Knight, Walsh big Labor Day weekend winners

Darrin Knight took the North State Modified Series win at Redwood Acres Raceway

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a big Labor Day weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway as the 3/8-mile paved oval hosted races on both Saturday and Sunday. The third and final leg of the Tri-Holiday Classic for the late model cars highlighted the action on Saturday. Sunday’s races featured the North State Modified Series. The local roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters helped fill out what proved to be two spectacular nights of racing.

Saturday’s Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division trophy dash was won by Daniel Buell. Ken Barrett won the first heat race for the division while Dylan Ford took the second heat. The 20-lap feature saw numerous lead changes between the likes of Chris Appleton, Ford, R.C. Brown, Buell and Dylan Hagman. Hagman moved past Ford to the lead on lap 17 and was able to claim his first main event victory in the division over Buell and Ford.

James Moore took the trophy dash victory for the bomber cars. Dustin Walters was the winner of the heat race. The 25-lap main event was dominated by Walters from start to finish as he led every lap en route to the win. Matt Simon and Rick Jelton rounded out the top three finishers.

Richard Klinetobe was behind the wheel of his brother, Gary’s car for the night and he took his first ever win in the mini stock trophy dash. Eugene Palmer took the heat race win. Chris Champagne led the first half of the 25-lap main event but his championship point rival, Palmer had the faster machine for the evening. Palmer took the lead from Champagne on lap 18 and went on to win his second main event of the season over Champagne and Klinetobe.

The Bear River Hotel And Casino Thunder Roadster division saw the familiar face of Paul Peeples, Jr. return to victory lane in the trophy dash and heat races. The 30-lap main event was no different for the veteran. Chris Sarvinski led the first 16 laps before giving way to Peeples. The veteran racer held on from there and at the finish it was Peeples winning over Sarvinski and Robbie Nelson.

Allen Cress set quick time for the late models with a 15.835 qualifying time. The 8-lap trophy dash was won by Marty Walsh which awarded him pole position for the 100-lap event. Walsh took the lead at the start of the feature and would never lose the top spot. Walsh’s closest competition came in the form of Cress who moved past Mic Moulton on lap nine for second. Cress moved in on Walsh’s rear bumper and seriously challenged Walsh before the first caution on lap 50.

After the caution period, the handling on Cress’ car appeared to go away as Walsh moved out to a several car length gap. Several cautions slowed the event which allowed Cress the opportunity to challenge Walsh for the lead but each time, Walsh was able to pull away. On lap 85, Cress’ engine blew up in turns three and four, ending his night. Walsh once again pulled away from the field and crossed the line first, taking the biggest win of his career. Moulton crossed the line second while Stateline Speedway racer, Rob Vining made his long tow count with an excellent third place effort.

Daniel Buell returned to victory lane on Sunday in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash. Ken Barrett was the winner of the first heat race while Dylan Ford was the winner of the second heat. The 20-lap main was dominated by Jordon Paiment but Daniel Buell showed his strength in the final few laps. With two laps remaining, Buell moved by Paiment for the lead and held on for the win. Paiment took second followed by Bethany Rapp in third with her best finish in her first season of racing.

Sunday’s bomber races were dominated by Dustin Walters. Walters took the wins in both the trophy dash and heat races. James Moore led the first four laps in the 25-lap main event but could not hold off Walters who moved to the lead and ended up taking the win. Moore placed second with Matt Simon third.

Eugene Palmer’s night in the mini stock division was no different than that of Dustin Walters. Palmer won the dash and heat and was strong in the 25-lap feature. As they had done the night before, Chris Champagne and Palmer dueled for the race lead and just like the night before, Palmer ended up with the upper hand. At the checkered flag it was Palmer winning his second straight main event over Champagne and Brian Murrell, Jr.

Robbie Nelson took the trophy dash victory for the Bear River Hotel And Casino Thunder Roadster division. Thomas Payne won the heat race and was dominant in the 30-lap main event. Craig Baker held the lead early in the feature before giving way to Nelson on lap three. Payne got by Nelson on lap six and led from that point on. At the finish it was Payne winning his first race of 2015, breaking Paul Peeples, Jr.’s seven-race winning streak. Chris Lawrence had his best finish of the year in second while Peeples placed third.

17 cars qualified for the North State Modified Series. Fast time was set by Darrin Knight with a 16.218 qualifying lap. The Lucas Oil Dash For Cash was won by Devin LaHorgue. For winning the dash, LaHorgue was awarded $100 while second place finisher, Guy Young took home $50. The 60-lap feature was a thrilling race from start to finish. Knight took the lead from his pole position starting spot and looked to have the car to beat as he ran away from the field. Charlie Collins moved by Michael Mitchell for second on lap on lap 15 just before the caution flag dropped.

On the restart, Collins and Knight touched wheels coming to the green. Collins hit the front stretch wall hard. Fortunately, Collins was okay but was finished for the night. Knight was sent to the rear of the field which put Mitchell to the lead. The race restarted and Knight began putting on a show as he tried to get back to the front. In addition, Tripp Gaylord had the attention of fans as he started at the rear of the field and was moving to the front as well. Gaylord’s car was unable to start the feature. Rick Anderson graciously allowed Gaylord to drive his car in the feature in order to keep Gaylord from falling out of the point race.

Knight was clearly the man to beat on the night. On lap 20, Knight was in sixth. On lap 28, Knight got by Gaylord for fifth. 10 laps later, Knight passed Guy Young for second and a lap later he returned to the race lead getting by Mitchell. The race was halted several times in the final 20 laps but every time Knight was able to return to the lead. At the finish it was Knight winning over Mitchell, Gaylord, Kyle Borden and Cody Braund.

The track championships for all five divisions will be decided at Redwood Acres Raceway in the next race on the schedule on September 19th. In addition to the event being championship night at the Acres, it will also be Fan Appreciation Night. General admission for the event is $5 for general admission and $2 for children. The 2015 season concluded on October 3rd with the First Annual Roadrunner Big T Jackpot race and Bomber Bash. Concluding the 2015 season at the Acres will be the second boat race of the year. For more information on the final two events, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com .

North State Modifieds return to the Acres

Tripp Gaylord leads the North State Challenge Series standings going into the next race at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2015 racing season at Redwood Acres Raceway is quickly coming to a close. Only four dates remain on the schedule two of which are set for the upcoming Labor Day weekend Saturday September 5th and Sunday September 6th. The local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters will race both nights. Saturday night’s feature attraction will be the late model division which will hold the final Tri-Holiday Classic race of 2015. Highlighting Sunday’s event will be the return of the popular North State Modified Series for the second and final time this season.

This weekend will likely see the crowning of the 2015 roadrunner track champion for Redwood Acres Raceway. Dylan Ford has a 68 point lead over Daniel Buell in the standings Ford will have to have monumental bad fortune for Buell to even have a chance coming out of the weekend. Roadrunner veteran, Steve Paiment is third in the standings, 95 markers behind Ford. Rookie drivers R.C. Brown and Shawn Molloy round out the top five in the standings, both 100+ points in arrears to Ford.

Things got much more interesting in the bomber division title fight as a result of a heat race incident for former point leader, Dustin Walters in the August 22nd event. Not only did that wreck prevent him from starting the feature race and earning points, it also cost him the championship lead he once had. As a result, James Moore moved to the lead but only holds a nine point advantage over Walters.

Chris Champagne expanded his point lead slightly in the mini stock class on August 22nd but not enough to be comfortable in his effort for the track championship. Champagne leads Eugene Palmer by 17 points. Rick Estes still has an outside chance as he’s 29 points behind Champagne but both drivers ahead of him will need major issues in the final three events. 2014 mini stock champ, Brian Murrell, Jr. is mathematically alive in fourth but the odds of him going back-to-back are next to zero. Mini stock rookie, Tim Abeyta holds down the fifth position.

Paul Peeples, Jr. holds a 43 point lead over Robbie Nelson in the Thunder Roadster class. Given Peeples’ speed all season long and his penchant for winning races, Nelson’s opportunity to win this year’s title is virtually nil. Thomas Payne holds down third in the standings, Chris Lawrence fourth and Belinda Ward fifth.

The late model class will hold their third and final Tri-Holiday Classic race this weekend and the outcome of Saturday’s 100-lap race will likely be the deciding factor as to who will be this year’s champion in the division. Veteran, Mic Mouton was the winner of the first event on Memorial Day weekend while Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series star, Brandon White dominated the Independence Day weekend event. Ryun Leazer leads the late model standings by a mere four points over Jedd Ambrosini. Leazer will have to avoid the bad luck he faced on the July 4th event which saw him finish 16th to Ambrosini’s 9th place effort. Marty Walsh, Richard Knight and Kenny Demello finish out the top five in standings and a bad race for both Leazer and Ambrosini could bring those three drivers right back into the title fight.

The North State Modified Series returns to Redwood Acres Raceway for the second time in 2015. The first event on Memorial Day weekend was won by Rich Lindgren. Tripp Gaylord finished second in that race and leads Cody Braund by four points with only two races remaining including this weekend’s. Darrin Knight is third in the standings, only 6 behind Gaylord and on a hot streak. Knight won the most recent North State race at Shasta Speedway on August 22nd and was the big winner of the West Coast Modified Shootout at Douglas County Speedway this past weekend. Michael Mitchell is fourth in the standings, 40 points behind Gaylord while Jason Philpot is 70 points behind.

The grandstands open at 4:30PM while races will begin at 6:00PM both nights for this weekend’s Labor Day races. Only two more races are on the schedule following this weekend’s events. Saturday September 19th’s race will be Fan Appreciation Night as well as championship night for all five local classes. The final event of the season is on October 3rd will be the First Annual Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners and the Bomber Bash. For more information regarding the rest of the 2015 schedule, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website www.racingtheacres.com .

Lindgren, Moulton Memorial race winners

Rich Lindgren took home the win in the North State Modified Series

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2015 season at Redwood Acres Raceway resumed for a special Sunday night affair. Though the weather was rather dreary for Del Reka Distributing Night at the Races, a great crowd showed up for the first race of the Tri-Holday series for the late model division. Along with the other local divisions of roadrunners, bombers and mini stocks, the quickly growing North State Modified Series made their first stop of the season at the 3/8-mile paved oval. In addition to all of that, it was also Salute to the Troops night at the Acres and all members of the military were able to get into the races for free with a military ID.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash win was taken by Dylan Ford. Steve Paiment narrowly took the victory in the heat race. Nick Vellis was making his first start of the year and was quick to take the lead at the start of the 20-lap feature. Unfortunately his time up front was short as contact from Andrew Pimentel resulted in a flat tire, taking him out of action. Rookie driver, Shawn Malloy showed surprising strength leading numerous laps until the 15th circuit when he was put in a three-wide situation between R.C. Brown and Ford. Malloy spun and the caution flag was displayed.

The last six laps featured a duel for the win between rookie Brown and Ford. Ford was able to get the benefit of the inside line under Brown on the last lap and it proved to be the advantage he needed as he was able to beat Brown to the line to take the victory. Daniel Buell placed third.

Dustin Walters was the winner of the trophy dash for the bomber division. Walters has been the dominant factor in the bombers this year and things were no different on this night as he also took the heat race win. James Moore moved to the lead in the first handful of laps in the 20-lap feature but it didn’t take Walters long to get to the front. Walters moved under and past Moore on lap seven and never looked back. At the finish it was Walters winning handily over Moore, Ryan Walters, Lance Martins and Michael Knight.

The mini stock division continues to grow as the season progresses. Brian Murrell, Sr. was the victor in the trophy dash while the heat race wins were claimed by Cole Peterson and Murrell, Sr. The 25-lap feature got off to a slow start due to fuel leaking from Rick Estes truck. When the green flag came back out, the racing at the front was thrilling as the faster cars tried their best to get to the front while the slower cars did all they could to maintain their track position.

The father/son duo of Brian Murrell Sr. and Jr. were the two drivers who were able to break from the pack and set sail while the rest of the field duked it out from third on back. After a spin by Cole Peterson, the green dropped again and again the Murrells fought hard for the race lead. The caution allowed two other drivers to get into the action, Estes and Chris Champagne. Sadly, things would sour for three of those drivers. Champagne suffered engine woes which put him in the pits and Murrell, Jr. and Estes got tangled off turn four taking their chances of victory away. Mini stock rookie, Eugene Palmer was in Murrell, Sr.’s hip pocket in the closing stages but did not have the horsepower to take the lead away. At the checkered flag it was Murrell, Sr. winning over Palmer, Estes, Dylan Ford and Gary Klinetobe.

The first of the three Tri-Holiday races for the Mid City Motor World late model division took place on the night. In addition to earning points to the season long track championship, the Tri-Holiday races for Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend all count to a separate points title. Mic Moulton took the trophy dash win which saw Marty Walsh and Jim Walker get together. Fortunately both drivers were able to continue for the rest of the night. Richard Knight won the first heat race while Ryun Leazer held on to win the second heat race.

The 35-lap feature saw a field of 10 starters reduced to only four cars being able to get to the finish. The first incident of the race occurred due to apparent contact between Walker and George Young which collected Leazer. The race was slowed again after a few laps due to Tyler Avelar spinning off turn two. The yellow dropped again when Avelar spun in turn one, collecting Mark Williams. By this point, only one lap had been completed.

Things settled down long enough for Mic Moulton to take the lead away from Jedd Ambrosini while Marty Walsh followed him into second. Trouble occurred once again on lap eight when Ambrosini spun off turn four. In the smoke, Kenny Demello and Williams got together ending the race for both of their cars. The race was slowed only once from then on out. Walsh briefly challenged Moulton but didn’t have the strength to stay with him to the end. At the line it was Moulton winning over Walsh. Ambrosini placed third, Richard Knight fourth and Walker was credited with a fifth place result.

16 cars timed in for the North State Modified Series for the evening. Lucas Oil Modified Series regular, Tripp Gaylord made the 1,373-mile trip from his home in Golden, Colorado to Redwood Acres Raceway count as he set quick time with a 16.191. Charlie Collins took the trophy and the $100 cash prize in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash. The 60-lap feature presented by Protect The Harvest got off to a quick start as Darrin Knight took the lead from pole thanks in part to Gaylord drawing a four-car invert. Knight’s experience at the Acres came to fruition in the early laps and he looked to be the class of the field on the night.

The most serious incident of the race took place on lap 20 when contact from another car sent Sal Lopez spinning right in front of the leaders. Knight was able to get by while second place, Michael Mitchell could not avoid Lopez’s stopped car and made contact with his left front suspension. It was a serious blow for the NSMS point leader as he was forced into the pits and though he returned to the track, he finished the event many laps down. Under the caution, Knight’s car came to a stop on the back stretch with apparent ignition trouble, ending his race.

With the two leaders falling out, Rich Lindgren inherited the race lead and after the restart he and Gaylord pulled away from the rest of the field. The driver who was doing the most passing was Bryan Denton. Meanwhile up front, Lindgren was able to maintain a somewhat comfortable gap over second place, Gaylord. The field was tightened up with five laps remaining when Mike Gorham spun in turns three and four. Lindgren was able to withstand Gaylord challenge for the lead after the restart and he was the first to the checkered flag for his second win of the season in the NSMS. Gaylord placed second followed by Collins, Denton and Jason Philpot.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway June 6th with all five local classes back in action, including the Thunder Roadsters who had this weekend off. The North State Modified Series returns to the Acres later in the year on September 6th. For more information on the North State Modified Series, visit their official website www.northstatemodifieds.com . For more information on any and all of the goings on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com .Tri