Henderson honors friend, sweeps Back-To-School races

Henderson honors friend, sweeps Back-To-School races

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was Back-To-School Night at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night. To celebrate the occasion, track promoters, Rich and Linda Olson along with several raceway fans and sponsors donated backpacks and school supplies to children who signed up at the souvenir booth. Several drivers went into this past Saturday evening’s event with heavy hearts with the passing of former thunder roadster competitor, Chris Banfill. Banfill had been reported missing in late July and was found dead near the town of Rio Dell last week. His death was ruled a suicide due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Before the racing took place, drivers took to the track in their cars with a memorial lap and ceremony where a Corvette with Banfill’s number 25 passed through the middle of the field to take the checkered flag at the start/finish line.

The real stock trophy dash was won by rookie driver, Harvey Holm while Dax Kinsey took the trophy in the heat race. The feature proved to be a tough night for several drivers thanks to a handful of wrecks. Contact between Donnie Hyman and Holm entering the third turn on lap two collected Tyler Avelar and William Sand with Sand being the victim of a busted radiator. Kinsey looked to have the strongest car but had a battle on his hands trying to get by leader, Dustin Walters. While trying to make a run on the outside, Kinsey got loose and hit the turn two wall hard forcing him out of the race. Walters was able to hold on to win over Holm, Jim Redd and Hyman.

In roadrunner action, Brett Murrell took the trophy dash victory. The heat races were won by Michael Lawrence and Ken Barrett. The feature was slowed only once when Kayla Foster was turned by Barrett entering the first turn on the first lap. Thomas Halvorsen was the main victim as he received unrepairable damage that knocked him out of the race. Murrell tore through the field on the restart and absolutely dominated the race, winning handily over Lawrence, Jarrett Mayo and Tim Abeyta.

The Northern California Pro-4 Modified cars returned to the Acres for the second time in 2012. Kevin Barba won the trophy dash with the heat race victories going to Marty Lewis and Greg Van Cleave. The 25-lap feature was cut to 20 laps due to several wrecks and lengthy cleanup time. The scariest incident of the race came in the final handful of laps when Chris Straka made an error going into the third turn racing with Van Cleave for the lead, taking both cars out. Straka’s car hit the wall head on but was able to walk away from the incident unharmed. The incident handed the lead to Curt Lewis and he held off Van Cleave to take the victory while Neo Nuno and Fredy Champagne finishing third and fourth.

David Henderson was the man to beat in the thunder roadster division as he took the wins in the trophy dash and the heat race. Fergy Ferguson led the early few laps in the feature before getting passed by Alan Olson. Olson did all he could to hold off Henderson but was only able to do it for so long before Henderson found the inside line to take the lead. Olson fell back to third when Paul Peeples, Jr. took second from him. Henderson took the flag first in what had to be an emotional night for him as he and Banfill had been good friends. Peeples finished second over Olson and Bruce Ziemer.

Brandon Barnwell was victorious in the sportsman trophy dash while Dennis DelBiaggio took the checkers first in the heat race. Al Acuna led early in the main event before Barnwell was able to take the lead. DelBiaggio looked to have the best car in the field but saw misfortune when he and Acuna made contact sending Acuna spinning and DelBiaggio to the rear of the field. Kenny Demello did all he could to pressure Barnwell but the former track champion never faltered as he took the victory with Demello, DelBiaggio and Angelo Marcelli finishing in his wake.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday September 8th for Five Dollar Fan Appreciation Night. Fans who have ticket stubs from five previous races this season get in free while those that don’t will be able to attend for only five dollars.

Redwood Acres Raceway set to open the 2011 season

Redwood Acres Raceway set to open the 2011 season

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It’s that time of year again when the roar of the engines fill the ears of eager fans and the sight of fast cars thrill young and old alike. The 2011 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is less than two weeks away. This past weekend, an open practice was held to whet everyone’s appetite while also giving drivers and crew members a chance to test out new cars and/or new setups going into the year.

Several cars representing all four local divisions were in attendance on what was a cold and windy day. Larry Pries, Angelo Marcelli, Dennis DelBiaggio and rookie, Jeremy Yarberry were on hand to test their sportsman cars. Bruce Ziemer, Paul Peeples Jr. and Randy Olson were out for the thunder roadster cars along with 2010 track champion, Thomas Payne and Chris Sarvinski sporting a new number and new colors. Several roadrunners were in attendance, Kolby Jackson chief among them along with Brett Murrell and Michael Lawrence. Real Stock rookie, Dax Kinsey was the lone driver in that division who took advantage of the practice.

The 2011 schedule for Redwood Acres Raceway spans 15 races in 14 weeks beginning April 16th and ending September 24th and 25th in the season finale, the Fall Spectacular. For the second straight year, the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model touring series will be joining the regular program. The AABLM will be racing at the Acres twice in 2011, first on June 25th during the Redwood Acres Fair and July 23rd. The Tri-Track Challenge Modified Series will be making it’s only stop on July 9th. This is the first time in several years that the I.M.C.A. Modifieds have raced at Redwood Acres Raceway. The popular Northern California Pro-4 Modified tour will be making three stops to the Acres, first on June 4th, later on August 27th along with the Fall Spectacular weekend in September. As usual, the feature event for the season ending Fall Spectacular will be the 100-lap late model open race. Many of the drivers from the AABLM series are expected to take part in the event, along with other drivers from the region.

Redwood Acres Raceway would like everyone to know of their new website www.redwoodacresraceway.info . You can direct any questions to track promoters Rich and Linda Olson by calling the track office 707-442-3232 and leaving a message. It promises to be another exciting year of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway. Don’t miss out!

2011 Redwood Acres Raceway Schedule
April 16th - Best Appearing Car Contest
April 30th - Pepsi Night
May 7th - Mother's Day Race
May 21st
June 4th - Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds
June 11th - Father's Day Race
June 25th - Fair Race - Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
July 9th - Tri-Track Challenge Modified Series
July 23rd - Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
July 30th - $5 Night
August 6th - California Truckers Association Appreciation Night
August 27th - Back-To-School Night - Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds
September 10th - Memorial Race
September 24th & 25th - Fall Spectacular Open Show Featuring Late Models and Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds

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.

Tight racing, wrecks highlight Fan Appreciation Night

Tight racing, wrecks highlight Fan Appreciation Night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Hundreds of fans showed up this past Saturday night for Fan Appreciation Night at Redwood Acres Raceway, the 11th race of the 2010 season. Race fans were able to witness the night’s action for free thanks to Bear River Casino sponsoring the event. The racers in the five local divisions as well as the visiting Northern California Pro-4 Modified cars did not disappoint as there was everything one would expect watching a race wrapped up into one night; tight racing, close finishes and a couple wild incidents.

Things got off on a bad note in the mini stock trophy dash for Ricky Davis as he got loose off turn two and hit the backstretch wall nose-first, ending his night prematurely. Craig Baker took the dash win over Brian Murrell and Brian McIntosh. Baker then went on to win the heat race ahead of McIntosh and Murrell. McIntosh took the lead early in the main event but Baker was quick to get to the front. On lap two, Baker moved outside and past McIntosh for the lead. Brian Murrell, Jr. and Murrell were able to move into second and third by McIntosh a lap later. Baker appeared to be on his way to an easy victory before getting caught up with Steve Stone while trying to pass him. The caution flew with Murrell, Jr. in the lead but his engine blew under the caution period in spectacular fashion. Murrell, Jr. exited his car okay while the flames died down from under his hood. Murrell restarted in the lead but could not hold off Baker as he took the lead the next lap. At the flag it was Baker sweeping the night over Murrell, McIntosh, Ken Barrett and Stone.

Ryan Robinson took the flag first in the real stock trophy dash over Casey Mitchell and Nick Green. Jim Redd held off Ronnie O’Neill in the heat race for the win followed by Green, Doug Way and Mitchell. Way took the lead from the start of the main event ahead of Green and Mitchell. Way did his best to hold off the two cars but on lap four Mitchell moved under and by Way coming off turn two. Green was able to follow Mitchell to move into second. O’Neill began making his way to the front as he took third away from Way on lap six but unfortunately O’Neill got sideways off turn four collecting Robinson and bringing out the caution flag. O’Neill was sent to the rear and after the restart Mitchell and Green pulled away from Way as he fought off the faster cars of Redd and O’Neill. O’Neill looked poised to take the third position away from Way on lap 12 but his engine came apart coming down the front straight ending his night. Mitchell was able to fend off Green in the final laps to take the win followed by Way, Robinson and Bill Middleton.

The roadrunner trophy dash win went to Nick Hansen over Kolby Jackson, Raleigh Willoughby and Robbie Nelson. Hansen then took the heat race win ahead of Nelson, Dax Kinsey, Willoughby and Michael Lawrence. It was a land rush from the drop of the green flag of the main event as Ken Barrett took the lead ahead of Brett Murrell and the rest of the field. On lap two, Jackson and Nelson both moved by Murrell into the second and third positions. On lap four, Nelson found a line under Jackson going into turn three to take second. Kinsey took third from Jackson a lap later just as Nelson moved under Barrett for the race lead. Going into turn one, Kinsey got into the back of Nelson got then got into Barrett sending the two into the infield and bringing out the caution flag. Hansen was able to take the lead amongst the confusion and led Kinsey and the rest of the field to the restart. Kinsey briefly regained the race lead before Hansen took it back. Hansen held a comfortable lead until the last two laps when he ran into slower traffic. Kinsey was able to close in on the final lap and made a move under Hansen coming off the fourth turn. The two raced to the checkered flag and crossed the line in a dead heat. Hansen was determined to be the winner over Kinsey followed by Willoughby, Nelson and Jackson.

The Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds made their first appearance at the Acres this season. Greg Van Cleave won the trophy dash over Kyle Tellstrom, Jake Tillman and Neo Nuno. The heat race win went to Nuno over Tillman and Tellstrom. The main event proved to be one of the best races of the season so far at the Acres. Nuno, Tellstrom and Tillman proved to be the class of the field by separating themselves from the pack and having their own race. Nuno held the lead until lap 12 when Tellstrom found the high line to his liking. The two raced into turn three wheel-to-wheel with the slower car of Robbie Robinson just in front. Coming off four, it was three wide between Nuno, Robinson and Tellstrom with Tellstrom taking the lead and Tillman following behind into second while Nuno fell to third. Tillman shadowed Tellstrom for the duration of the race, even as the two had to maneuver through heavy lapped traffic. In the end, Tellstrom fought Tillman off to take the win while Nuno held on for third.

David Henderson took home the thunder roadster trophy dash win over Paul Peeples, Jr., Tommy Payne and Chris Sarvinski. Peeples won the heat race over Henderson, Payne, Ray Elliott and Fergy Ferguson. Elliott took the lead from his pole starting spot in the main over Al Olson in the early going. On lap two, Payne moved under Olson to take the second position bringing Henderson and Peeples with him. Henderson was able to get under Payne the next lap and the two fought for the second position. On the fifth lap it was settled as Henderson slotted into second with Peeples following into third and Payne in fourth. On lap six, Olson got severely sideways coming off turn four. Amazingly, he saved his race car but lost fifth and sixth spots to Ferguson and Bruce Ziemer in the process. The top four ran nose-to-tail for the duration of the event with Elliott doing everything he could to fight off Henderson and the others. With just a handful of laps left, Henderson moved outside and by Elliott coming off the second turn. Henderson remained unchallenged from that point on crossing the line first over Elliott, Peeples, Payne and Ferguson. Unfortunately, Henderson’s car did not pass post-race technical inspection and the event win went to Elliott.

The sportsman division saw its strongest turnout of cars for the season with 12 showing up for the evening. Joe McDonald claimed the victory in the trophy dash ahead of Mic Moulton, Larry Pries and Dennis DelBiaggio. Donnie Brown won the first heat race over Scott Baker, Angelo Marcelli, Al Acuna and Kenny Demello. Jerry Peterson took the second heat followed by Moulton, McDonald, Ken Hallis and Pries. The feature event for the sportsman cars proved to be the roughest race of the night. Brown spun on the initial start bringing out the caution flag and a complete restart. On the second lap the caution flew when Pries spun between turns three and four after contact with Hallis. After the restart, Marcelli held the lead over Peterson and McDonald. McDonald moved under Peterson for second on lap six. Coming off turn two, Peterson spun bringing out another yellow.

McDonald did not waste any time taking the lead after the restart as he moved under and by Marcelli on lap seven. DelBiaggio tried to use the high line to get by Marcelli but could not get the traction necessary and lost the third spot to Moulton on lap nine. McDonald was in his own area code while Marcelli fought off Moulton, DelBiaggio and Pries for second. The caution flew on lap 19 when Acuna spun into the turn four infield. On the restart, DelBiaggio moved under Moulton going into turn one. The two tangled with DelBiaggio’s car climbing on the side of Moulton’s. Behind them Peterson and Brown had nowhere to go and were collected in the melee. DelBiaggio and Brown were finished for the night while Peterson was able to continue and Moulton was able to later rejoin the race. It looked as though McDonald’s biggest challenge would come from Pries after the restart but unfortunately Pries suffered a flat tire and had to pit. McDonald was on cruise control the rest of the evening and handily took the win ahead of Marcelli, Peterson and Baker.

The next race at the Acres is the Memorial Race on Saturday September 11th. It will be the final night of points racing for the mini stock and sportsman divisions. A schedule change has been made for the Fall Spectacular. It is now a two day show scheduled for September 25th and 26th. Divisions scheduled for the end of the year race include the local real stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadsters. Joining will be the late models for the 100-lap event.

McCormack makes late pass to win 100 lapper

McCormack makes late pass to win 100 lapper

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Beautiful weather graced Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway this past Friday and Saturday for the season finale Fall Spectacular event. Friday evening featured local divisions of real stocks, mini stocks, roadrunners and thunder roadsters along with late models while real stocks, roadrunners, thunder roadsters and late models returned on Saturday as well as the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds. The track championships in the real stock, mini stock and roadrunner divisions were still up for grabs going into the weekend, making it very important to survive and race both nights.

It appeared as though the battle for the track championship was going to take a major turn in the mini stock trophy dash when points leader Craig Baker’s car broke. Scott Baker won the dash over Brian Murrell, Jr. and Jesse Chown. Fortunately for Craig Baker, fellow driver Steve Smith turned his car over to him allowing Baker to continue to race for the night. Brian Murrell won the heat race ahead of Craig Baker, Chown, Scott Baker and Murrell, Jr. Scott Baker held off Chown to win the main event while Craig Baker took third and the mini stock track championship. McIntosh was fourth and Murrell fifth.

Shawn Craig took the Friday night real stock trophy dash victory driving Dustin Walters’ car. Casey Mitchell, Pat Conway and Ryan Walters rounded out the finishers. Conway took the heat race win over Craig, Mitchell, Walters and Ray Middleton. Walters took the Friday night main event win ahead of Mitchell, Russell Robinson, Craig and Middleton. There was a big scare in the Saturday night dash when Mitchell and Redd made contact sending Redd headlong into the pit entrance. Fortunately Redd was okay, but his car was destroyed and he was finished for the night. Walters took the dash over Mitchell and Craig. Mitchell won the heat ahead of Craig, Walters, Ray Middleton and Bill Middleton. Walters then went on to win the main event and wrap up the track championship for the real stocks. Mitchell was second while Conway, Ray Middleton and Bill Middleton finished out the top five.

Things got a bit heated between Wyatt Roach and Dax Kinsey in the Friday night trophy dash resulting in Kinsey receiving a black flag. Dustin DelBiaggio took the win over Jimmy Murray. Kinsey won the heat over Roach, Kent Campbell, Eric Rice and DelBiaggio. Roach took the main event victory ahead of Murray, DelBiaggio, Kinsey and Rice but the big story happened when Raleigh Willoughby was coming to the finish line. Coming off the fourth corner, Willoughby got sideways and tried to correct his car. Willoughby’s tires dug into the pavement and sent his car flipping approximately four times before landing on its wheels. Willoughby climbed out of his car and let the fans know he was all right by climbing to his car’s roof and standing with his arms in the air. Roach continued his winning ways Saturday with the dash victory over DelBiaggio, Murray and Bill Snow. Roach followed up with the heat race victory over DelBiaggio, Aaron Sandifer, Snow and Campbell. Roach made it a clean sweep on the night with the main event victory ahead of DelBiaggio, Rice, Campbell and Charlie Anderson who took the roadrunner track championship.

The Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds visited the Acres for a non-points event on Saturday evening. Ken Gifford took the trophy dash over Curt Lewis, Kevin Barba and Codi Barba. Lewis took the heat race victory over Gifford, Codi Barba, Kevin Barba and Stan Buschman. Codi Barba won the main event ahead of Kevin Barba, Gifford, Buschman and Steve Smith.

The thunder roadsters took to the track for a non-points event for the weekend. Brandon Barnwell won the trophy dash on Friday night ahead of Paul Peeples, Jr., 2009 thunder roadster track champion, David Henderson and Mike Ward. The finishes of the heat races determined the start of the Saturday evening main event. Peeples, Jr. won the first head ahead of Barnwell, Ray Elliott, Rob Nelson and Belinda Ward. Henderson won the second heat over Robert Miller, Tommy Payne, Bruce Ziemer and Mike Ward. With the first six positions getting the invert, this gave the pole position to Payne with Elliott on his outside. Payne grabbed the lead from the start of the 50-lap feature before the field was slowed when caution flew for Chris Sarvinski. The rest of the race ran clean and green from that point on. Henderson was clearly the class of the field on this night as he took the lead from his fifth starting position on lap four and never looked back. The best battle of the race was for third, fourth and fifth between Miller, Peeples and Barnwell. At the checkered flag it was Henderson winning by nearly a straightaway over second place Payne. Miller, Peeples and Barnwell finished third through fifth.

Randy Houston set quick time for the late model cars but his car broke while warming up prior to the trophy dash ending his weekend prematurely. Mike Lovell took the dash over Jeremy Hopkins and Junior Roddy. Like the thunder roadster cars, the finish of the late model heats determined the starting lineup of the main event. Northern California racing legend and local favorite, Jim Walker excited the fans in the first heat taking the victory over Joe McDonald, Noel McCormack, Roddy and Rod McCombs. Unfortunately, Berndt Akerstrom broke during the first heat and was finished for the event. Local sportsman driver, Jerry Peterson surprised folks by taking the victory in the second heat ahead of Keith Nelson, Robert Miller, Corey James and Kevin Ostern.

The first six were inverted giving pole position to Miller with McCormack starting outside the front row. It was a clean start for the 100-lap feature before caution fell on lap two when Ostern spun in the first turn infield. After the restart, the caution flew quickly when Walker and Roddy made contact going into turn three. Walker suffered minor damage and returned to the track briefly before retiring shortly thereafter. The racing went green for another 10 circuits until the caution dropped on lap 12 for Nelson’s car in the turn four wall. The best racing of the night took place for what would be the longest period of green flag action. McCormack rode constantly in Miller’s mirror while McDonald in third looked to take advantage of any mistake made by either driver. Things got interesting when the field caught up to lap McCombs. Though McCombs tried his best to give the leaders room to race, the pack bunched up behind him. Miller was able to clear McCombs while McDonald was able to sneak into second as McCormack tried his best to fend off Peterson for third. McCormack was able to hold off Peterson while on the high line, and then get back by McDonald for second before the caution flew on lap 49 when Mike Doss went for a ride through the front stretch infield.

The action slowed several times between the halfway and three-quarter lap marks. On lap 58, the yellow came for Scott Lenz who had spun in turn four. The caution flew on lap 59 to clean up debris from contact between Roddy and Peterson. After a brief period of racing, the caution flew again on lap 68 when Lovell spun out from fourth position. Corey James also spun to avoid Lovell and both were able to continue racing. Racing resumed and things remained status quo up front between Miller, McCormack and McDonald until lap 76 when McCormack found the low line under Miller going into the first turn to take the lead. McDonald was able to follow behind to take the second position. Miller now had to fight off Doss for third. The two raced door-handle-to-door-handle for several laps before Doss took the position on lap 82. On lap 83, Hopkins and Roddy made contact while racing for the fifth position in turns three and four bringing out the caution flag for the final time. On the restart, Doss’ car slowed and he drove his car to the pits. While McCormack and McDonald drove away from the field, Ostern began to give Miller trouble for third. On lap 90, Ostern moved high and past Miller for third. At the front, McDonald was unable to mount a challenge on McCormack for the lead and at the finish it was McCormack winning over McDonald, Ostern, Miller and Lovell. Allen Gibney, James, Roddy, Hopkins and Lenz finished out the top 10.

Congratulations to Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2009 track champions, sportsman driver, Dennis DelBiaggio; thunder roadster driver, David Henderson; roadrunner driver, Charlie Anderson; mini stock driver, Craig Baker and real stock driver, Ryan Walters.

Racing at the Acres closes with the Fall Spectacular this weekend

Racing at the Acres closes with the Fall Spectacular this weekend

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It should be a big weekend of racing this Friday and Saturday at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka, CA. Besides local championship races being decided in the real stocks, mini stocks and roadrunners, late models along with the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds will also be joining the show.

The real stock and mini stock divisions are slated to run on Friday evening only unless both divisions are able to pick up enough cars to warrant racing for both nights. In the real stocks, Ryan Walters holds a firm 69 point lead over Casey Mitchell in second place. It is highly unlikely that Walters will lose his lead unless he is unable to race at all this weekend. In the mini stock division, Craig Baker leads his brother Scott by six points. The two brothers dueled for the victory in the main event on September 12th and its almost certain that they will be fighting each other head-to-head once again for the track championship. The race for the roadrunner track title has closed significantly. Points leader, Charlie Anderson has had misfortune the past two events which has allowed Dylan Cook to close the gap to eight points. Dustin DelBiaggio and Jimmy Murray are also still within striking distance to claim the title if both Anderson and Cook falter this weekend.

The Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds are slated to join the action for Saturday evening. Curt Lewis was able to beat Codi Barba by a mere five points this past weekend at Shasta Raceway Park to claim the series crown for 2009. With no points on the line, it should be an exciting and wide-open race for the win. 14 cars have pre-entered for the 100 lap late model show with several other drivers having stated commitment to show up as well. Among the notables are Northern California racing legend, Jim Walker of Ferndale, CA; 2009 Airport Auto Brokers Late Model series champion, Kevin Ostern of Lucerne, CA; 2009 Redwood Acres Raceway sportsman track champion, Dennis DelBiaggio of Ferndale, CA; former Acres open winner, David Miller of Coquille, OR and former North State Challenge Series late model champion, Mike Doss of Lakeport, CA.

Friday night will feature qualifying, trophy dashes and heat races for the late models while the local divisions will run main events in addition to the preliminary races. Saturday night the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds will join the show. The roadrunners will likely run heats and another main event while the real stocks and mini stocks will do the same if the car count allows. Finally, the late models will run their 100-lap feature to close out the 2009 season of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway. Racing begins at 6:30PM both nights. Don’t miss out on what’s likely to be a very exciting weekend of racing at the Acres.

Drivers Pre-Entered for the 100-lap Late Model Event:
01 - Larry Pries
04 - Rod McCombs
07 - Jerry Peterson
9 - Randy Houston
09 - Joe McDonald
15 - Mike Lovell
19 - Dennis DelBiaggio
22 - Dave Miller
36 - Kevin Ostern
37 - Berndt Akerstrom
41 - Junior Roddy
48 - Jim Walker
51 - Scott Lenz
75 - Mike Doss

DelBiaggio, Olson and Lewis victorious

DelBiaggio, Olson and Lewis victorious

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was another glorious evening at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night. The beautiful summer sunshine bathed the 3/8-mile paved oval for the Acres’ 11th event of the season. Although the limited street stock class was again missing from the night’s scheduled events, the other five local divisions were joined by the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds who were making their second and final visit to the raceway this season.

Scott Baker was the winner in the mini stock trophy dash over Craig Baker, Brian Murrell, Jr. and Brian McIntosh. Because the division only had five cars on the night, officials chose to skip running a heat race for the class. The 15-lap main event was shortened to 10 laps after Scott Baker, McIntosh and Steve Smith wrecked in turns one and two. Baker recovered and was able to continue but McIntosh and Smith were forced to the pits for the rest of the race. Murrell, Jr. had issues spinning in turn two and bringing a caution out after the first restart, and then again a few laps later. Unfortunately, Murrell’s car was unable to continue leaving the two Baker brothers to duel for the lead. On the last lap, Scott pushed his car a bit too hard and spun. This allowed Craig to cruise to the victory helping close the points gap that Scott had going into the race.

The real stock trophy dash was taken by Dustin Walters over his brother Ryan, while Pat Conway and Casey Mitchell finished the pack out. Ryan Robinson won the heat race ahead of Jim Redd, Ryan Walters, Mitchell and Donnie Hyman. Unlike the previous race on July 25th, the 15-lap real stock main event was clean, save for an unfortunate spin off turn two by Redd. Robinson was able to use his pole position start to full advantage as he was able to lead wire-to-wire taking the checkered flag over Mitchell, Ryan Walters, Conway and Dustin Walters.

The roadrunner division had its lowest car count in a number of weeks. Wyatt Roach took the trophy dash win over Charlie Anderson, Dustin DelBiaggio and Bill Snow. Anderson won the heat race ahead of Snow, Dylan Cook, DelBiaggio and Roach. Things got a bit too exciting in the 15-lap feature event when the track car driven by Evon Schumeier and Snow made contact coming out of turn two. Schumeier’s front bumper fell off in front of his front tires while Snow hit the turn-three wall likely due to a cut tire from the bumper. After the complete restart, DelBiaggio and Roach quickly moved to the first and second positions by the end of the first lap. On lap 2, Roach moved inside and past DelBiaggio for the race lead. The best battle for the rest of the race was for fifth between Erin Sandiferd and Raleigh Willoughby. Willoughby was able to take the lead late in the going. At the checkered flag, it was Roach taking the comfortable win over Cook, DelBiaggio, Anderson and Willoughby.

Johnny Barker took the trophy dash victory for the Northern California Pro-4 Modified cars over Curt Lewis, Greg Van Cleave and Jake Tillman. Barker followed that up with a heat race victory ahead of Van Cleave, Codi Barba, Tillman and Curt Lewis. Barker swiftly maneuvered his way to the front of the field from the rear in the 25-lap main event. Caution flew early on for Tillman who was leaking fluid onto the track. After the restart, Van Cleave moved into second behind Barker. The front two cars were the class of the field as Barker held a five to six car-length gap over Van Cleave in second. With only four laps remaining, Van Cleave spun in turn two. Unfortunately, Van Cleave was not able to get going again and was finished for the race. The restart allowed Barba to try to put up a fight for the lead but coming off turn four with two laps remaining Barba spun. At the same time, Barker’s car started to misfire. Coming to the white flag, Curt Lewis and Marty Lewis both got by Barker for first and second. It was a drag race to the line but Curt Lewis was able to beat Marty Lewis to the line for the win. Barker held on for third while Barba was fourth and Stan Bushman took fifth.

Thunder Roadster driver, Paul Peeples, Jr. returned to the Acres after a two race absence but had engine problems in practice and did not race on the evening. David Henderson fought off Randy Olson, Mike Ward and Tommy Payne in the trophy dash to win. After a long absence from the Acres, Ray Elliott returned to win the first heat race for the roadsters over Jay Bahner, Chris Sarvinski, Dave McMurray and Belinda Ward. Olson won the second heat beating Henderson, Robert Miller, Bruce Ziemer, Payne and Mike Ward. McMurray led the field to the green in the 30-lap feature event and put the pole position to good use, taking the lead from the start. The caution fell on lap two when Dan Browne and Payne made contact between turns three and four sending Payne spinning. Browne was sent to the rear of the field with Payne and the race resumed.

On the restart, Elliott tried to put pressure on the leader McMurray. Meanwhile, Sarvinski, Miller, Henderson and Olson were quickly moving to the front. Miller pushed high in turns one and two on lap four allowing Henderson and Olson to use the low line to get by. The next lap, Henderson moved under Sarvinski for third with Olson following in his path. On lap seven, Elliott spun off turn four while battling Henderson for the second position. McMurray had his hands full on the restart with both Henderson and Olson filling his mirrors. Henderson tried to use the high line to quickly get by McMurray for the lead but it left a spot for Olson to fall in on the bottom behind McMurray. Coming off turn four on lap 9, Olson was able to get under McMurray. Olson took the position the next lap with Miller following by past Henderson and McMurray.

Henderson quickly regrouped and moved by McMurray and then Miller on subsequent laps to get into second. Henderson rode in Olson’s mirror before lap 25 when he found a line under Olson coming off the fourth turn. The two raced wheel-to-wheel going into turn one, but Olson managed to shut the door on Henderson. The duo ran nose-to-tail until the final lap when Henderson moved under Olson coming off turn four. Olson was able to win the drag race to the line to take his second straight victory. Miller finished third with Mike Ward fourth and McMurray taking fifth.

Northern California racing legend, Jim Walker qualified his familiar blue 48 car for the sportsman division but did not take part in the racing action. Dennis DelBiaggio took the honors in the trophy dash winning ahead of Brandon Barnwell, Jerry Peterson and Larry Pries. Lissa Uselton fought off the pack to take the heat race win over Peterson, Angelo Marcelli, Barnwell and DelBiaggio. Uselton started on the pole position for the 30-lap main event and took the lead in the early going. Kavin Conn spun off the fourth turn on lap two. While Conn was coming back on the track, Uselton had to quickly slow down allowing to pass and take the lead. Pries, Barnwell and Peterson also took advantage of Uselton’s misfortune getting by her.

On lap 6, Pries moved outside and past Marcelli bringing DelBiaggio with him. A few laps later, DelBiaggio took the lead from Pries while Barnwell and Peterson moved by Marcelli at the same time. DelBiaggio was on rails and went unchallenged the rest of the race winning over Pries, Barnwell, Peterson and Marcelli.

Racing at the Acres returns in two weeks on August 22nd with Back-To-School Night. Only three races remain after that with Fan Appreciation Night on August 29th, the Judy Fox Memorial Race on September 12th and the Fall Spectacular on September 26th featuring late models and the I.M.C.A. Modifieds.

Binns bags IMCA win

Binns bags IMCA win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

An exciting conclusion to the season at Redwood Acres Raceway happened in the featured IMCA modified event between Bill Binns and Gary Lowblad with Binns taking the feature victory. Also visiting the Acres were the NCI-4 modifieds. In their main event, the 4 brought home the main event victory. In real stock action, Rick Fox took the victory home in the first day’s action while on the second day, Jimmy Thornbury won after finishing behind two cars that were later deemed illegal. In the sportsman division, David Henderson took his first ever main event win. Phil Wood continued his dominance in the mini stock division winning all five races that were held for the class on the weekend.

On the first night of mini stock action, Phil Wood won the trophy dash over title rival Jason Rhodes. In the heat race, Rhodes had big trouble as going into turn one on the outside of Matt Wolf as Wolf got loose and collected Rhodes car. Both cars hit the wall with Rhodes’ car ending up sitting on the wall itself. Thankfully, neither car was damaged severely and both were able to continue for the rest of the events. Wood took the victory over Rhodes, Brian Murrell and Joe McDonald Senior.

Wolfe and Rhodes brought the field to the green flag in the first of the weekends two main events for the mini stocks. Within a mere two laps though, Wood had taken his car to the lead. An unfortunate incident happened coming off of turn four on the second lap when Murrell, McDonald and Tosh Frye were collected in a wreck that forced Frye out of action. After the restart, it was smooth sailing for Wood as he took the win over Rhodes, Wolf and Chad Grammer.

The second day seemed to be a mirror image as the first, at least as far as whom the winner was. In the heat race Wood won over Rhodes, Wolf and McDonald. In the main, Rhodes took the early advantage over the field and ran away with the lead. By lap five, Wood had moved his way into second and he began to slowly chip away at Rhodes’ lead.

With five laps to go, Wood began to close in fast. With three laps remaining, Rhodes ran into the slower car of Grammer. Wood took advantage and closed on the back of Rhodes’ car. With one lap to go, coming off of turn two, Rhodes made an outside move on Grammer. Wood found enough room in the bottom lane and made a brilliant pass by both Grammer and Rhodes. Mini stock champion, Phil Wood continued his dominance on the weekend taking home trophy number five over five time runner up Rhodes, Murrell and McDonald.

In the sportsman division trophy dash, Roger Sanderson took the win over David Henderson, Al Acuna and Shawn Andrews. In the heat race, Pat Walsh held off a hard charging Sanderson to win with Acuna and Henderson following closely behind. With the sunshine on the track Sunday, Walsh and Sanderson led the field to the green flag.

Walsh held the lead early but didn’t run away from Sanderson or the rest of the field. Sanderson kept the pressure on Walsh’s bumper and on lap 10 he made his way past Walsh. Henderson and Acuna took advantage of Walsh running the high line and moved past him as well. On lap 19, Mike Marcelli, driving the car normally piloted by his father, sportsman division champion, Angelo, spun resulting in the caution flag. It was deemed that Andrews had spun out Marcelli and he was sent to the back. After the restart, on lap 21 Jim Norris got loose off of turn two. As he corrected his car, it went into back straightaway wall. Henderson took advantage of Sanderson on the resulting restart and took the lead on the green flag. Sanderson kept the pressure on Henderson but could not make a move. When the checkered flag fell it was David Henderson taking home top honors over Sanderson, Acuna and Walsh.

The NCI-4 modifieds made a stop at Redwood Acres Raceway for a fourth time. In the trophy dash, Jerry Shaha won over John Barker and Phil Wood who had taken off the front fenders of his car to compete in the division. Shaha won again in the heat race with Cody Barba and Wood behind him. On Sunday’s main event, Brian Murrell and Robbie Robinson led the field to the green flag. Robinson took the early advantage while Barba followed behind him in second. By lap 7, Barker had moved his way past Barba into second position. A lap later he passed Robinson and set sail to the checkered flag. Shaha moved to third on lap 16 but that was the best that he could do as Barker took home the win over Robinson, Shaha and Barba.

The real stock division once again put on a fine show for the fans. In the trophy dash, Mike Peeples took the win over Donnie Hyman, real stock champion Rick Fox and Doug Way. In the first of the nights two heat races, Jeff Neely won over Chad Gurney and Hymie Yellon. Peeples won the second heat with Gary Adams and Fox in hot pursuit.

Bill Middleton and Yellon led the field to the green flag. Middleton took the early lead. On lap 4, Mike Peters made his way past Middleton into the top position. A lap later Middleton hit the wall. At the same time, Gurney spun on the backstretch collecting Cecil Arispe. When the green flew again, Craig Huffman spun but no caution resulted. On lap 9, Steve Kimberling got hit and spun out resulting in another caution flag.

When the field took the green flag again the order was Peters, Aaron Byers, Yellon, Fox and Lissa Uselton. Fox took third on lap 10 and two laps later he took the second position away from Byers. Lap 15 saw Peters try to fend off the car of Rick Fox. After a three-lap duel between the two, Fox took the lead away. On lap 22, Peeples and Neely who had made their way through the field challenged Peters for second. Fox took home the win over Peeples, Neely, Peters and Byers.

On Sunday’s heat races, Mike Peters took the win in his heat followed by Neely, Huffman and C.J. Bowling. In the second heat, Jimmy Thornbury held off Byers, Peeples and Hyman. Chad Trump and Ryan Thompson brought the main event to the green flag. Thompson took the lead and tried to put some distance between him and the rest of the field. On lap 6, Peters and Byers spun and blocked the track coming off of turn four resulting in a red flag.

After the restart, Trump tried to apply some pressure to Thompson. Thornbury took the second position away from Trump on lap 10. Meanwhile, Peeples began to make his presence known. Within a matter of a few laps, he moved from fourth, to third, to second and then to first. On lap 23, Neely and Hyman made contact going into turn one and both went into the wall. After the restart it was clear sailing for Peeples as he took the checkered flag over Thompson, Thornbury, Adams and Byers. After the race, it was determined that both Peeples and Thompson’s cars were illegal and the official victory went to Jimmy Thornbury.

The IMCA modifieds had center stage for the two-day event. David Sullivan won the trophy dash over Cottonwood’s Randy Houston, Bill Binns, and Kelly Peacock. In the first heat race, Todd Coburn took the victory over Erv Pettinger and Willie Thompson. Gary Lowblad won the second heat over Ken Scales. Lowblad and Scales brought Sunday’s main event to the green flag. Lowblad took the lead over Clarence Reddick.

On lap 6, Joshua Dorman cut a tire and stopped between turns three and four resulting in the first caution flag. A battle between Lowblad and Reddick ensued for the lead. Lap 11, Derrick Crayford spun out for a caution. On the restart, Lowblad and Reddick continued their duel for the lead. Meanwhile, Houston, who had moved into the third position began to challenge Reddick for the second place slot.

Ken Scales spun coming off of turn four. Behind him, several cars tangled in a huge wreck ending the day for all of them. Under the caution, Alton Whetstone had problems and pulled his car into the infield. When the green came again it was still Lowblad leading with Houston second. Houston had taken the position while coming to the caution. Houston made several attempts to pass Lowblad and at one point had good position on his inside but couldn’t make it stick.

On lap 56, Allen Gibney lost his engine coming off of the fourth corner. Behind him, several cars got into his oil and spun most notably, Houston, Reddick and David Furia. The positions behind Lowblad shuffled with Bill Binns in second followed by Sullivan and Bob Strauss. With a slick track and a slightly ill handling Lowblad car, Binns took his chance after the restart. The two raced side by side for two laps, almost touching wheels in the corners. Lowblad held Binns tight on the inside but couldn’t hold him off as Binns took the lead away. When the checkered flag fell, it was Binns with the win followed by Lowblad and Strauss.