Thorn survives rough and tumble SRL race

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Redwood Acres Raceway was at full capacity this past Saturday night for Bear River Hotel and Casino/Renner Petroleum Night at the Races. In addition to four local classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Legends, fans were treated to the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series’ third visit to the 3/8-mile paved oval. The SRL’s Renner Petroleum/Bear River Hotel and Casino 125 proved to be a memorable race for a variety of reasons.

Bethany Rapp was fast time for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union with a 21.064. Dominic Vogelsang was the trophy dash winner while the heat races were won by Bob Ratzloff and Vogelsang. The main event was scheduled for 20-laps but was marred by several caution flags. The scariest incident involved Tim Ratzloff who got sideways in turns one and two and slid into the pit entrance in turn two. Thankfully nobody was harmed and Ratzloff somehow avoided getting damage.

At lap 10, the field was turned around and ran the track backwards. The battle up front between Rapp and Vogelsang proved to be contentious and controversial. Vogelsang appeared to have the superior car and was able to take the lead from Rapp but was moved back to second due to driving through the dirt to make the pass. With three laps remaining, Vogelsang got into Rapp sending her sliding out of the lead much to the dismay of the fans. Officials black flagged Vogelsang which gave Bob Ratzloff the top spot. The race was called at that point with Ratzloff winning over Tyler Peach, Jake Keeling and Rapp.

Ukiah racer, R.J. Randall was quick time for the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division with a 18.133. Randall took the trophy dash victory while the heat race featured an incident that knocked Ryan Ahrens out for the race. James Moore was the heat race winner. Dave Jones led the opening four laps of the 25-lap feature until Moore took over. The race looked to be Moore’s until a restart in the final handful of laps did him in. Jones was able to take the lead with three laps remaining and held off Moore to claim the win. The top three drivers were awarded a special monetary bonus thanks to Lally Motorsports and Four Star Realty with Moore and Tyler Avelar being the other two drivers receiving the extra money. John Lally placed fourth while Jimmy Sorrels rounded out the top five.

Dylan Hagmann continues to impress in his rookie campaign in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division. Hagmann set quick time with a 18.949. Gary Klinetobe took trophy dash honors while heat race winners were Brian Murrell, Sr. and Eugene Palmer. A strong field of 15 cars started the 25-lap feature. Troy Lee and Jordon Paiment traded the lead the first two laps before Brett Murrell took over. Hagmann had already maneuvered through by lap seven and on lap eight, he took over the lead and would never look back. The best battle for the rest of the race was for second with Daniel Buell and Rick Estes battling tooth and nail. At the finish it was Hagmann winning his first mini stock feature. Estes managed to take second followed by Buell, Klinetobe and Sam Brown.

Brad Curtice was fast time in the Legends division with a 18.114 and went on to win the trophy dash and heat races. The main event featured a two-man battle for the lead between Robert Miller and Curtice. With just three laps remaining, Miller and Curtice got together off turn two. Anissa Curtice inherited the lead and was able to hang on to take her first Legends main event win. Brad Curtice placed second while Miller and M’Kinzy Uselton were credited with third and fourth.

16 Spears SRL Southwest Tour drivers qualified for the Renner Petroleum/Bear River Casino 125. Blaine Rocha set quick time and a new SRL Redwood Acres Raceway track record with a 15.410. Rocha drew an invert of four which put local driver, Brandon White on the pole, much to the delight of the partisan crowd. White took the lead from the drop of the green flag in what proved to be a clean start. The first caution dropped 10 laps in due to a spin off turn four by Oregon racer, Alan Cress.

A lap 19 restart proved to be to the benefit of Derek Thorn as he was able to get by Jacob Gomes for second. White and Thorn had a fantastic battle for the lead with Thorn briefly taking the top position on lap 24. However, White was able to regain the lead. On lap 38, Thorn found the line he needed to maneuver past White for the lead. A lap later, Andre Prescott hit the wall in turn three from that point on, the race was caution-filled.

On lap 36, a massive pile-up took place in turn three involving Carlos Vieira, Alan Cress and Dennis Furden. All four drivers were knocked out of the race. Also involved were Craig Raudman and Luke Hall but drivers were able to continue. The race slowed again a few laps later when Raudman and and Hall got together going into turn three. Another caution quickly followed when White spun going into the third turn and hit the wall ending his night.

Thorn led the field on the restart and the race was clean the rest of the way. Rocha was right on Thorn’s bumper for the early stages of the long run but as the race progressed, Thorn’s car appeared to be more stable and Rocha’s appeared to lose grip. Thorn began to pull bigger gap lap after lap. Rocha eventually lost the second spot to Gomes just before the final caution flew for oil on the track. Unfortunately due to curfew, the race was cut to 102 laps with Thorn taking the win over Gomes, Rocha, Ryan Cansdale and Keith Spangler.

Racing at the Acres takes a two week break before returning on August 20th for Driver Appreciation Night presented by Fastenal. Fans can get complimentary tickets from their favorite driver. In addition to the five local classes, the second annual Murrell 500 will be held. Track officials also announced the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place August 27th. It’s certain to be an exciting event as youngsters will take to the .110-dirt oval for the final time this season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour race from this weekend, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Redwood Acres Raceway Announces 2016 Schedule

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The highly anticipated 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is quickly approaching. The excitement of racing returning to the 3/8-mile paved oval is high. So too is the intrigue of the new racing season with new cars and drivers in each division as well as a new division to the Acres.

Acres fans are familiar with the local classes of roadrunners, mini stocks, bombers, Thunder Roadsters and late models. In addition to those five divisions, Redwood Acres Raceway will be featuring the Legends cars. 2016 will mark the first time ever that a Legend car has competed at the Acres and the division is likely to put on exciting events throughout the entire season.

There are 11 scheduled races for the 2016 season. Redwood Acres Raceway will have its annual Play Day on Saturday April 23rd from noon to 5:00PM. The 2016 campaign will officially start the next weekend, Saturday April 30th.

Some of the highlights of the 2016 schedule include the return of the North State Modified Series to the Acres twice, on Sunday May 29th and Saturday July 23rd. The late models will hold the Second Annual Firecracker 100 race on Saturday July 2nd which will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
The top super late model drivers on the west coast will be racing at the Acres on Saturday August 6th when the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series takes to the track. Saturday August 20th is Driver Appreciation Night and will feature the Second Annual Murrell 500. The year concludes on Saturday September 24th with Championship Night featuring the Roadrunner Big T Jackpot race and the popular boat race.

Besides the racing on the asphalt, Redwood Acres Raceway will host racing on its dirt infield in 2016 featuring the Outlaw Karts. There are six scheduled non-point events for the karts including an event scheduled during the Redwood Acres Best of Humboldt Fair on Friday June 24th. The new class is certain to draw new racers and experienced veterans from Northern California.

For more information regarding the 2016 schedule and/or rules packages, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com. You can also find the Acres on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redwoodacresraceway/ and on Twitter @RacingTheAcres.

Redwood Acres Raceway 2016 Schedule
April 23rd – Play Day – Pits open at 11AM, practice from noon-5PM
April 30th – Opening Night Points Race
May 14th – Points Race
May 28th – Open Practice
May 29th – Points Race featuring North State Modified Series (Late Models Off)
June 11th – Points Race
July 25th – Fair Race – TBD
July 1st – Open Practice
July 2nd – Points Race featuring late model Firecracker 100 and Fireworks Show
July 22nd – Open Practice
July 23rd – Points Race featuring North State Modified Series
August 5th – Spears SRL Practice
August 6th – Points Race featuring the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series (Late Models off)
August 20th – Points Race – Driver Appreciation Night featuring the Murrell 500
September 10th – Points Race – Final points event for late models
September 24th – Championship Night featuring Roadrunner Big T Jackpot and Boat Race (Late Models off)

Redwood Acres Raceway 2016 Outlaw Kart Schedule
May 7th – Open Practice
May 21st
June 18th
June 24th – Fair Race
July 16th
July 30th
August 27th

A look back at the 2015 season at the Acres

Brandon White's frightening wreck in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour
race was one of the memorable events at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2015

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a thrilling season of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2015. Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval provided many exciting and memorable nights of action between the five local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late mdoels. The season was highlighted by visits from the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, the North State Modified Series and the running of the inaugural Tri-Holiday Classic featuring the late models.

Redwood Acres Raceway’s roadrunner division was presented by Humboldt Hydroponics throughout 2015. Dylan Ford took the track championship in the division thanks to winning seven of the 12 main events during the season. It was a dominant effort by Ford who placed outside of the top five only once in the entire year.

Dustin Walters was a force in the bomber division taking eight main event wins. The race for the track championship was very tight however with Walters taking it by a scant six point margin over James Moore who placed second.

The mini stock track championship was also a neck-and-neck race between Chris Champagne and Eugene Palmer. Just like the bombers, the gap between first and second was only six points with Champagne having the edge. Both drivers won four main events in what was also their first season of racing in the division.

Paul Peeples, Jr. was nearly unstoppable in the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster class. Peeples won nine of the 11 main events in the division and finished fifth and third in the two races he didn’t win.

The Mid City Motor World late model division’s track title came down to a battle between two second year drivers in Ryun Leazer and Jedd Ambrosini. Leazer pulled through to take the crown by sixteen markers. The 2015 season for the late models featured the Tri-Holiday Classic; three special events on the weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Mic Moulton won the Memorial Day race while Brandon White took the Firecracker 100 and Marty Walsh won the Labor Day 100.

2015 also featured the likes of two touring series to the Acres. The North State Modified Series visited during the Memorial and Labor Day races. Rich Lindgren won the 60-lap race in the series’ first visit while Darrin Knight had a memorable drive to win the second race for the series at RAR.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the year was the return of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series. Jim Pettit, II dominated the event and took his second SRL victory at the Acres. The 125-lap race will probably be best remembered for a scary incident that involved SRL star and local driver, Brandon White. Thankfully, White was uninjured in what was a frightening crash.

The 2015 season officially concludes November 1st with the awards banquet. Information regarding the event can be found on Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Pettit holds off late charge to win

Jim Pettit, II and his team celebrate after winning the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series 125
Presented By Bear River Hotel And Casino at Redwood Acres Raceway

By Matthew J. Sullivan

One of the most anticipated events on the 2015 schedule at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night. The Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series raced on the 3/8-mile paved oval for a 125-lap event presented by Bear River Hotel And Casino. The SRL tour cars joined the local classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters in what proved to be an exciting and memorable night of action.

In a bit of a surprise, the night in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division belonged to Daniel Buell. Buell took the win in the trophy dash and heat races. The 20-lap feature proved to be another highly competitive race as it seemed the lead changed every lap. The race was slowed once when Bethany Rapp was turned off turn four and hit the wall, damaging her radiator. The race came down to a duel between Buell and Dylan Ford. Ford got shuffled in the final two laps which gave Buell the advantage he needed to win his first ever feature event. Buell’s win also broke Ford’s six-race stranglehold on main event wins in the division.

Tony Ramizzotti made his first trip to the Acres count in the bomber division with a trophy dash win. The heat race and main event proved to be another showcase for Dustin Walters as he was able to take the win in the heat and got the lead right off the jump of the 25-lap main. Walters dominated the event, pulling out to an insurmountable lead and taking the race win. Ramizzotti placed second followed by Rick Jelton and James Moore.

The mini stock division was down on cars for the night but still provided excellent racing. The trophy dash and heat races featured a father/son battle between Brian Murrell, Sr. and Junior. Murrell, Jr. was the victor in the trophy dash while Murrell, Sr. took heat race honors. The 25-lap main saw the two battle yet again in a thrilling four-car race that also included Eugene Palmer and Chris Champagne. The tight racing up front led to eventual contact between Champagne and Murrell, Sr. that sent Murrell spinning into Palmer and knocking his front nose off. Champagne restarted at the rear while Palmer continued and Murrell was forced to the pits for the rest of the night.

After the restart, Murrell, Jr. and Palmer raced hard for the top spot. On lap 17, Palmer and Murrell, Jr. made contact going into the first turn. Murrell was able to make the save but the incident broke both he and Palmer’s momentum which allowed Champagne to maneuver to the lead. Champagne was able to withstand a late race restart to take the win followed by Murrell, Jr., Eugene Palmer, Ted Henry and Kevin Palmer who was making his first ever start driving Rick Estes’ mini truck.

The Bear River Hotel And Casino Thunder Roadster division saw an influx of cars on the night with 10 partaking in the action. In spite of the increase in competition, Paul Peeples, Jr. proved once again to be the dominant factor. Peeples won both the trophy dash and heat races. Chris Lawrence took the lead at the start of the 35-lap main before giving way to Thomas Payne. By lap five, Peeples was in second and got by Payne for the lead. The race was slowed near the halfway point when Donnie Brown had trouble and drove into the wall in turn one. Fortunately he was okay. After the restart, the best race on the track was for second between Payne, Robbie Nelson and Chris Sarvinski. At the front, it was all Peeples as he was able to win another main event. Nelson was able to get by Payne and hold him off for the second spot. Sarvinski placed fourth.

15 cars took time for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series 125 Presented By Bear River Hotel And Casino. One driver who did not partake in Saturday night’s action was Jim Walker who appeared at the Friday afternoon practice session but did not show on race day. Local favorite, Brandon White set quick time with a 15.574. The invert for the race was six which gave pole position to veteran driver, Craig Raudman.

Raudman used his starting position to his advantage as he took the lead over Jim Pettit, III at the start. The only incident of the race occurred on lap nine when White and Tracy Bolin got together coming off turn two. Bolin got sideways and tried to save his car down the back stretch to no avail. Bolin’s car clipped White’s as he was trying to get by on the high side sending White in the wall. Behind them the top two in points, Greg Voigt and Ryan Cansdale were collected. White’s car stopped in turn four and caught fire. White climbed out of his car and rolled on the track as safety officials were on the scene immediately to tend to him. Thankfully none of the drivers were injured and though White was taken to the local hospital due to inhaling smoke and fumes from his in-car fire extinguisher.

Pettit used the restart to his advantage as he was able to take the lead from Raudman. Pettit slowly pulled away from Raudman while two NTS Motorsports drivers, Blaine Rocha and Parker Stephens were making moves to the front. Raudman appeared to be struggling with his car’s handling and was forced to give way to Bobby Hodges, Rocha and Stephens. It looked as though Hodges might have a chance of closing in on Pettit as the leader hit slower traffic but his gain proved to be minimal.

Just after the halfway point, Stephens was able to get by Rocha for third and began showing some strength. On lap 105, Stephens moved by Hodges for second after the two dueled for several laps. Stephens closed quickly on Pettit in the final 10 laps of the event and with five to go, the winner of the event was heavily in doubt. Stephens was right on Pettit until two laps remaining when he got loose between turns one and two. That was all Pettit needed to take the victory, his second at the Acres having been the 2013 winner. Stephens took second with Rocha third and Hodges fourth the last car on the lead lap. Raudman rounded out the top five.

Racing at Redwood Acres Raceway takes three week break before returning August 22nd for Driver Appreciation Night. Roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters will be in action as well as the late models who had this past weekend’s event off. Grandstands open at 5:00PM while races begin at 6:30PM. For more information on the rest of the 2015 schedule please visit the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

SRL stars return to the Acres

NTS Motorsports teammates, Parker Stephens (28) and Blaine Rocha (21)
test at Redwood Acres Raceway for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour event

By Matthew J. Sullivan

One of the most anticipated events of the 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is on the horizon as the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series will race this Saturday August 1st. The top super late model drivers on the west coast will go head-to-head on the 3/8-mile paved oval for the second time in series history, the first since 2013. The SRL series will be joining the Acres’ local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters while the local late models will have the evening off.

Dylan Ford is coming off his sixth main event win in a row in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division and will look to take his seventh feature this weekend. Ford has a stranglehold on the championship standings as he leads Daniel Buell by 78 points. R.C. Brown has been impressive in his rookie season in the division and sits third, only four points behind Buell. Steve Paiment is fourth, a point behind Brown. Paiment was the winner of the main event on April 25th. Another rookie, Shawn Malloy holds down fifth in the standings.

Dustin Walters has been the favorite throughout the season in the bomber division and the point standings reflect it. Walters has four main event wins, two of them in a row and leads James Moore by 14 points. Moore has won two main events this season. The rest of the top five consists of Michael Knight, the team of Lance Martins and Joseph Phares and Ryan Walters however those drivers are more than 80 points in arrears to the point leader.

The Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles mini stocks have put on some of the best racing at the Acres this year. Chris Champagne leads the standings with three main event wins, one of those coming in the first race when his car was driven by Leonard Ward. Second in points is division rookie, Eugene Palmer who won the June 20th race. Palmer is only 12 points behind Champagne. Rick Estes has a main event win and is third, 24 points behind Champagne. Defending mini stock track champion, Brian Murrell, Jr. has had rough luck in 2015 but still sits fourth, 38 behind the leader. Another division rookie, Tim Abeyta is fifth, 68 in arrears to Champagne.

It has been another season of dominance for Paul Peeples, Jr. in the Bear River Casino Hotel Thunder Roadster division. Peeples has won the past four main events in a row and five in total in 2015 and leads Robbie Nelson by 31 points. Nelson is the only other driver to win a main event in the division this year which came in the May 9th race. Thomas Payne is third, 50 points behind Peeples. Chris Lawrence sits fourth and is 61 markers behind Peeples while Belinda Ward is fifth and nine points behind Lawrence.

The fight for the Mid City Motor World late model track championship could very well come down to the last lap of the season. Ryun Leazer and Jedd Ambrosini sit atop the standings tied with 205 points apiece. Marty Walsh missed the first two races of the season but has won two features including the most recent race on July 18th. Walsh is only 29 points behind Leazer and Ambrosini, well within striking distance. Richard Knight is fourth, 32 behind the leaders and David Henderson is fifth, four points behind Knight. Henderson won the May 9th main event. Other main event winners in the division this season are David Miller who won on opening night, April 25th, Mic Moulton who won on May 24th and June 6th and Brandon White who won the Firecracker 100 race on July 4th.

As mentioned earlier, the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series will be returning to Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend for the first time since 2013. Jacob Gomes holds the SRL track record at the Acres with a 15.478. Veteran super late model racer, Jim Pettit, II won the inaugural SRL event which was held on June 1st of 2013. In the 2015 point standings, Greg Voig
t leads Ryan Cansdale by 30 points. Eureka native, Brandon White is third, 49 points behind Voight. Tracy Bolin is fourth, only three points behind White while Jeff Bishofberger is fifth a single point behind Bolin. White will certainly be one of the favorites for local fans. Another fan favorite, Jim Walker will also be in action.

The Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series will have a practice date on Friday July 30th from 4:30PM to 7:30PM. On Saturday, gates open at 4:30PM while racing will begin at 6:00PM. More information on this weekend’s big event can be found on Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Stephens, Rocha prepare for Bear River Casino Hotel 125

Blaine Rocha tests at Redwood Acres Raceway in preparation for next weekend's
Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Bear River Casino Hotel 125

By Matthew J. Sullivan

NTS Motorsports drivers Blaine Rocha and Parker Stephens took to the track Wednesday Redwood Acres Raceway. The two drivers were testing in preparation for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Bear River Casino Hotel 125 on August 1st.

Stephens hails from Olympia, Washington and is the son of former NASCAR Northwest Tour Series champion, Dirk Stephens. Parker turned 18 in June and won the most recent Tri-Track Super Late Model Series race at Evergreen Speedway on July 11th. Stephens also finished fifth in the Coors Light Summer Showdown at Evergreen which attracted some of the top late model drivers in the country. He is a rookie in the SRL series this year and currently sits 10th in the point standings.

Blaine Rocha is only 17 years old and is an Oakdale, California resident. Rocha put in an impressive performance in the Winter Showdown event at Kern County Raceway with a fourth place effort. Rocha also raced in the Coors Light Summer Showdown but was the victim of a multi-car pileup that ruined his race after only two laps. Rocha is in his second season in the SRL Series and is 11th in the standings.

Greg Voight is teammate to both drivers and currently sits atop the Spears SRL Southwest Tour point standings by 30 markers over rookie, Ryan Cansdale. Eureka driver, Brandon White is third and was the winner of the big Firecracker 100 event at the Acres on July 4th. Tracy Bolin and Jeff Bishofberger round out the top five in SRL standings.

The Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series joins the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters for the event on August 1st. Joining Rocha and Stephens will be some of the top super late model drivers on the west coast will in what will be the SRL’s second visit to the track, the first since 2013. A limited amount of pre-sale tickets for the Bear River Casino Hotel 125 can be purchased at Humboldt Motorsports. More information for the race can be found on the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

Redwood Acres Raceway set for spectacular Firecracker 100

Dylan Ford has been a dominant force in the roadrunner division

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Five races are down in Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2015 schedule and as the season has progressed, the action on the track has heated up. While the battle for the track championships are mixed in terms of competitiveness in each of the five divisions, every driver still has a lot to race for and the next few races are sure to be among the highlights of the entire year.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner track championship is basically in the hands of Dylan Ford. The gap between him and second place, Steve Paiment is an astounding 66 markers. Ford has won the past four races in a row while finishing second in the season opener while Paiment is the only other driver who has won a main event this season. Daniel Buell, R.C. Brown and Shawn Malloy round out the top five in the standings.

With Dustin Walters unable to race in the most recent event on June 20th, James Moore took advantage winning all three races on the night and taking the point lead. Moore’s advantage over Walters is 33 points. Barring any unforeseen issues for Moore or Walters, it looks as if one or the other will be this year’s track champion. The team of Lance Martins and Joseph Phares is third in points, 57 behind Moore while Michael Knight and Ryan Walters complete the top five.

The battle for the mini stock title is a tight one between Chris Champagne and Eugene Palmer. Champagne leads Palmer by three points while Rick Estes is third, 14 behind Champagne. Estes was unable to start the June 20th main event due to a wreck in the heat race which destroyed his mini truck. It will be interesting to see if he will be able to return for this weekend’s event. Brian Murrell, Jr. is fourth in line, 30 behind Champagne while Dylan Ford is fifth another 17 points behind Murrell, Jr.

Paul Peeples, Jr. has taken control of the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division. Peeples has won three of the four races this year and leads second place Robbie Nelson by 18 points. Nelson is the only other main event winner in the division. Thomas Payne sits third and 36 points behind Peeples while fourth is a tie between Mike Ward and Chris Lawrence.

This weekend’s Firecracker 100 is the second leg of the First Annual Tri-Holiday Classic for the Mid City Motor World late models. The standings for the track championship changed dramatically after the caution-filled June 20th race. Thanks to a second place finish in the most recent race, Ryun Leazer holds the lead in the standings. Richard Knight is second but only four points behind Leazer. Jedd Ambrosini is third and only two more points behind Knight. David Henderson is fourth, 11 behind Leazer and Tyler Avelar is fifth, two points behind Henderson.

This weekend’s event promises to be a fantastic night at the Acres. In addition to the 100-lap late model race, roadrunners, bombers and mini stocks will be in action as well as the Thunder Roadsters which have been added to the show. Following the 100-lap race will be a fantastic fireworks show in the track’s infield. Last year’s display was a big hit with fans and this year’s promises to be bigger and better.

The upcoming races at the Acres should be just as exciting. The July 18th race will feature the boat races which was a very popular event with fans. The following race on August 1st will mark the return of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series to Redwood Acres Raceway for the second time ever, the first since 2013. The Spears SRL Southwest Tour is the premiere super late model touring series in the west and features some of the top talent from the region. More information about this weekend’s Independence Day event as well as future events can be found at Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

The history of late model racing at Redwood Acres Raceway (1988 - today)

#16 Rusty Olson, #1 Billy Clarkson and #48 Jim Walker at Redwood Acres Raceway, 1995

I am very anxious and excited for a couple races that are coming up at Redwood Acres Raceway. July 4th will feature the Firecracker 100, the second Tri-Holiday Classic late model event which is in its first year at RAR. On the first of August, the premiere super late model touring series on the west coast, the Spears SRL Southwest Tour will be racing for the second time at RAR and the first since 2013.

Late model racing has been a staple of Redwood Acres Raceway ever since the track was repaved before the 1988 season. RAR's late model division at the time was the super stock class. The super stocks were basically like the NASCAR Southwest and Northwest Tour cars at the time. The idea was to have the cars be able to race on the local level while also being able to race the touring series without having to make a number of adjustments to the car or even having a completely different car. The super stocks lasted at RAR only three seasons from 1988 to 1990 and the track was dominated between Jim Walker and Randy Olson. RAR also hosted the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series which several local drivers raced in but never won. The closest any RAR driver came was in the 1990 Olympia 100 when Randy Olson finished second (unfortunately I don't have video of that race.)

1990 also marked the first year that RAR hosted a large open competition race. From the 70s and on through the 80s, open competition events were the biggest races held at tracks all over the west coast. Northern California's top two open comp races through those years were at Shasta Speedway every spring and fall. The spring race was the Laura Robinson Nor-Cal 150 while the fall race was the Western 150. Both races were shortened in the late 80s to 100 laps while the fall event was renamed in honor of Toby Elder. Officials at Shasta, RAR and Silver State Raceway in Carson City, Nevada partnered together to create a three-race open competition championship series at the end of the year, the Tri-Western 300 with each track hosting a 100-lap race. The series proved to be a huge success with Randy Olson winning the races Silver State and RAR races and taking the championship. Robert Sprague was the winner of the Shasta event.


In 1991, the super stock class merged with the street stock cars and turned into the sportsman division. It benefited both divisions as more cars were able to race but the rules for the division were different enough that several super stock drivers, namely Walker didn't race weekly. It was also during that year that Frank Roman's Nor-Cal Late Model touring series made its first visit to RAR. The Nor-Cal Series had rules that were more aligned closer to the rules of the Tri-Western 300 open competition races. Nor-Cal wasn't a competitor to NASCAR's Southwest Tour but served as an option for late model touring racing for Northern California drivers who couldn't afford the budget it took to be competitive in in the SWT.


RAR continued to host the NASCAR SWT, Nor-Cal Series and Tri-Western 100 events through the early 90s. In 1995, RAR hosted its final NASCAR SWT event, the Hamm's 100. At this point, the cost of being associated with NASCAR and hosting a SWT event was not worth the benefit. It was a sad but necessary loss.

The Nor-Cal Series became more prominent at RAR and continued to host races at the track until the end of 1998 when Frank Roman stopped promoting the series. RAR promoters Rich and Linda Olson took over the helm and formed the Tri-State Challenge Series which picked up where Nor-Cal left off and lasted until the end of 2000. (Sadly I have no video of any of the Nor-Cal or Tri-State races from RAR through the late 90s.) In 2001 the series was renamed to the North State Challenge Series.

#80 Derek Thorn and #20 Howard Ford at RAR during a 2006 NSCS race

The NSCS struggled in 2002 and 2003 but by 2004 it was the top late model touring series on the west coast (in my opinion.) The series came to a demise in 2008 but at that same time the Airport Auto Brokers Late Models series gained steam and raced at the Acres several times between 2009-2012. In 2013 the AABLM became the Pacific Challenge Series and RAR hosted two races that year. 2013 also featured the first race at RAR for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series.

Rich and Linda Olson stepped away from promoting RAR following the 2013 season while Blair Aiken and his daughter stepped in to fill the void. The sportsman division was renamed to the late models and the rules for the division changed to reflect those of other tracks in the region.

You can find results of many of the events I mentioned by visiting the following page: http://www.thethirdturn.com/wiki/Redwood_Acres_Raceway#tab=Event_History

Racing set to return to the Acres in 2015

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is only a few months away and it promises to be another thrilling year of racing on the 3/8-mile paved oval. The 2014 season was in doubt at this time last year but in the end the year proved to be a rousing success thanks to the father/daughter promoting team of Blair and Jennifer Aiken. With more time to set this year’s schedule and get everything aligned for the season, it is highly likely that 2015 will manage to be even better.

A tentative schedule for 2015 has been released and features potentially 13 events for the upcoming season. Of course the five local divisions of bombers, roadrunners, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models will be featured nearly every week with a few exceptions during the year. In addition to the local classes, Redwood Acres Raceway will play host to several special events, some of which will be new attractions for the track.

Perhaps the biggest event of the year will be the return of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series super late models on August 1st. The SRL Series previously visited the Acres in 2013 and the race attracted perhaps the largest crowd the track has had in recent memory. Redwood Acres Raceway will also have a special three-race Tri-Holiday Series late model championship on Memorial Day May 24th, Independence Day July 4th and Labor Day weekend September 6th.

The North State Challenge Series modifieds will return to Redwood Acres Raceway to join the late model events on May 24th and July 4th. 2015 marks the second season for the NSCS modifieds and the series is quickly growing in popularity in Northern California. Another series returning to RAR is the Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds. The NCPro-4s lasted visited the Acres in 2012 and always put on exciting and competitive races.

Other highlights in 2015 include opening night April 25th which coincides with the annual Rhododendron Parade in Eureka, boat races on July 18th, Driver Appreciation Night on August 22nd. The final points race will be on September 19th which will also be Fan Appreciation Night. The season will be capped off with the First Annual Roadrunner Jackpot Race and Bomber Bash however the date has not been finalized. Other events are likely to be added to the schedule and will be posted on RacingTheAcres.com when the schedule is official.

Pettit dominates SRL debut at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The grandstands were packed this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway as the 3/8-mile paved oval welcomed the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series for their first ever visit to the Eureka, California track. The fans did not go home disappointed as the SRL drivers joined the local classes of real stocks, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman cars in providing a superb night of racing.

Matt Simon took the trophy dash victory for the real stocks ahead of Nick Green while the heat race victory was taken by Nick Green over Ryan Walters. The real stock feature was dominated by Walters who ended up taking home the win followed by Green, Harvey Holm, Doug Way and Michael Lawrence.

The trophy dash in the Thunder Roadster division was won by David Henderson.  Paul Peeples, Jr. won the heat race and was dominant in the feature event. Unfortunately his chief rival, Henderson suffered a cut tire in the main and fell out of action.  Peeples cruised to the feature win beating Thomas Payne, Mike Ward, Chris Sarvinski and Robbie Nelson.
Brandon Barnwell was victorious in the trophy dash while the heat race trophy went to Dennis DelBiaggio. Driving the car formerly owned by local racing icon, Larry Pries, Marty Walsh made his return to the Acres after several years away from the track.  Walsh moved to the front quickly and looked as though he was going to win without worry.

The biggest incident of the night occurred in the latter stages of the sportsman main when Barnwell appeared to cut a tire and hit the wall at the pit entrance.  Barnwell was okay but his car was heavily damaged.  The caution allowed DelBiaggio to get on Walsh’s bumper and the two waged a serious duel for the lead in the final handful of laps.  DelBiaggio appeared to have the better car but Walsh held him off for the win. Angelo Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Al Acuna completed the top five finishers.

20 cars qualified and started the 125-lap SRL feature.  Unfortunately, Zane Lovelace was a scratch after he suffered issues in practice.  Jacob Gomes set the fast time mark with a 15.478 lap. With the field invert at six, Donny St. Ours started on the pole while Ross Strmiska started to his outside.  St. Ours took the lead off the start but it was apparent early that Jim Pettit II was the man to beat.  It only took 17 laps for Pettit to work his way from sixth to the lead, a position he would never relinquish.

The star of the night was hometown favorite, Jim Walker. The west coast racing legend started from the 10th position fell back a few spots early in the going but began to maneuver his way through the field passing one car after another.  By the time the first caution flag flew on lap 87 Walker had maneuvered himself into the sixth spot.  Walker briefly moved into the top five and go to fourth until a cut tire forced him to the pits and ruined his chance at a good finish.

Strmiska did all he could on the restarts to get by Pettit but just didn’t have enough.  Pettit took the victory followed by Strmiska, Gomes and series rookie, Bobby Hodges.  Another Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series rookie, Brandon White delighted the hometown crowd with a solid top five run all night and a fifth place effort.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday night with the roadrunners back on the track.

SRL stars coming to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The west coast’s premiere late model touring series will be making its first ever appearance at Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday night when the SRL comes to town for the Redwood Acres 125 Presented by Renner Petroleum and Leon’s Car Care Center.  The SRL series will be joined by local classes of real stocks, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman cars. The roadrunner division has the weekend off but will return at the next race.

23 drivers and teams have tentatively entered for this weekend’s race.   The top two in SRL points, Derek Thorn and Jim Pettit II will resume their rivalry while Jason Gilbert, Ross Strmiska and Zane Lovelace will be hoping to win the series’ inaugural event at the Acres. Two locals are scheduled to race, youngster, Brandon White and west coast racing legend, Jim Walker.

White and Walker will also be joined by Jeremy Doss and Forrest Kuecker of Lakeport.  Both Doss and Kuecker were winners at Redwood Acres in 2012 and all four drivers could have an advantage over the rest of the field as they have more laps at the 3/8-mile oval than the majority of the SRL field combined. Of the other SRL regulars, Thorn is the only one who has competed at Redwood Acres in the past.

With this weekend’s visit by the SRL series, it will be the first time in almost 20 years that Redwood Acres Raceway will be hosting the west coast’s top late model teams.  The last time an event of this magnitude was held was in 1995 when NASCAR’s Southwest Tour series visited the Acres for the seventh and final time.  That race was won by M.K. Kanke who has 10 career SRL victories but is not scheduled to race this weekend.

In local action, the point leaders in each division are Michael Lawrence in the real stocks, Jarrett Mayo in the roadrunners, David Henderson in the Thunder Roadsters and Angelo Marcelli in the sportsman division.

The weekend gets off to an early start with practice for the SRL cars on Friday between 3-6PM. Saturday the grandstands open at 4:00 while racing begins 7:00. Questions regarding this weekend’s action can be directed to track promoters, Rich and Linda Olson by calling 707-442-3232.

Acres season on the horizon

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2013 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is only five weeks.  With each passing day, the anticipation builds for what should be another exciting year of racing at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

The four local divisions of real stocks, roadrunners, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman will take to the track throughout the forthcoming season.  The most anticipated event of the year is likely the debut of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series at the Acres.  Other major events include the return of Fair Night racing on Friday June 21^st as well as the Pacific Challenge Series Late Models (formerly the Airport Auto Brokers Late Models) a month later on July 27^th.  As always, the year will be capped off on the final weekend in September with the Fall Spectacular which will see the return of the PCS late models.

Any questions regarding the 2013 season at Redwood Acres Raceway should be directed to the track promoters Rich and Linda Olson by calling 707-442-3232.

April 6 - Practice

April 20 – Best Appearing Car Contest Presented by KKHB Cool 105.5 Radio

April 27 – Pepsi Night at the Races Sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Group of Eureka

May 11 – Mother’s Day Race Sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts and presented by KINS Radio 106.3

May 18 – Weekly Show Presented by KFMI 96.3

June 1 – Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series 125 Sponsored by Renner Petroleum & Leon’s Car Care Center and presented by Flowmaster and KRED 92.3 Big Red Country

June 8 – Father’s Day Race Sponsored by Mercer Fraser Company

June 21 – Friday Night Fair Race Sponsored by Redwood Capital Bank and presented by Fox 28

June 29 – Fan Appreciation Night Sponsored by Mid-City Motor World (All Tickets $5.00)

July 13 – Weekly Show Presented by ABC 23 TV

July 27 – Pacific Challenge Series Late Models Sponsored by Mid-City Motor World and presented by ESPN 1340

August 3 – California Truckers’ Association Appreciation Night

August 24 – Back-To-School-Night Sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Center of Eureka

September 14 – Memorial Race Presented by KEKA 101 Country Radio

September 29 and 30 – Fall Spectacular Open Show Sponsored by Mid-City Motor World