Eric Rice 117, Pete Smith 64, Jake Moxon 63, Mark Benzinger 58, Kaveeta Chand 44
Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
Thomas Payne 509, Paul Peeples, Jr. 504, Brandon Barnwell 488, Mike Ward 482, Chris Sarvinski 414, Belinda Ward 412, Bruce Ziemer 410, Rob Nelson 363, Fergy Ferguson 298, Dave Henderson 290, Randy Olson 286, Jay Bahner 197, Jim Rich 157, Dan Maxwell 79, Robert Miller 62, Allen Olson 53, Dave McMurray 11
Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Angelo Marcelli 509, Mic Moulton 504, Dennis DelBiaggio 501, Larry Pries 481, Jerry Peterson 453, Kenny Demello 379, Joe McDonald 344, Al Acuna 221, Donnie Brown 212, Aaron Byers 181, Jim Walker 62, Scott Baker 51, Ken Hallis 48.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Only five races remain in the 2010 season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. After seven events the true contenders for the track championships in the five divisions have become clear. Besides the points races drawing to a close, the final five events are all special events with the AABLM touring series making its second of two schedule points visits this weekend followed by Back-To-School Night on August 7th, Fan Appreciation Night on August 28th, the September 11th Memorial Race and the September 25th Fall Spectacular which the AABLM will be returning for a non-points, all-money event.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Scott Baker appears to have the mini stock points title well in hand as he holds a 57 point cushion over second place, Ken Barrett. Brian Murrell, Jr. sits third 97 markers behind Baker while Brian Murrell, Sr. and Brian McIntosh rest in fourth and fifth positions in the standings.
As usual, the real stock division has been ultra-competitive as six different drivers have taken home main event victories. Through it all, Casey Mitchell has been the most consistent as he has accumulated 525 points. Nick Green has been strong all season and is second with 502 points, 23 behind Mitchell. Ryan Robinson was the points leader earlier in the season, but issues during the June 26th Fair Night main event cost him dearly and he now is third with 486 points. The duo of Shawn Craig and Ryan Walters hold fourth with 463 points while Bill Middleton is fifth with 348.
The roadrunner division holds the distinction of having the most cars that have raced at the Acres this season, 20 in total. Raleigh Willoughby dominated the early portion of the season and though he’s had bad luck of late, he still holds a commanding lead over second place Dax Kinsey, 542 points to 471 points. Nick Hansen has been a strong competitor as the season has progress. He is third with 442 points. Jimmy Murray is fourth with 431 points and Dustin DelBiaggio is fifth with 369 points.
Although Paul Peeples, Jr. has been the commanding force in the thunder roadster division this season, he did not race on July 10. His absence allowed Tommy Payne to take the lead in the standings with 509 to Peeples 504. Brandon Barnwell in third and Mike Ward in fourth are still within striking distance with 488 and 482 points apiece while Chris Sarvinski is sixth with 414 points.
Ironically, the top two positions in the sportsman division are the same as in the thunder roadster division. Like Payne, Angelo Marcelli has 509 points and is the leader while Mic Moulton is second with 504. However, the gap to third is much closer with Dennis DelBiaggio at 501 points. Larry Pries still has an outside chance of taking the division title with 481 points while Jerry Peterson is out of it with 453 points.
As previously noted, the AABLM series joins the five local divisions at Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend, July 31st. In their last visit on May 22nd, David Miller was the dominant force taking the lead in the early stages of the race and running away by the end. With the series having been on break for more than a month, it’s likely that there will be a full field of cars and drivers who are excited to get back to racing.
Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (After 8 races)
Mini Stocks
Track Record: Craig Baker 18.597
Scott Baker 352, Barrett/Walford 295, Brian Murrell, Jr. 255, Brian Murrell, Sr. 210, Brian McIntosh 191, Ryan Ahrens 182, Craig Baker 79, Robbie Robinson 57, Ricky Davis 51
Real Stocks
Track Record: Shawn Craig 18.763
Casey Mitchell 525, Nick Green 502, Ryan Robinson 486, Craig/Walters 463, Bill Middleton 348, Ronnie O'Neill 333, Ray Middleton 269, Jim Redd 246, Doug Way 225, Dustin Walters 179, Wyatt Roach 125, Aaron Sandifer 97, Bob Lima 64, Landon Newell 50
Roadrunners
Track Record: Raleigh Willoughby 21.307
Raleigh Willoughby 542, Dax Kinsey 471, Nick Hansen 442, Jimmy Murray 431, Dustin DelBiaggio 369, Michael Lawrence 345, Charlie Anderson 321, Kolby Jackson 281, Robbie Nelson 279, Ken Barrett 264, Bill Snow 253, Kent Campbell 249, Tim Abeyta 233, Dylan Cook 221, Brett Murrell 208, Eric Rice 117, Pete Smith 64, Jake Moxon 63, Mark Benzinger 58, Kaveeta Chand 44
Thunder Roadsters
Track Record: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.839
Thomas Payne 509, Paul Peeples, Jr. 504, Brandon Barnwell 488, Mike Ward 482, Chris Sarvinski 414, Belinda Ward 412, Bruce Ziemer 410, Rob Nelson 363, Fergy Ferguson 298, Dave Henderson 290, Randy Olson 286, Jay Bahner 197, Jim Rich 157, Dan Maxwell 79, Robert Miller 62, Allen Olson 53, Dave McMurray 11
Sportsman
Track Record: Shawn Andrews 15.794
Angelo Marcelli 509, Mic Moulton 504, Dennis DelBiaggio 501, Larry Pries 481, Jerry Peterson 453, Kenny Demello 379, Joe McDonald 344, Al Acuna 221, Donnie Brown 212, Aaron Byers 181, Jim Walker 62, Scott Baker 51, Ken Hallis 48.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
McDonald bests DelBiaggio in Acres season opener
McDonald bests DelBiaggio in Acres season opener
By Matthew J. Sullivan
The 2010 racing season opened this past weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway to windy, but clear and rain-free skies. A glorious opening night crowd welcomed the drivers in the five local divisions and the racing on the track was more than enough to keep the crowd thrilled and excited throughout the cool and crisp night weather.
The season for the mini stock division started off on somewhat of a bad note. After a spin by Craig Baker to bring out the restart flag in the trophy dash, Baker made contact with Brian Murrell on the restart sending both drivers spinning. After a third restart, the two came together again off the second turn with both Baker and Murrell hitting the wall hard. Both drivers exited their cars and it was obvious that neither was happy with the other. Unfortunately, both cars were damaged to the point where they couldn’t race the rest of the night. Brian Murrell, Jr. was able to take the trophy dash victory over Scott Baker. Because of the unfortunate incident in the dash, the minis did not run a heat race and had a 10-lap main event. Murrell, Jr. had problems from the drop of the green and it allowed Scott Baker to cruise to the win over rookie driver, Ken Barrett and former Pro-4 modified driver, Robbie Robinson.
Defending real stock champion, Ryan Walters was sporting a new number in a ride he’ll be sharing with Shawn Craig this season. Walters won the real stock dash ahead of Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson and Wyatt Roach who race the roadrunner class in 2009. Robinson took the heat race victory over Roach, Walters, Redd and Casey Mitchell. Nick Green was able to recover from heat race car problems to take the feature event win followed by Robinson, Mitchell, Walters and Redd.
The roadrunner division turned out an impressive 13 cars on the night. Raleigh Willoughby took the trophy dash over Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson and Jimmy Murray. Kolby Jackson held off Dax Kinsey to win the hotly contested heat race. Willoughby, Eric Rice and Kent Campbell rounded out the top five finishers. Willoughby was able to maneuver his car from the tail end of the field to the front, passing Kinsey to take his first ever main event victory. Murray, Charlie Anderson and Mark Benzinger followed closely behind.
It was a familiar site in the thunder roadster class as defending division track champion, David Henderson fought off Paul Peeples, Jr. to win the trophy dash. Brandon Barnwell and Tommy Payne finished out the dash field. The first heat race saw an unfortunate incident in the third turn. Bruce Ziemer tried to maneuver his car under Jay Bahner’s but Ziemer got loose and turned Bahner’s car around collecting Fergy Ferguson who was making his first start in the thunder roadster division. Bahner would return in the main event while Ferguson was done for the evening. Robert Miller won the heat after having issues in qualifying. He was followed by Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich and Rob Nelson who was driving Peeples, Jr’s backup car after having issues with his own machine. Peeples, Jr. was able to sneak by Barnwell and Henderson when the two came together to win the second heat over Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Mike Ward.
The main event started off with an unfortunate incident. After completing the first lap, Barnwell appeared to have a steering problem going into the first turn as he went up the track into Nelson. Amongst the confusion, Henderson’s right rear got damage. In the aftermath, Barnwell and Nelson were done while Henderson pulled his car into the pits and was unable to return. After the restart, Mike Ward tried all he could to fight off the faster car of Peeples but it wasn’t enough as Peeples was able to maneuver by into the lead and the race win. Ward held on for second while Payne finished third, Miller fourth and Ziemer fifth.
Nine sportsman cars showed up for the night. In the trophy dash, Larry Pries was able to move by Mic Moulton to take the win followed by Dennis DelBiaggio and Joe McDonald. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli and Al Acuna. The start of the sportsman main event proved to be similar to the thunder roadster start. Coming off the fourth turn to complete the first lap, outside front row starter, Peterson got loose and into the side of pole-sitter Acuna. Behind them everyone but Donnie Brown was able to maneuver safely by. After the restart, Mic Moulton looked to have the car to beat but lost power in his car resulting in a caution flag.
The resulting restart saw Marcelli leading McDonald. Marcelli briefly held off McDonald but eventually McDonald took the top position with DelBiaggio slotting in behind. As the green flag laps continued, DelBiaggio looked to have a better car than McDonald. DelBiaggio moved to the outside of McDonald and the two staged a side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel race that had the fans on their feet with excitement. DelBiaggio looked to have the pass nearly completed on lap 19 going into the third turn when he and McDonald briefly came together, a product of the close racing. It was enough for McDonald to regain the lead. DelBiaggio tried to mount a challenge in the closing stages of the race but didn’t have enough laps as McDonald took the win over DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Larry Pries.
Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday May 1st for Pepsi Night at the Acres.
Race Results
Mini Stocks
Trophy Dash: Brian Murrell, Jr., Scott Baker, Craig Baker
Main Event: S. Baker, Ken Barrett, Robbie Robinson, Murrell, Jr.
Real Stocks
Trophy Dash: Ryan Walters, Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson, Wyatt Roach
Heat Race: Robinson, Roach, Walters, Redd, Casey Mitchell, Ray Middleton, Landon Newell, Nick Green, Ronnie O’Neil
Main Event: Green, Robinson, Mitchell, Craig, Redd, Middleton, Roach, Newell, O’Neil
Roadrunners
Trophy Dash: Raleigh Willougby, Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson, Jimmy Murray
Heat Race: Kolby Jackson, Dax Kinsey, Willoughby, Eric Rice, Kent Campbell, Nelson, Charlie Anderson, Murray, Mark Benzinger, Russell Robinson, Nick Hansen, Dustin DelBiaggio, Cook
Main Event: Willoughby, Kinsey, Murray, Anderson, Benzinger, Rice, Nelson, DelBiaggio, Robinson, Hansen, Jackson, Cook
Thunder Roadsters
Trophy Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Brandon Barnwell, Tommy Payne
Heat Race 1: Robert Miller, Bruce Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich, Rob Nelson, Jay Bahner, Fergy Ferguson
Heat Race 2: Peeples, Jr., Payne, Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward, Barnwell, Henderson
Main Event: Peeples, Jr., M. Ward, Payne, Miller, Ziemer, Bahner, B. Ward, Rich, Sarvinski, Henderson, Nelson, Barnwell
Sportsman
Trophy Dash: Larry Pries, Mic Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio, Joe McDonald
Heat Race: Jerry Peterson, McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli, Al Acuna, Pries, Kenny Demello, Moulton, Donnie Brown
Main Event: McDonald, DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Demello, Pries, Peterson, Moulton, Acuna, Brown.
Points Standings After Race 1
Mini Stocks: S. Baker 64, Robinson 57, Murrell, Jr. 56, Barrett 54, C. Baker 11
Real Stocks: Robinson 69, Green 65, Walters 63, Mitchell 62, Redd 60, Roach 58, Middleton 55, Newell 50, O’Neil 46
Roadrunners: Willoughby 75, Kinsey 71, Murray 64, Anderson 62, Rice 61, Benzinger 58, Nelson 58, Jackson 54, DelBiaggio 49, Robinson 49, Hansen 46, Campbell 46, Cook 41
Thunder Roadsters: Peeples, Jr. 73, Payne 64, Miller 62, M. Ward 62, Ziemer 59, B. Ward 54, Bahner 53, Rich 51, Sarvinski 49, Henderson 47, Nelson 44, Barnwell 41, Ferguson 11
Sportsman: McDonald 72, DelBiaggio 68, Marcelli 63, Pries 61, Peterson 60, Acuna 52 Brown 46.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
The 2010 racing season opened this past weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway to windy, but clear and rain-free skies. A glorious opening night crowd welcomed the drivers in the five local divisions and the racing on the track was more than enough to keep the crowd thrilled and excited throughout the cool and crisp night weather.
The season for the mini stock division started off on somewhat of a bad note. After a spin by Craig Baker to bring out the restart flag in the trophy dash, Baker made contact with Brian Murrell on the restart sending both drivers spinning. After a third restart, the two came together again off the second turn with both Baker and Murrell hitting the wall hard. Both drivers exited their cars and it was obvious that neither was happy with the other. Unfortunately, both cars were damaged to the point where they couldn’t race the rest of the night. Brian Murrell, Jr. was able to take the trophy dash victory over Scott Baker. Because of the unfortunate incident in the dash, the minis did not run a heat race and had a 10-lap main event. Murrell, Jr. had problems from the drop of the green and it allowed Scott Baker to cruise to the win over rookie driver, Ken Barrett and former Pro-4 modified driver, Robbie Robinson.
Defending real stock champion, Ryan Walters was sporting a new number in a ride he’ll be sharing with Shawn Craig this season. Walters won the real stock dash ahead of Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson and Wyatt Roach who race the roadrunner class in 2009. Robinson took the heat race victory over Roach, Walters, Redd and Casey Mitchell. Nick Green was able to recover from heat race car problems to take the feature event win followed by Robinson, Mitchell, Walters and Redd.
The roadrunner division turned out an impressive 13 cars on the night. Raleigh Willoughby took the trophy dash over Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson and Jimmy Murray. Kolby Jackson held off Dax Kinsey to win the hotly contested heat race. Willoughby, Eric Rice and Kent Campbell rounded out the top five finishers. Willoughby was able to maneuver his car from the tail end of the field to the front, passing Kinsey to take his first ever main event victory. Murray, Charlie Anderson and Mark Benzinger followed closely behind.
It was a familiar site in the thunder roadster class as defending division track champion, David Henderson fought off Paul Peeples, Jr. to win the trophy dash. Brandon Barnwell and Tommy Payne finished out the dash field. The first heat race saw an unfortunate incident in the third turn. Bruce Ziemer tried to maneuver his car under Jay Bahner’s but Ziemer got loose and turned Bahner’s car around collecting Fergy Ferguson who was making his first start in the thunder roadster division. Bahner would return in the main event while Ferguson was done for the evening. Robert Miller won the heat after having issues in qualifying. He was followed by Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich and Rob Nelson who was driving Peeples, Jr’s backup car after having issues with his own machine. Peeples, Jr. was able to sneak by Barnwell and Henderson when the two came together to win the second heat over Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Mike Ward.
The main event started off with an unfortunate incident. After completing the first lap, Barnwell appeared to have a steering problem going into the first turn as he went up the track into Nelson. Amongst the confusion, Henderson’s right rear got damage. In the aftermath, Barnwell and Nelson were done while Henderson pulled his car into the pits and was unable to return. After the restart, Mike Ward tried all he could to fight off the faster car of Peeples but it wasn’t enough as Peeples was able to maneuver by into the lead and the race win. Ward held on for second while Payne finished third, Miller fourth and Ziemer fifth.
Nine sportsman cars showed up for the night. In the trophy dash, Larry Pries was able to move by Mic Moulton to take the win followed by Dennis DelBiaggio and Joe McDonald. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli and Al Acuna. The start of the sportsman main event proved to be similar to the thunder roadster start. Coming off the fourth turn to complete the first lap, outside front row starter, Peterson got loose and into the side of pole-sitter Acuna. Behind them everyone but Donnie Brown was able to maneuver safely by. After the restart, Mic Moulton looked to have the car to beat but lost power in his car resulting in a caution flag.
The resulting restart saw Marcelli leading McDonald. Marcelli briefly held off McDonald but eventually McDonald took the top position with DelBiaggio slotting in behind. As the green flag laps continued, DelBiaggio looked to have a better car than McDonald. DelBiaggio moved to the outside of McDonald and the two staged a side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel race that had the fans on their feet with excitement. DelBiaggio looked to have the pass nearly completed on lap 19 going into the third turn when he and McDonald briefly came together, a product of the close racing. It was enough for McDonald to regain the lead. DelBiaggio tried to mount a challenge in the closing stages of the race but didn’t have enough laps as McDonald took the win over DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Larry Pries.
Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday May 1st for Pepsi Night at the Acres.
Race Results
Mini Stocks
Trophy Dash: Brian Murrell, Jr., Scott Baker, Craig Baker
Main Event: S. Baker, Ken Barrett, Robbie Robinson, Murrell, Jr.
Real Stocks
Trophy Dash: Ryan Walters, Jim Redd, Ryan Robinson, Wyatt Roach
Heat Race: Robinson, Roach, Walters, Redd, Casey Mitchell, Ray Middleton, Landon Newell, Nick Green, Ronnie O’Neil
Main Event: Green, Robinson, Mitchell, Craig, Redd, Middleton, Roach, Newell, O’Neil
Roadrunners
Trophy Dash: Raleigh Willougby, Dylan Cook, Robbie Nelson, Jimmy Murray
Heat Race: Kolby Jackson, Dax Kinsey, Willoughby, Eric Rice, Kent Campbell, Nelson, Charlie Anderson, Murray, Mark Benzinger, Russell Robinson, Nick Hansen, Dustin DelBiaggio, Cook
Main Event: Willoughby, Kinsey, Murray, Anderson, Benzinger, Rice, Nelson, DelBiaggio, Robinson, Hansen, Jackson, Cook
Thunder Roadsters
Trophy Dash: David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr., Brandon Barnwell, Tommy Payne
Heat Race 1: Robert Miller, Bruce Ziemer, Belinda Ward, Jim Rich, Rob Nelson, Jay Bahner, Fergy Ferguson
Heat Race 2: Peeples, Jr., Payne, Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward, Barnwell, Henderson
Main Event: Peeples, Jr., M. Ward, Payne, Miller, Ziemer, Bahner, B. Ward, Rich, Sarvinski, Henderson, Nelson, Barnwell
Sportsman
Trophy Dash: Larry Pries, Mic Moulton, Dennis DelBiaggio, Joe McDonald
Heat Race: Jerry Peterson, McDonald, DelBiaggio, Angelo Marcelli, Al Acuna, Pries, Kenny Demello, Moulton, Donnie Brown
Main Event: McDonald, DelBiaggio, Marcelli, Demello, Pries, Peterson, Moulton, Acuna, Brown.
Points Standings After Race 1
Mini Stocks: S. Baker 64, Robinson 57, Murrell, Jr. 56, Barrett 54, C. Baker 11
Real Stocks: Robinson 69, Green 65, Walters 63, Mitchell 62, Redd 60, Roach 58, Middleton 55, Newell 50, O’Neil 46
Roadrunners: Willoughby 75, Kinsey 71, Murray 64, Anderson 62, Rice 61, Benzinger 58, Nelson 58, Jackson 54, DelBiaggio 49, Robinson 49, Hansen 46, Campbell 46, Cook 41
Thunder Roadsters: Peeples, Jr. 73, Payne 64, Miller 62, M. Ward 62, Ziemer 59, B. Ward 54, Bahner 53, Rich 51, Sarvinski 49, Henderson 47, Nelson 44, Barnwell 41, Ferguson 11
Sportsman: McDonald 72, DelBiaggio 68, Marcelli 63, Pries 61, Peterson 60, Acuna 52 Brown 46.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Olson breaks through to win, Barnwell victorious
Olson breaks through to win, Barnwell victorious
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Race number ten of the 2009 racing season at Redwood Acres Raceway occurred this past Saturday night. A beautiful Summer day turned to a cool and cloudy evening that was more akin to Spring. Nevertheless, it was another thrilling night of action on the 3/8-mile paved oval.
Five of the six local divisions partook in the night’s events. Unfortunately the limited street stock class did not race due to a low car turnout. Donnie Hyman won the real stock trophy dash beating Ryan Walters, Pat Conway and Jim Redd. Hyman followed up with a victory in the heat race ahead of Ryan Walters, Casey Mitchell, Dustin Walters and Conway. The 20 lap feature race proved to be a rough-and-tumble affair as there were an unusual number of incidents in what has been a very clean division throughout the 2009 season. Coming to the green flag, Dustin Walters who was outside of row one and Jim Redd who was outside of row two got sideways and spun at the same time. Redd hit the wall while Walters spun into the infield. Redd’s car was severely damaged but both were able to continue.
After a complete restart, Russ Robinson took the lead before he was turned by Dustin Walters in turn four bringing out a yellow flag before lap one had been completed. Walters was given the black flag and was forced into the pits for the rest of the race. Hyman inherited the lead over Conway, but by lap two Ryan Walters had moved into second. The top two pulled away from the rest of the field and dueled for the top spot. It was a tooth-and-nail duel as Walters occasionally used his bumper to try to pressure Hyman out of the lead. On lap 14, Robinson spun off turn four. At the same point, Walters and Hyman made contact off turn two sending Hyman spinning into the infield. Walters suffered damage to his nose and was forced to restart at the rear for his involvement in the incident. Doug Way took the lead on the restart, but coming off turn two he and Conway made contact spending Way spinning out of the lead. Conway was put to the rear of the field allowing Nick Green to take the lead. Green was able to lead the final four laps to take the victory over Redd, Hyman, Walters and Conway for his first main event victory of the year.
Brian McIntosh won the mini stock trophy dash over Craig Baker, Scott Baker and Brian Murrell, Jr. He backed that up with a heat race victory over Craig Baker, Scott Baker, Steve Smith and Jesse Chown. McIntosh took the lead from the front row in the 15-lap main event and held it before lap 2 when Murrell, Jr. got loose in turn two and spun bringing out the yellow flag. Craig Baker got a good jump on the restart and was able to pass McIntosh for the lead. Baker was able to pull out several car lengths over McIntosh, but with the laps winding down McIntosh was able to close in. On lap 11, McIntosh and Craig Baker made contact in turn one sending Baker spinning. Scott Baker was unable to slow down quick enough and hit McIntosh sending him into the infield and giving Baker the apparent lead. Under caution, Scott Baker was told to go to the rear by the officials. Baker decided to pull his car into the pits while McIntosh was able to keep his lead. The final three laps were incident free as McIntosh made a clean sweep on the night, taking the win over Murrell, Jr., Chown and Craig Baker.
The roadrunner division had a stout car count on the night with the addition of several new drivers. Joe Mitchell took the trophy dash over Wyatt Roach, Scott Campbell and Dustin DelBiaggio. Dylan Cook took the heat race win over Nick Bundy, Campbell, Roach and Charlie Anderson. The 20-lap feature was clean from the drop of the green to the drop of the checkered flag. Cook took the lead from the start while the field sorted out. While Cook pulled out to a comfortable margin, the best race in the field was between Anderson and Roach. The two raced side-by-side for the duration of the race. Roach was never able to use the high line to his advantage though. Mitchell was able to get by Roach and by Anderson by lap 18. At the front though, Cook had the field covered winning over Campbell handily. Mitchell finished third, Anderson fourth and Roach fifth.
Brandon Barnwell was doing double-duty on the night. In addition to driving his sportsman car, Barnwell was behind the wheel of Donn Cole’s thunder roadster. David Henderson won the thunder roadster trophy dash over Barnwell, Tommy Payne and Bruce Ziemer. Robert Miller won the first heat race ahead of Mike Ward, Shane Toole, Rob Nelson and Dave McMurray. Randy Olson made his first appearance of the 2009 season sporting an orange and white car. Olson won the second heat race over Jay Bahner, Ziemer, Barnwell and Payne. Ward took the lead early on in the 30-lap main event from his outside front row starting position. By lap two, Miller and Olson had moved into the third and fourth positions and looked prime to give Ward a challenge for the lead. Miller found the traction off turn two on lap three and got inside of Ward going into the third turn. Coming off turn four, both Ward and Miller pushed up allowing Olson to dive under making it three-wide across the stripe. The three went into turn one together but coming off turn two Olson was able to take the lead over Miller and Ward. Going into the third turn, Barnwell was able to take third from Ward. Two laps later, Barnwell was past Miller for second.
The caution flew on lap six when Henderson and Payne made contact off turn four. Payne’s left front tire got in touch with Henderson’s right rear sending Payne into the wall. Payne was okay but his car was done for the night. Henderson didn’t suffer any noticeable damage, but the incident seemed to hinder his car. Unlike all of the races prior, Henderson was not a factor for the race win on this night. After the restart, the best battle on the track was for the race lead. Olson and Barnwell fought a very clean battle for the top spot. On several occasions, it appeared as though Barnwell was going to use the low line to get by Olson, however Olson managed to pull his car out enough to prevent Barnwell from getting the positioning needed to challenge him for the lead. At the checkered flag it was Olson winning over Barnwell and Miller. Henderson claimed fourth while Ward finished fifth. Olson’s victory made him only the third different winner in the thunder roadster division this season. Prior to this race, every main event victory had been claimed by either David Henderson or Paul Peeples, Jr.
Larry Pries held off Brandon Barnwell, Dennis DelBiaggio and Angelo Marcelli to take the trophy dash win in the sportsman division. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over DelBiaggio, Pries, Barnwell and Marcelli. In the 25-lap feature, Marcelli took the lead from the start. While Lissa Uselton dropped out after the first lap, Barnwell was quick to pounce on Peterson for second. On lap three, Barnwell moved high on Marcelli for the lead. The two went door handle-to-door handle for the next few laps before Barnwell was able to take the lead. On lap 8, Barnwell got under Marcelli for second. This opened the door for DelBiaggio and Pries to take third and fourth. It was single file after that and at the checkered flag it was Barnwell winning over Peterson, DelBiaggio, Pries and Marcelli.
The next event at Redwood Acres Raceway takes place Saturday August 8. Joining the local divisions will be the Pro-4 Modifieds who will be making their second appearance of 2009.
By Matthew J. Sullivan
Race number ten of the 2009 racing season at Redwood Acres Raceway occurred this past Saturday night. A beautiful Summer day turned to a cool and cloudy evening that was more akin to Spring. Nevertheless, it was another thrilling night of action on the 3/8-mile paved oval.
Five of the six local divisions partook in the night’s events. Unfortunately the limited street stock class did not race due to a low car turnout. Donnie Hyman won the real stock trophy dash beating Ryan Walters, Pat Conway and Jim Redd. Hyman followed up with a victory in the heat race ahead of Ryan Walters, Casey Mitchell, Dustin Walters and Conway. The 20 lap feature race proved to be a rough-and-tumble affair as there were an unusual number of incidents in what has been a very clean division throughout the 2009 season. Coming to the green flag, Dustin Walters who was outside of row one and Jim Redd who was outside of row two got sideways and spun at the same time. Redd hit the wall while Walters spun into the infield. Redd’s car was severely damaged but both were able to continue.
After a complete restart, Russ Robinson took the lead before he was turned by Dustin Walters in turn four bringing out a yellow flag before lap one had been completed. Walters was given the black flag and was forced into the pits for the rest of the race. Hyman inherited the lead over Conway, but by lap two Ryan Walters had moved into second. The top two pulled away from the rest of the field and dueled for the top spot. It was a tooth-and-nail duel as Walters occasionally used his bumper to try to pressure Hyman out of the lead. On lap 14, Robinson spun off turn four. At the same point, Walters and Hyman made contact off turn two sending Hyman spinning into the infield. Walters suffered damage to his nose and was forced to restart at the rear for his involvement in the incident. Doug Way took the lead on the restart, but coming off turn two he and Conway made contact spending Way spinning out of the lead. Conway was put to the rear of the field allowing Nick Green to take the lead. Green was able to lead the final four laps to take the victory over Redd, Hyman, Walters and Conway for his first main event victory of the year.
Brian McIntosh won the mini stock trophy dash over Craig Baker, Scott Baker and Brian Murrell, Jr. He backed that up with a heat race victory over Craig Baker, Scott Baker, Steve Smith and Jesse Chown. McIntosh took the lead from the front row in the 15-lap main event and held it before lap 2 when Murrell, Jr. got loose in turn two and spun bringing out the yellow flag. Craig Baker got a good jump on the restart and was able to pass McIntosh for the lead. Baker was able to pull out several car lengths over McIntosh, but with the laps winding down McIntosh was able to close in. On lap 11, McIntosh and Craig Baker made contact in turn one sending Baker spinning. Scott Baker was unable to slow down quick enough and hit McIntosh sending him into the infield and giving Baker the apparent lead. Under caution, Scott Baker was told to go to the rear by the officials. Baker decided to pull his car into the pits while McIntosh was able to keep his lead. The final three laps were incident free as McIntosh made a clean sweep on the night, taking the win over Murrell, Jr., Chown and Craig Baker.
The roadrunner division had a stout car count on the night with the addition of several new drivers. Joe Mitchell took the trophy dash over Wyatt Roach, Scott Campbell and Dustin DelBiaggio. Dylan Cook took the heat race win over Nick Bundy, Campbell, Roach and Charlie Anderson. The 20-lap feature was clean from the drop of the green to the drop of the checkered flag. Cook took the lead from the start while the field sorted out. While Cook pulled out to a comfortable margin, the best race in the field was between Anderson and Roach. The two raced side-by-side for the duration of the race. Roach was never able to use the high line to his advantage though. Mitchell was able to get by Roach and by Anderson by lap 18. At the front though, Cook had the field covered winning over Campbell handily. Mitchell finished third, Anderson fourth and Roach fifth.
Brandon Barnwell was doing double-duty on the night. In addition to driving his sportsman car, Barnwell was behind the wheel of Donn Cole’s thunder roadster. David Henderson won the thunder roadster trophy dash over Barnwell, Tommy Payne and Bruce Ziemer. Robert Miller won the first heat race ahead of Mike Ward, Shane Toole, Rob Nelson and Dave McMurray. Randy Olson made his first appearance of the 2009 season sporting an orange and white car. Olson won the second heat race over Jay Bahner, Ziemer, Barnwell and Payne. Ward took the lead early on in the 30-lap main event from his outside front row starting position. By lap two, Miller and Olson had moved into the third and fourth positions and looked prime to give Ward a challenge for the lead. Miller found the traction off turn two on lap three and got inside of Ward going into the third turn. Coming off turn four, both Ward and Miller pushed up allowing Olson to dive under making it three-wide across the stripe. The three went into turn one together but coming off turn two Olson was able to take the lead over Miller and Ward. Going into the third turn, Barnwell was able to take third from Ward. Two laps later, Barnwell was past Miller for second.
The caution flew on lap six when Henderson and Payne made contact off turn four. Payne’s left front tire got in touch with Henderson’s right rear sending Payne into the wall. Payne was okay but his car was done for the night. Henderson didn’t suffer any noticeable damage, but the incident seemed to hinder his car. Unlike all of the races prior, Henderson was not a factor for the race win on this night. After the restart, the best battle on the track was for the race lead. Olson and Barnwell fought a very clean battle for the top spot. On several occasions, it appeared as though Barnwell was going to use the low line to get by Olson, however Olson managed to pull his car out enough to prevent Barnwell from getting the positioning needed to challenge him for the lead. At the checkered flag it was Olson winning over Barnwell and Miller. Henderson claimed fourth while Ward finished fifth. Olson’s victory made him only the third different winner in the thunder roadster division this season. Prior to this race, every main event victory had been claimed by either David Henderson or Paul Peeples, Jr.
Larry Pries held off Brandon Barnwell, Dennis DelBiaggio and Angelo Marcelli to take the trophy dash win in the sportsman division. Jerry Peterson took the heat race win over DelBiaggio, Pries, Barnwell and Marcelli. In the 25-lap feature, Marcelli took the lead from the start. While Lissa Uselton dropped out after the first lap, Barnwell was quick to pounce on Peterson for second. On lap three, Barnwell moved high on Marcelli for the lead. The two went door handle-to-door handle for the next few laps before Barnwell was able to take the lead. On lap 8, Barnwell got under Marcelli for second. This opened the door for DelBiaggio and Pries to take third and fourth. It was single file after that and at the checkered flag it was Barnwell winning over Peterson, DelBiaggio, Pries and Marcelli.
The next event at Redwood Acres Raceway takes place Saturday August 8. Joining the local divisions will be the Pro-4 Modifieds who will be making their second appearance of 2009.
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