Champions crowned as 20th season of pavement racing at the Acres closes

Champions crowned as 20th season of pavement racing at the Acres closes

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2008 season at Redwood Acres Raceway came to a close this past Saturday night, the 20th season of pavement racing at the 3/8 mile facility. Champions in all five of the local divisions were officially crowned. While some of the points races had already been decided prior to the final main events, the championships in the real stock and sportsman divisions literally came down to the final lap.

For yet another race weekend, the limited street stock cars were unable to race due to a lack of cars showing up. Veteran Acres racer Fergy Ferguson clinched the title for the division thanks in part to showing up for every race.

The points title in the mini stock division was between the Baker brothers, Craig and Scott. Going into the final race, Craig held a 26 point advantage over Scott. The trophy dash victory was won by Scott Baker over Craig Baker, Brian McIntosh and Craig Huffman who was driving Brian Murrell’s mini stock truck on the night. Craig Baker took the heat race victory ahead of Huffman, Denzil Barrett, McIntosh and Scott Baker.

Scott Baker took the lead early in the 20 lap main event. On lap one, Craig Baker and McIntosh spun in the fourth turn. Both cars got going and the yellow flag was not thrown. Scott Baker began pulling away from the field at the front while Craig Baker had to move quickly to regain the ground he had lost. On lap seven, Baker swiftly moved by Nick Karanopoulos and Huffman. The next lap, he moved by Barrett for second. As the laps wound down, Craig began to catch Scott. With two laps left, Craig got loose between the first and second turns, spinning out and essentially handing the win to Scott. Barrett finished second ahead of Huffman, Craig Baker and Brian Murrell, Jr. Craig Baker’s fourth place finish was enough to allow him to clinch the 2008 mini stock championship.

Jim Redd came into the final night leading Trevor Miller by only 24 points in the real stock division. Pat Conway won the trophy dash over Miller, Shawn Craig and Bob Lima. Miller took the heat race victory over Bill Middleton, Craig, Lima and Redd. Ray Middleton and Marvin Savage comprised the front row in the 25 lap main event. Savage took the early lead before Lima moved by on lap two bringing Craig, Redd, Bill Middleton, Conway and Miller with him. Miller moved by Conway on lap four, then moved by Bill Middleton two laps later. On the eighth circuit, the two points contenders raced for the fourth position with Miller taking the spot.

The rest of the race featured a duel between the top three cars of Lima, Craig and Miller. After dueling with Craig for several laps, Miller moved by to take the second position going into the first corner on lap 16. Later that same lap, Miller powered his way past Lima to take the lead. Craig and Lima dueled for the second spot until lap 24 when Craig finally took the position away. At the checkered flag it was Miller winning over Craig, Lima, Redd and Bill Middleton. Although Miller won the main event, it wasn’t enough for him to claim the championship as Jim Redd had just enough of a cushion to take the 2008 real stock title.

The 2008 thunder roadster championship had already been decided going into the final event as Paul Peeples, Jr. held an insurmountable lead. Randy Olson returned to racing at the Acres for the first time in a year winning the trophy dash over Peeples, Chris Banfill and Troy Combs. Olson followed up with a win in the heat race ahead of Peeples, Rick Crawley, Jr., Robert Miller and Bruce Ziemer. Combs won the second heat followed by Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward, Banfill and Leroy Marsh, Jr.

Crawley and Sarvinski brought the field to the green in the 40 lap main event. Crawley got the early lead before an early caution flag which saw Marsh spin and Donn Cole run into Marsh’s spun car. Cole suffered irreparable left front wheel damage ending his night. Racing resumed with Crawley leading Sarvinski, Ziemer, Chris Lawrence and Miller. On lap five, Combs began to make his move forward moving past Lawrence then past Ziemer a lap later. Olson also began to move to the front, passing Ward on lap nine for fourth, then getting by Crawley for third on lap 10 bringing Peeples with him. At the same time, Combs moved by Sarvinski for the lead. On lap 14, Peeples moved by Olson for the third position. On lap 15, Miller spun bringing out the yellow flag

The race restarted with Combs leading Sarvinski, Peeples, Olson and Banfill. Peeples quickly moved by Sarvinski on the restart, while Olson was also able to maneuver past Sarvinski on the next lap. The best racing for the rest of the event was for the third spot between Olson and Banfill as Combs was able to hold a comfortable lead over Peeples, even pulling away slightly. Olson was not going to allow Banfill by easily, and the two dueled hard for the position before lap 39 when Banfill was finally able to get by Olson for the position. At the checkered flag it was Combs winning his second main event in a row over Peeples, Banfill, Olson and Ward.

Going into the final event of the season for the sportsman division, Brandon Barnwell held a tight 13 point edge over second place Dennis Delbiaggio. The trophy dash victory went to Rick Fox over Larry Pries, Delbiaggio and Barnwell. The first heat race was won by Barnwell over Angelo Marcelli, Lissa Uselton, Pries and Craig Huffman. Jerry Peterson won the second heat ahead of Fox, Delbiaggio, Romeo Venza and David Henderson.

Frank Billy and Peterson lead the field to the green flag for the 40 lap feature event. Peterson gained the lead as the field settled behind with Delbiaggio second, Billy third, Uselton fourth and Pries fifth. On lap three, Fox moved outside and by Pries for fifth. On the fourth lap, Delbiaggio moved outside of Peterson for the lead. The two drivers fought doorhandle-to-doorhandle the next several laps, neither giving an inch. Fox continued his move to the front on lap five, getting by Usleton for fourth. On the sixth lap, Delbiaggio secured the lead from Peterson. Fox moved past Billy for third on lap nine bringing Barnwell with him. The field spread out and it looked as if things would remain status quo until lap 27 when Billy and Uselton made contact in turns three and four. Billy was able to continue but Uselton was done for the rest of the race.

Delbiaggio led Peterson, Fox, Barnwell and Pries to the restart. Fox made his way to the second position on lap 30. Though he had enough time to try a maneuver on Delbiaggio for the lead Fox was unable to muster a challenge as Delbiaggio took the win over Fox, Peterson, Barnwell and Pries. Barnwell was able to claim his second sportsman title in a row by only nine points over Delbiaggio.

The close of the 2008 season only brings anticipation and excitement of what will happen in 2009. There are likely more cars that will be racing at the Acres in several of the divisions, and next season will feature the debut of the roadrunner division, a unique economy division. Congratulations to the 2008 Redwood Acres Raceway champions and good luck to everyone in the 2009 season!

Barnwell and Combs return to victory lane

Barnwell and Combs return to victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway was a special event in many ways. Besides it being the Judy Fox Memorial, it was Back-To-School night as well. Added to that was a fairwell to track chaplain, Pastor Tom Galovich. Pastor Tom had led pre-race prayers and sang the National Anthem at the Acres since 1991, but was leaving after this race to pursue new opportunities in the Sacramento area while also being closer to his family. To top it all off, the weather at the Acres was fantastic. It was all just the beginning of a somewhat crazy evening of racing.

Prior to the races, all of the drivers came on the track in honor, thought and remembrance of loved ones. Drivers took a few ceremonial laps, while names of family and friends they were making the laps for were read to the fans. With only Fergy Ferguson and Kenny Demello showing up for the limited street stock division, there were no races held. Craig Baker continued his dominance in the mini stock division winning the trophy dash over brother Scott Baker, Denzil Barrett and Brian Murrell. Baker came back in the heat to win again over Scott Baker, Barrett, Murrell and Brian Murrell, Jr. Lap one of the 20-lap main event saw contact take Brian McIntosh into the turn one wall and out of the event. On the restart, Murrell took the lead over a hard charging Craig Baker. On lap four, Scott Baker moved by Barrett for the fourth position. On lap 8, Craig Baker moved outside and past Murrell for the lead.

The field spread out and it looked to be a runaway for Baker in the lead when Murrell’s engine blew coming off turn four in a fiery display. Murrell drove his car in the infield and was fine but was of course out of the event. Murrell’s blown engine allowed Ryan Ahrens to move into the fifth position, however while the cars were parked to clean up the oil on the front stretch, Ahrens car began to leak fluid and he drove his car in the infield to avoid putting more fluid on the track. The last five laps for Craig Baker proved to be fairly easy as he pulled away from Scott to take the win. Barrett finished fourth while Brian Murrell, Jr. continued his improvement in the division with a fourth place effort.

The trophy dash in the real stock division was taken by Trevor Miller over Shawn Craig, Jim Redd and Ryan Robinson. Nick Green narrowly won the heat race over Miller, Craig, Redd and Casey Mitchell. Bill Middleton took the lead on the first lap of the main event ahead of Redd and Miller. Bob Lima who was the pole-sitter pulled his car into the pits on the second lap, never to return. On lap four, Craig’s engine went going into the first turn. Craig quickly pulled his car off the track, but the yellow was thrown.

Middleton led Redd, Miller, Robinson and Mitchell to the green flag. Miller made a move outside of Redd on the sixth lap and took the position away in the first turn. Going down the back straight stretch, Miller moved outside of Middleton for the top spot. The two dueled for the lead until lap 8 when Redd, Middleton and Miller went into the third turn three-wide. Contact resulted in the fourth turn which sent both Middleton and Miller head-on into the concrete. Mitchell slammed into the wall trying to avoid the two cars. The race was delayed for several minutes to move the damaged cars and clean the fluid on the track. With only three cars left, the race was shortened from 25 to 12 laps. Redd was moved to the rear while Ryan Robinson led over Ray Robinson. Redd moved by Ray Robinson for second but couldn’t move by Ryan Robinson as he took the checkered flag first. However, Robinson’s car did not pass post-race tech and the win was awarded to Redd.

Tommy Payne took his first trophy at the Acres by winning the trophy dash over Paul Peeples, Jr., Mike Ward and David Henderson who was wheeling Chris Banfill’s car. Bruce Ziemer held off Ward in the first heat to win followed by Henderson, Donn Cole and Chris Lawrence. Troy Combs took the second heat over Peeples, Payne, Robert Miller and Jim Rich. Miller was the early leader of the 30-lap main event over Combs. On lap three, Combs moved under and past Miller for the lead. Just after that, Cole spun off the fourth turn bringing out the only yellow flag for this race.

Combs led Miller, Payne, Henderson and Lawrence to the green flag restart. Peeples quickly moved by Lawrence for fifth when the green dropped, while Henderson moved outside and by Payne. On lap five, Peeples moved to fourth by Payne for the position. The next lap, Henderson, Miller and Peeples went three-deep with Peeples getting the best of it by taking both positions and moving to second with Miller and Henderson still fighting for third. On lap eight, Henderson finally moved by Miller. By lap 13, Henderson was right on top of Peeples for second.

The dominance that has normally been displayed by Peeples in the division was being shown by Combs in this race as he led by nearly a full straightaway. With the laps clicking off, the best battle of the race was between Peeples and Henderson who were having their own race for the second spot. On lap 24, Mike Ward moved by Payne for fourth. With two laps left, Henderson finally found the inside line on Peeples and moved by. Going into turn one on the final lap, Peeples made contact with Henderson’s bumper sending Henderson spinning. In the mix up, Ward made nose-to-nose contact with Henderson. In the end it was Combs with the victory. Peeples was moved to the rear of the lead lap moving Miller into second in the lineup with Payne third, Ziemer fourth and Lawrence fifth.

Lakeport Speedway racer Noel McCormack, Jr. made the two to the Acres and quickly took a liking to the speedway in the sportsman division winning the trophy dash over Tim McCracken, Dennis Delbiaggio and Jerry Peterson. McCormack followed up with a last lap pass and the win in the first heat race over Delbiaggio, Rick Fox, Lissa Uselton and Ken Hallis. McCracken won the second heat followed by Brandon Barnwell, Peterson, Larry Pries and Angelo Marcelli. Uselton and Marcelli led the field to the green flag in the 30-lap main event. The two raced doorhandle to doorhandle the first lap before Uselton took the upper hand on lap two over Hallis and Barnwell. A few laps later, Hallis made contact with Uselton sending her spinning. Behind that the field bunched up and drivers stacked up on one another, resulting in damage for many, most noteable of those being Delbiaggio, McCracken, McCormack and Peterson. Just after the red flag was dropped, McCracken drove his car in the pits. Unfortunately, pitting under the red isn’t permitted and McCracken was disqualified. McCormack was able to continue while Peterson had to pull his car into the pits just before the restart to fix an overheating situation.

Barnwell was now the leader ahead of Marcelli, Fox, Pries and Keith Dias. On the restart, McCormack moved by Dias for fifth. On lap 10, McCormack was by Pries for fourth. A lap later Fox had to relinquish third to McCormack. Fox appeared to be struggling with his car as he was passed by Pries and Hallis on lap 13. McCormack moved by Marcelli for the second position on lap 15. A lap later, Pries tried to move by Marcelli. Going into the third turn, the two made contact and spun. Hallis spun in avoidance of the incident while Uselton was unable to squeeze between the wall and Marcelli severely damaging her car and ending her night prematurely.

Under the caution period, McCormack’s car began to show steam, and it appeared unclear as to whether he would have a chance of winning the race, much less finishing. Barnwell took the field to the restart. The final 15 laps were ran without incident with the main race being between Barnwell and McCormack. Try as he did, McCormack just did not have enough to put serious pressure on Barnwell for the lead. At the checkered flag it was Barnwell winning over McCormack, Fox, Hallis and Craig Huffman a solid and surprising fifth in his first race in the sportsman division.

Racing at the Acres goes on a three-week break before returning Saturday September 27th for the Fall Spectacular. All five local classes will be racing along with an open for the IMCA modifieds and the return of the North State Challenge Series late models.

Combs defeats Peeples, Barnwell returns to victory lane

Combs defeats Peeples, Barnwell returns to victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The racing this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway must have left many people scratching their heads. The car count in three of the five divisions was unexpectedly low, but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t close racing. Usually when there is close racing, there usually comes contact and accidents, and that’s exactly what happened. By the end of the night, four drivers were able to bring their cars home victorious and intact, Craig Baker in the mini stocks, Trevor Miller in the real stocks, Troy Combs in the thunder roadsters and Brandon Barnwell in the sportsman division. Regrettably the limited street stock class was unable to run due to the lack of cars at the track.

The mini stock trophy dash was won by Scott Baker over Brian Murrell, Brian McIntosh and Max Capps. The main event saw eight cars start the race. On the first lap, rookie Norm Carmichael hit the turn four wall head on bringing out the yellow flag. Thankfully Carmichael was not injured in the incident. Craig Baker took the lead early in the race and was able to maintain a comfortable distance throughout the event all the way to the checkered flag. McIntosh finished second with Murrell third, Capps fourth and Scott Baker fifth.

Shawn Craig broke Trevor Miller’s track record in the real stock division but unfortunately his night was cut short in the trophy dash when heavy smoke began to pour out of his vehicle while leading. Miller was able to inherit the lead and take the dash win ahead of Ryan Peeples and Jim Redd. The heat race featured a wreck on the front straightaway on the start between Ryan Robinson and Dustin Walters. Both drivers were able to continue to race. Peeples lost his engine in the heat ending his night prematurely. Miller took the win over Redd, Robinson, and Dana DeVane. The main started off with a red flag after a turn two wreck between Walters and Redd. Walters was able to continue but Redd was out of the race. Miller was able to cruise to an easy victory over Robinson, Walters and DeVane while Redd was credited with fifth.

Mike Ward took home the trophy in the dash for the thunder roadsters holding off Troy Combs, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Robert Miller. The heat race saw contact between Donn Cole and Miller while racing for the lead. Unfortunately, Thomas Payne was collected while trying to avoid the incident and damaged his car enough to where he was out for the rest of the night. Peeples was able to take the win over Ward, Combs, Miller and Chris Lawrence. Combs was able to wrestle away the lead early in the main event and was able to hold off the strongest of challengers in Peeples to claim his first main event win of the season, and only the second main event win by someone other than Peeples. Miller took third with Ward fourth, Cole fifth and Lawrence sixth.

Mic Moulton made his return to the sportsman division winning the trophy dash over Larry Pries, Dennis Delbiaggio and Brandon Barnwell. Barnwell won the first heat race over Delbiaggio, Ken Hallis, Romeo Venza and Keith Dias. Jerry Peterson held off Lissa Uselton in the second heat while Marty Walsh, Angelo Marcelli and Pries completed the top five finishers. Delbiaggio took the lead early in the main event and was able to gain several car lengths over second place Walsh. Meanwhile, Moulton moved his way from mid-pack to third. After many laps of running in Walsh’s mirror, Moulton was able to maneuver by for second.

On lap 26, Moulton moved inside of Delbiaggio for the lead. The two made contact going into turn one sending Delbiaggio spinning. Officials placed Moulton at the rear of the field and now the race lead belonged to Barnwell over Walsh, Pries, Uselton and Hallis. With two laps left, Delbiaggio, Venza and Dias spun between turns one and two bringing out the yellow. The restart was a simultaneous green and white restart. Moulton tried to time his start perfectly and was able to move into second going into turn one. The race to the line was absolute chaos. In turn four coming to the checkered flag, Walsh and Pries made contact sending them spinning. Meanwhile, Barnwell crossed the line first with Moulton second, Uselton third and Hallis fourth. The action still wasn’t over as Venza’s throttle stuck and he drove over the side of Walsh’s car right at the start/finish line. Officals deemed Moulton to have restarted before the green flag waved which moved Uselton into the second finishing position, Hallis third and Marcelli fourth. In any case, Barnwell was still the winner.

Racing at the Acres take a break for one week before returning July 26th for more excitement from the five local divisions.

Surprising victory for Jerry Peterson, Peeples returns to form

Surprising victory for Jerry Peterson, Peeples returns to form

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a long two week break from racing at the Acres, action got back going this past Saturday night. As always, all five local classes were on hand to provide intense racing action for north coast racing fans. Orion Mosher made things look easy in the limited street stock main event, scoring another win for the 2007 season. Craig Baker’s late pass on Nick Karanopoulos enabled him to score the win in the mini stock feature. Driving a borrowed car, Ryan Walters took the win in the real stock action. Jerry Peterson showed surprising strength, muscling past Brandon Barnwell and running away from the field in the sportsman class to win. After several weeks of being out of the winner’s circle, Paul Peeples, Jr. made his way back taking the win in the thunder roadster main event.

Orion Mosher set fast time for the limited street stock drivers with a 17.412 lap time. Robert Miller won the dash ahead of Scott Lyons, Mosher and Kenny Demello. The victory for the heat went to Mosher beating out Miller, Lyons, Demello and Stan Young. The 15 lap main event was brought to the green flag by Demello and Lyons. Demello was able to get the early lead over Mosher. Mosher worked Demello’s bumper until lap five when he was able to get by Demello for the lead. While Mosher pulled away, the best racing was between Demello, Lyons and Miller. With three laps to go, Miller got loose while trying to get by Lyons causing him to spin in turn four and allowing Young to move to the fourth position. At the checkered flag it was Mosher winning ahead of Demello, Lyons, Young and Miller.

The fast lap for the mini stock division was set by Byron McIntosh with a 19.056 lap. McIntosh took the heat win over Brian Murrell, Max Capps and Nick Karanopoulos. Craig Baker won the heat over Denzil Barrett, Karanopoulos, Murrell and McIntosh. The 15 lap main event was led to the green flag by Brian McIntosh and Karanopoulos. The early lead was held by Karanopoulos while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind him. On lap two, Capps moved inside of Brian McIntosh to take second, bringing Byron McIntosh with him. On lap seven, Baker moved inside of Byron McIntosh for fourth. A lap later, Baker took third away from Capps. On lap 11, Baker took second from Murrell, bringing Byron McIntosh with him. With two to go, Baker pulled by Karanopoulos for the lead. While trying to fight back, going into the third turn Karanopoulos got loose and lost several positions. At the finish it was Baker winning ahead of Brian McIntosh, Murrell, Capps and Karanopoulos.

Former limited street stock ace Shawn Craig returned to racing at the Acres in the real stocks and took quick time with a 19.239 lap. Steve Kimberling won the dash followed by Ryan Peeples, Bill Middleton and Craig. Craig won the first head ahead of Ryan Walters, Kimberling, Jim Redd and Bob Lima. Just after crossing the finish line, Walters and Kimberling tangled with Walters receiving the worst of the damage. The official ruling was that Kimberling would be parked for the evening for whatever part he played in the incident. The second heat was taken by Doug Way ahead of Middleton, Peeples, Ray Robinson and Ray DeMello.

Nick Green and DeMello led the 15 car field to the green of the 25 lap feature event. Green took the initial lead before Redd took over to lead the first lap. On lap two, Bob Lima and Peeples made contact sending Peeples for a spin between the third and fourth turns bringing out the yellow flag. After the restart, the race went green for three more laps before Marvin Savage spun collecting Chuck Essex and Green bringing out the second yellow flag of the race. By this time, Redd held the lead over Troy Wood, Way, Lima and Walters who was driving the car Craig was driving earlier in the evening. After several more laps of green flag running, the yellow came out once more when Lima and Walters made contact, shearing off Walters’ front bumper and throwing it on the front straightaway.

After the restart, Way made his way by Wood on the twelfth lap. The next lap, Lima and Walters maneuvered their way by Wood to take third and fourth. On lap 17, Essex spun in turn four but got back going. At the same time, Way moved outside and by Redd for the lead. Walters moved by Redd a lap later to take the second position. Middleton, Lima and Redd went three wide going into turn one on lap 19. Unfortunately, Middleton spun bringing out the yellow. On the final restart, Walters got the jump on Way and made his way by. Lima looked outside of Wood on lap 22 but got loose allowing Essex and Middleton to pass. With two laps left, Middleton got loose in turn three allowing Lima to take fifth. At the line though it was Walters notching the victory ahead of Way, Wood, Essex and Lima.

Brandon Barnwell took fast time in the sportsman division with a 16.564 lap. Rick Fox won the dash over Aaron Byers, Lissa Uselton and Barnwell. Byers took the head victory over Angelo Marcelli, Fox, Barnwell and Uselton. Joe Bonomini and Marcelli led the field to the green in the 30 lap main event. For the first five laps, the first three rows dueled side by side in a clean battle. Finally on the sixth lap, Bonomini was able to gain the advantage and take the lead bringing Fox into the second spot. On lap seven, Fox and Bonomini tangled sending Bonomini spinning. Under the caution flag, Fox was relegated to the rear of the field giving Byers the lead over Uselton, Barnwell and Jerry Peterson.

On the restart, Barnwell got by Uselton for second. Peterson moved to Uselton’s outside and took third a lap later. On lap 11, Bonomini spun in the fourth turn ending his evening. The restart came once more with Barnwell and Peterson on Byers’ tail. On lap 13, Fox moved inside of Uselton completing the pass the next lap. On lap 16, Byers grazed the back stretch wall but was able to continue with minimal damage. On lap 17, Larry Pries spun in turn two bringing out another yellow flag. Barnwell took advantage of Byers on the restart and took the lead, bringing Peterson and Fox with him. While trying to follow Fox, Uselton spun trying to avoid hitting Byers. She lost several spots but got her car going again.

On lap 21, Peterson rocketed his way past Barnwell to take the lead. The next lap off turn two, Barnwell and Fox had contact sending Barnwell into a spin. He kept going though and there wasn’t a yellow flag. The field stretched out until lap 27 when Pries spun again. In the last few laps, Fox tried to find a line by Peterson but Peterson was just too strong on this night as he was able to take the win ahead of Fox, Byers, Marcelli and Barnwell.

Paul Peeples, Jr. set quick time for the thunder roadster division with a 16.981 lap time. Leroy Marsh, Jr. won the dash over Peeples, Chris Banfill and David Henderson who pulled his car into the pits suffering with problems. Henderson borrowed Ron Rosenthal’s car to complete the night’s events. Fred Hanks won the first head ahead of Donn Cole, Troy Combs, Bill Bradbury and Bruce Ziemer. Peeples won the second head over Chris Banfill, Henderson, Ray Elliott and Bill O’Neill. Unfortunately, Jay Bahner wrecked in the heat forcing him to miss the start of the roadster main event.

Combs and Gerhy Foster lead the 19 car field to the green of the 35 lap feature event. Combs took the lead from the start. Banfill moved to second quickly taking the spot from Foster. On lap three, Elliott took third from Foster. The fourth lap, Bradbury spun off the fourth turn collecting Chris Sarvinski and Hanks bringing out the yellow flag. On the restart, Peeples moved outside and by Marsh. On lap seven, Peeples moved into fourth passing Foster for the position. Banfill looked inside of Combs for the lead on lap eight, but Combs shut the door. The front four of Combs, Banfill, Elliott and Peeples pulled away from the rest of the field before lap 20 when Elliott spun in turn four bringing out the yellow flag.

On the restart it was Combs leading Banfill, Peeples, Marsh and Henderson. Peeples got a great start on Banfill and made the pass. On lap 22, Peeples moved by Combs to take the lead. The next lap, Henderson took fourth away from Marsh. On lap 25, Henderson moved inside of Banfill and finished the pass the next lap. Marsh was able to follow in Henderson’s wake to take fourth from Banfill. On lap 27, Banfill moved back by Marsh. While Peeples held a comfortable lead over Combs, Banfill and Marsh continued their duel for fourth before lap 32 when Marsh moved by Banfill to take the lead. Up front though, it was Peeples winning over Combs, Henderson, Marsh and Banfill.

Drivers and teams have a quick week to get prepared for another race this coming weekend. It should be another special event with some added excitement as it will be Fan Appreciation Night at the Acres. Joining the five local classes will be Powderpuff races. There’s little doubt that there will be a packed house ready to see the same kind of intense excitement that the 2007 season at the Acres has produced.

Limited Street Stocks
Fast Time Orion Mosher 17.412
Dash: Robert Miller, Scott Lyons, Mosher, Kenny Demello
Heat: Mosher, Miller, Lyons, Demello, Stan Young, Duane Mayo
Main: Mosher, Demello, Lyons, Young, Miller, Romeo Venza

Mini Stocks
Fast Time Byron McIntosh 19.056
Dash: By. McIntosh, Brian Murrell, Max Capps, Nick Karanopoulos
Heat: Craig Baker, Denzil Barrett, Karanopoulos, Murrell, By. McIntosh, Capps, Brian McIntosh
Main: Baker, By. McIntosh, Murrell, Capps, Karanopoulos, Br. McIntosh, Barrett

Real Stocks
Fast Time Shawn Craig 19.239
Dash: Steve Kimberling, Ryan Peeples, Bill Middleton, Craig
Heat 1: Craig, Ryan Walters, Kimberling, Jim Redd, Bob Lima, Chuck Essex, Nick Green, Mark Mullan, Dana DeVane
Heat 2: Doug Way, Middleton, Peeples, Ray Robinson, Ray DeMello, Troy Wood, Marvin Savage, Ryan Robinson
Main: Walters, Way, Wood, Essex, Lima, Middleton, Savage, DeMello, Ra. Robinson, Green, Mullan, DeVane, Redd, Peeples, Ry. Robinson

Sportsman
Fast Time Brandon Barnwell 16.564
Dash: Rick Fox, Aaron Byers, Lissa Uselton, Barnwell
Heat: Byers, Angelo Marcelli, Fox, Barnwell, Uselton, Joe Bonomini, Jerry Peterson, Larry Pries, Romeo Venza
Main: Peterson, Fox, Byers, Marcelli, Barnwell, Uselton, Venza, Pries, Bonomini

Thunder Roadsters
Fast Time Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.981
Dash: Leroy Marsh, Jr., Peeples, Chris Banfill, David Henderson
Heat 1: Fred Hanks, Donn Cole, Troy Combs, Bruce Ziemer, Bill Bradbury, Rob Nelson, Chris Sarvinski, Mike Ward, Belinda Ward, Gary Payne
Heat 2: Peeples, Banfill, Henderson, Ray Elliott, Bill O’Neill, Gehry Foster, Chris Lawrence, Mark Baldwin, Marsh, Jay Bahner
Main: Peeples, Combs, Henderson, Marsh, Banfill, Foster, M. Ward, Lawrence, O’Neill, Ziemer, Baldwin, McMurray, Elliott, Hanks, Nelson, B. Ward, Bahner, Bradbury, Sarvinski, Cole.

Three first-time winners highlight racing at the Acres

Three first-time winners highlight racing at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

In a season which has been dominated by a select few drivers, the July 7th evening of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway provided some very surprising first-time winners. After spending the first half of the 2007 season learning the ropes in the limited street stock class, Robert Miller took home his first ever main event victory. In his first time back at the Acres since a heat race incident on the first night wiped out his car, Denzil Barrett won his first main event victory ever in the mini stock division. Real stock veteran Bill Middleton claimed his third main event victory of the season. Ray Elliott held off his competitors to take a surprising win in the thunder roadster main event, while Acres veteran, Larry Pries won his first main event of the ‘07 season in the sportsman division.

Robert Miller set the fast time for the limited street stocks with a 17.808 lap time. Kenny Demello took the dash win ahead of Scott Lyons, Miller and Todd Freeman. Miller won the heat in front of Duane Mayo, Demello, Freeman and Stan Young. Miller was able to use the momentum of his heat race victory to propel him into victory circle in the main event beating out Demello, Lyons, Romeo Venza and Young. Lyons currently holds a five point advantage over second place Mayo in points. Young is third followed by the Miller brothers of Robert and Trevor. Orion Mosher, the driver with the most wins in the division for 2007 so far is fifth in points.

18.966 was the quick lap in the mini stock class set by Byron McIntosh. McIntosh followed up fast time with the dash win ahead of Jason Shaha, Brian Murrell and Max Capps. Scott Baker won the heat over Brian McIntosh, Nick Karanopoulos, Glenn Bernald and Denzil Barrett. The night would belong to Barrett in the main event, as he was able to hold off Shaha and McIntosh to win his first main event. Capps and Murrell rounded out the top five finishers. Murrell has a four point advantage over Byron McIntosh. Capps is third in point followed by Bernald and Shaha.

Ryan Peeples took fast time honors for the real stock division with a 19.323 time. Steve Kimberling won the dash head of Peeples, Barry Barnwell and Chuck Essex. Doug Way claimed the first heat race win over Kimberling, Ryan Walters, Troy Wood and Essex while Barnwell took the second followed by Jim Redd, Bill Middleton, Bob Lima and Donnie Hyman. When it came to the main event, Middleton proved to be the victor over Walters, Wood, Way and Barnwell. With Kimberling’s seventh place finish, Wood closed the points gap to four. Middleton is third followed by Barnwell and Marvin Savage.

Paul Peeples, Jr. set fast time for the thunder roadster cars with a 16.927 lap. Chris Banfill won the dash ahead of David Henderson, Mark Arroyo and Peeples. Ray Elliott won the first head followed by Chris Sarvinski, Peeples, Arroyo and Bill O’Neill while LeRoy Marsh, Jr. won the second over Bruce Ziemer, Troy Combs, Dave McMurray and Jay Bahner. At the end of the 30 lap main event, Elliott was the man out front. Combs took second over Peeples, Henderson and Marsh. Peeples holds a 21 point margin over Henderson in second. Marsh, Banfill and Mike Ward complete the top five in the points standings.

Brandon Barnwell earned fast time honors with a 16.595 lap. Barnwell won the dash over Larry Pries, Marty Walsh and Lissa Uselton. Walsh took the heat victory ahead of Aaron Byers, Uselton, Pries and Jerry Peterson. The main event win would go to Pries, his first of the season. Rick Fox finished second with Angelo Marcelli third, Byers fourth and Peterson fifth. With an unusally bad ninth place finish, Barnwell’s points lead over Fox has been cut to just four. Marcelli, Pries and Byers complete the top five.

Racing at the Acres take a break for a few weeks before getting going again July 28th. As always, it should be another exciting event on Eureka’s 3/8 mile paved oval.

Race Results
Limited Street Stocks
Fast Time: Robert Miller 17.808
Dash: Kenny Demello, Scott Lyons, Miller, Todd Freeman
Heat: Miller, Duane Mayo, Demello, Freeman, Stan Young, Lyons, Romeo Venza
Main: Miller, Demello, Lyons, Venza, Young, Mayo, Freeman

Mini Stocks
Fast Time: Byron McIntosh 18.966
Dash: By. McIntosh, Jason Shaha, Brian Murrell, Max Capps
Heat: Scott Baker, Brian McIntosh, Nick Karanopoulos, Glenn Bernald, Denzil Barrett, Shaha, By. McIntosh, Murrell, Capps
Main: Barrett, Shaha, By. McIntosh, Capps, Murrell, Br. McIntosh, Bernald, Karanopoulos, Baker

Real Stocks
Fast Time: Ryan Peeples 19.323
Dash: Steve Kimberling, Peeples, Barry Barnwell, Chuck Essex
Heat 1: Doug Way, Kimberling, Ryan Walters, Troy Wood, Essex, Marvin Savage, Nick Green, Ray Robinson
Heat 2: Barnwell, Jim Redd, Bill Middleton, Bob Lima, Donnie Hyman, Mark Mullan, Peeples
Main: Middleton, Walters, Wood, Way, Barnwell, Peeples, Kimberling, Essex, Green, Hyman, Savage, Robinson, Mullan, Rick Stone, Lima, Redd

Thunder Roadsters
Fast Time: Paul Peeples, Jr. 16.927
Dash: Chris Banfill, David Henderson, Mark Arroyo, Peeples
Heat 1: Ray Elliott, Chris Sarvinski, Arroyo, Bill O’Neill, Mark Baldwin, Henderson, Banfill, Mike Ward
Heat 2: Leroy Marsh, Jr., Bruce Ziemer, Troy Combs, Dave McMurray, Jay Bahner, Bill Bradbury, Butch Weese, Rob Nelson, Belinda Ward
Main: Elliott, Combs, Peeples, Henderson, Marsh, Sarvinski, Banfill, Arroyo, Baldwin, O’Neill, Bahner, McMurray, M. Ward, Ziemer, Bradbury, Nelson, Weese, B. Ward

Sportsman
Fast Time: Brandon Barnwell 16.595
Dash: Barnwell, Larry Pries, Marty Walsh, Lissa Uselton
Heat: Walsh, Aaron Byers, Uselton, Pries, Jerry Peterson, Angelo Marcelli, Barnwell, Donnie Brown, Jason Belt, Rick Fox
Main: Pries, Fox, Marcelli, Byers, Peterson, Uselton, Belt, Brown, Barnwell.

2006 Thunder Roadster Season: A Look Back

2006 Thunder Roadster Season: A Look Back

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2006 season marked the beginning of a new division at Redwood Acres Raceway; the thunder roadsters. These new cars were highly anticipated because of their open-wheel look, the number of cars and drivers and the various experience levels of every driver. Suffice to say, the new class did not disappoint. The roadsters provided some of the most memorable races of the season.

David Henderson won the 2006 thunder roadster championship by 120 points, but it never appeared as if he was running away with the title. Henderson only had one win, however he was almost always among the top three finishers when the checkered flag fell. Henderson’s lone win proved to be in the very first race of the season where he held off a number of drivers to take a hard fought victory.

Paul Peeples, Jr. proved to be Henderson’s toughest points competitor. Peeples notched four wins, three in a row at one point. Peeples four victories proved to be the most in the division, but he was not able to maintain the consistency that Henderson was able to. Troy Combs proved to be one of the drivers to beat on a weekly basis despite the 2006 season being his first at the Acres. Combs took two main event victories and third in the points.

Another Acres newcomer was Chris Sarvinski. Sarvinski was always among the quicker cars, and was able to be among the top finishers on a regular basis. Acres veteran Bill O’Neill returned to racing after several years away from the oval. O’Neill was able to dial in his car during the season, scoring several strong runs and finishing fifth in points.

Leroy Marsh missed the first few races of the season, but took to the track in his roadster like a duck to water. Marsh came close to winning several races but wasn’t able to take the checkered flag in first. Despite missing a few races, Marsh placed sixth in points. Randy Olson returned to racing after not driving for a few years. Olson won three main events, set the track record of 16.885 and finished seventh in points despite not racing the full schedule. Acres rookie Ray Elliott drove his colorful 31 car to a number of good runs to finish in eight place in the standings.

Bruce Ziemer had the wildest wreck of all the roadster drivers flipping in a race at Ukiah Speedway. Fortunately Ziemer was okay and was able to continue racing at the Acres finishing ninth in the points. Mark Arroyo looked to be one of the faster competitors as the season concluded, and his steady finishes made him the tenth place points finisher. Over thirty different drivers participated in the thunder roadster class during the 2006 season. During the Fall Spectacular weekend drivers from Nevada and Texas made the trek to race against what is the highest number of roadster cars and drivers in the nation.

The 2007 season should have more of the same kind of action that the 2006 season provided. David Henderson will return to defend his championship, but it won’t be an easy road going against the likes of Peeples, Combs, Olson and Marsh. With more experience, drivers like Sarvinski, Elliott, Ziemer, Arroyo, Donn Cole, Mike Ward, Jay Bahner and Chris Banfill should be strong competition too. Veterans including O’Neill, Dave McMurray and Rusty Olson will be tough to beat along with Mark Baldwin who missed the last half of the 2006 season due to an injury. A variety of drivers can win on any given night, and with that kind of group excitement is sure to be found.

Walsh, Grammer, Betournay 2006 champions

Walsh, Grammer, Betournay 2006 champions

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The thirteenth event of the season, the Judy Fox Memorial race at Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday night saw the 2006 points races in the sportsman, mini stock and limited street stock divisions come to an end with champions crowned in each division. Marty Walsh held off the toughest challenges of Glen Shewry to win once again in the sportsman division capping off a superb championship run. Craig Baker took home the trophy in the mini stock division but Chad Grammer was probably the happiest mini stock driver as his fourth place finish was good enough to claim the title. Class rookie Trevor Miller claimed victory in the limited street stock class while first year driver Adrien Betournay won the division champion. While the real stock and thunder roadsters still have another weekend of racing left, both divisions had great racing with Dan Browne winning the real stock main, and Troy Combs taking top honors in the roadster race.

Before the night’s racing action, drivers from all divisions brought their cars out to the track to do a few memorial laps in honor of Judy Fox as well as other loved ones who were either lost to cancer or have passed on from other circumstances. The field of cars was lead by Rick Fox, Judy’s son and Lissa Uselton who is a close friend of the Fox family. Ryan Walters set the quickest lap in time trials in the real stock division with a 19.338 lap. Jim Bailey won the dash over Walters Dan Browne and Bill Bradbury. Brian Belt won the first heat race followed by Ryan Robinson, Troy Wood, Steve Kimberling and Bailey. Browne won the second heat race with Bill Middleton, Walters, Doug Way and Barry Barnwell in his tire tracks.

Eighteen cars started the 25-lap real stock main event. Troy Wood and Chuck Essex took the field to the green flag and the start of the race. Off the start, Doug Way suffered problems and slowed on the track. Coming off the fourth turn, Middleton spun bringing out the yellow flag. Amidst the early race chaos, it was Essex taking the early lead over Barnwell and Wood. The green flag flew again with Barnwell moving to Essex’s outside, taking the top position on lap three. On lap four, Walters moved himself into the fifth position getting by Kimberling. Bradbury moved by Wood and began to harass Essex for second allowing Barnwell to pull out to a sizeable margin. On lap seven, Walters made his way by Wood bringing Browne with him. The next lap, Walters moved inside Bradbury for second but Bradbury was able to hold him off. The caution came out on lap 10 when Mark Mullin spun and hit the turn four wall.

Unfortunately for Barnwell, his large lead was erased, and on the restart he now had Essex, Bradbury, Walters and Browne within striking distance of him. On the restart, Walters moved to the outside of Bradbury for third, finishing the pass on lap 11. Walters then was able to maneuver his way by Essex going into the third turn on lap 12 taking the second spot. At the same time, Browne was able to get by Bradbury for fourth. Browne moved outside of Essex on lap 13, taking the third position on lap 14 in turn one. As the leaders hit slower cars on lap 16, Browne was able to get by Walters for second in turn one. The lapped traffic jumbled the running order with Belt and Bradbury able to get by Essex.

On lap 18, Browne was able to snatch the lead away from Barnwell going into the first turn. At the same time, Belt and Walters made contact, allowing Belt to get by. Walters regained the position going into the third turn on lap 19. On lap 20, Walters spun in the second turn into the infield. The caution flag did not fly however costing Walters any chance at a good finish. Meanwhile, Browne had stretched out to a comfortable lead over Barnwell, while Barnwell had a comfortable lead over Bradbury in third. With one lap to go, Belt moved to the outside of Bradbury but got loose allowing Bailey to take the fourth position. At the front, it was Dan Browne crossing the checkered flag leading a top five consisting of drivers with the last name started by ‘B’; Barnwell, Bradbury, Bailey and Belt.

In practice for the limited street stock division, Romeo Venza hit the fourth turn wall and was not able to make it out for the rest of the evening. Trevor Miller set the fast time with a 17.143 lap. The trophy dash belonged to Kenny Demello who was looking to gain points on division leader Adrien Betournay for the championship. Miller finished second with Mosher third and Betouray fourth. Mosher took the win in the heat race followed by Demello, Betournay, Duane Mayo and Scott Lyons.

The two title contenders Demello and Betournay lead the six car field to the green flag in the 10 lap main event. Demello was able to take the early lead while the drivers tried to sort themselves out. Miller moved by Mayo in the first turn on lap two while Betournay tried to move outside and by Demello for the lead. Mosher made his way past Mayo going into the third turn on lap three. On lap five, Miller found a line inside Betournay to take second bringing along Mosher. A few moments later, Miller got to the inside of Demello to take the lead coming off the second turn. On lap seven, Mosher was able to get by Demello for second. Betournay did the same move on lap eight. Unfortunately coming off turn two, Demello hit the wall ending his race and losing his chances at the championship. The restart proved to be a formality for Miller as he was able to hold off Mosher to take the win. Betournay took third winning the class title, Mayo finished fourth and Lyons fifth.

With only a few points separating mini stock points leader Chad Grammer and second place Brian Murrell, every position in every race was extremely important. Craig Baker set fast time with a 18.731 lap. The trophy dash was won by Baker followed by Stacy Minnick, Grammar and Glen Bernald. Baker then took the win in the heat race over Grammar, Murrell, Denzel Barrett and Bernald. Nine cars started the 20-lap mini stock main event with Murrell and Bernald pacing the field. Before the start of the race, the lighting system in the second turn failed and the drivers had to race that corner in darker conditions.

Murrell was able to get the lead off the start while Minnick moved to second, followed by Baker, Grammer and Bernald. On lap three, Baker moved to the outside of Minnick to take second while Murrell pulled out to a large gap. On lap five the caution came out when Barrett spun in the fourth turn. On the restart, Baker moved outside of Murrell taking the lead on lap seven. From that point on, the field stretched out and the only drama that was left was to see if the champion would either be Murrell or Grammer. Craig Baker made it three-for-three on the night to handily take the main event win over Murrell, Minnick, Grammer and Bernald. Grammer’s fourth place finish was just enough to beat Murrell in the final points talley making him the 2006 mini stock champion.

Randy Olson set the quick time for yet another race night for the thunder roadsters with a 16.965 lap. David Henderson held off Olson, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Chris Banfill to take the win in the dash. Bill O’Neill won the first heat followed by Gary Payne, Fred Hanks, Chris Lawrence and Waylon Henze. Troy Combs won the second heat race over LeRoy Marsh, Jr., Mike Ward, Chris Sarvinski and Peeples. 20 cars started the 30-lap main event with Bruce Ziemar and Dave McMurray leading the field to the green flag. Ziemar grabbed the early lead before the second lap when Marsh took the lead taking Combs and Ward with him. Ziemar got loose of the second turn costing himself several positions. Going into turn three on lap four, Combs moved inside and by Marsh for the lead. As the front duo pulled away from the rest of the pack, the faster qualifiers of Olson and Henderson fought their way through the traffic. Olson moved outside of Sarvinski on lap five completing the pass on lap six. Henderson was able to move inside Sarvinski on the same lap to take fifth.

On lap 9, the Olson/Henderson duo closed in on Ward for third while Combs and Marsh had a sizeable 10-15 car length gap over the three. Olson and Henderson moved inside Ward going into the third turn on lap 10. Two laps later, Sarvinski was able to get by Ward to take the fourth spot. Rob Nelson spun in turn four on lap 13 but no yellow flag was thrown. At the same time, Peeples, who had made his way by Ward, got past Sarvinski for fifth. With the field spread out and Combs and Marsh with a seemingly insurmountable gap over Olson and Henderson, the race looked to be a two car battle. On lap 21, Combs hit slower traffic slowing his car. This allowed Marsh to close within striking distance along with allowing Olson and Henderson to close the large gap a little bit.

For several laps, Henderson tried to find a way by Olson. On lap 25 as the two closed in on Marsh who was fighting slower cars, Henderson made a bold move inside to get by and take third. Two laps later going into turn three, Olson regained the third position on the high side. The battle amongst Marsh, Olson and Henderson was enough for Troy Combs to sail to the win. Marsh held off Olson for second while Henderson finished fourth and Peeples fifth.

Barring any unusual circumstances, Marty Walsh basically had to show up to clinch the championship in the sportsman division. Glen Shewry clocked the fastest lap in qualifying with a 16.424 lap. Angelo Marcelli won the dash over Shewry, Walsh and Aaron Byers. Al Acuna won the first heat holding of Ken Hallis, Rick Fox, Walsh and Byers to win. The second sportsman heat race was highlighted by a superb side-by-side race for the win between Donnie Brown and Brandon Barnwell. The two raced doorhandle-to-doorhandle for the three laps before Barnwell was able to take the lead and win over Brown, Shewry, Lissa Uselton and Marcelli.

The 12 car 30-lap main event was brought to the green flag by Uselton and Brown. Off the start Brown took the lead. Going into the third turn Uselton tried to mount a challenge but Brown shut the door. On lap two, Shewry got loose off the fourth turn and slid into the infield going into turn one. He was able to save his race car while going back on the track in the middle of turns one and two, however the field was jumbled up. On lap four, Walsh moved by Uselton coming off turn four. The yellow flag flew on lap seven when Keith Dias spun in turn four. Under yellow, Barnwell and Fox made contact sending Fox spinning. However since the incident occurred under the yellow flag, Fox was able to retain his position in the race.

When the green flag came out it was Brown leading Walsh, Uselton, Byers and Marcelli. Shewry moved outside of Marcelli on lap nine, finishing the pass on lap 10. On lap 11, the field jammed up in front of Larry Pries causing Hallis to spin him out and bringing out the yellow. Hallis was sent to the rear for his involvement in the incident. The green flag came out again giving Shewry the chance to get outside and by Byers. Going into the third turn on lap 12, Walsh moved inside of Brown for the lead. Off turn two, Walsh got the bite in his rear tires, taking the lead, while Shewry moved by Uselton for third.

On lap 15, Browne dug deep and moved inside of Walsh to regain the lead. Marcelli moved inside of Byers for fifth on lap 16, taking the position going into turn three on lap 17. That same lap the yellow flag came out when Pries spun in turn four collecting Hallis, who took his car to the pits under the caution period.

The yellow period allowed Walsh to cool his tires and on the restart he was able to challenge Brown for the lead again. On lap 20, Walsh moved inside of Brown. The two raced side-by-side for a lap before Walsh was able to take the lead once more, this time bringing Shewry with him. Shewry appeared to have a faster car and he tried to fill Walsh’s mirror as much as possible. On lap 25, Shewry tried to use the high line to get by Walsh but it didn’t work. A lap later, Shewry tried the same tactic but got too loose off turn two and lost several car lengths. On lap 29, the yellow flag flew for debris from Pries’s car. This set up a green/white/checker finish. The restart wasn’t enough for Shewry to mount a challenge to Walsh as Marty Walsh was able to cap off his championship night win the main event win. Shewry held on to second followed by Brown, Uselton and Marcelli.

The final two points races for the real stock and the thunder roadsters will be held in conjunction with the Fall Spectacular Friday and Saturday night September 22nd and 23rd. Along with the two local classes will be the IMCA modifieds and the open competition super late model races. Cars from all over the west coast, from as far away as Las Vegas and Texas will be racing at the Acres. On Thursday the 21st, there will be an open practice between 2-6 PM followed by a steak barbeque provided by Rich and Linda Olson as well as Jim Offenbach and the Golden Gate Meat Company. It promises to be a very exciting conclusion to what has been perhaps the best season of racing at the Acres ever.

Fair races thrill a full grandstand for two nights

Fair races thrill a full grandstand for two nights

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The usual North Coast clouds and fog were not present as blue skies and sunshine were out to welcome fans to the Redwood Acres Fair Classic for two full nights of racing. Both nights proved to be exciting for fans, many of whom were watching their first ever races at the Acres.

Friday night proved to be the only night of competition for the limited street stock class. Nevertheless, the drivers put on a great show while they were out there. Six cars showed up to take time with Orion Mosher setting the pace with a 17.534 lap time. Kenny Demello won the dash over Mosher, Jim Bailey and Trevor Miller. The heat race had a bit too much excitement as Kelly McBride driving Craig Huffman’s vehicle spun off turn four collecting Demello. Mosher won the main event which unfortunately proved to be the last race of the weekend for the division. Duane Mayo took second followed by Adrien Betournay, Miller and Mark Burris who showed up after qualifying. While the division only ran one night, it did have its highest car count of the season.

Friday qualifying was extremely important for the real stock and mini stock cars as it determined where drivers would start for both nights of racing. Jim Bailey hung it all out in qualifying for the real stock cars turning a 19.536 lap. Dan Browne won the dash over Bailey, Ryan Walters and Steve Kimberling. Browne then took the first heat win over Doug Way, Cecil Arispe, Mike Peeples and Kimberling. Bill Bradbury won the second heat over Bailey, Marvin Savage, Ray DeMello and Barry Barnwell. DeMello and Arispe brought the field to the green flag in the Friday night main event. Arispe was able to move by DeMello to grab the lead while Way moved into the second position. Early on there were several spins including Nate Trim, DeMello and Walters, however none of the incidents resulted in a yellow. On lap 11, Dana Devane spun bringing the yellow flag.

On the restart, the front duo of Arispe and Way pulled away while Barnwell and Bailey fought for the fourth position. On lap 15, Bailey got by Barnwell and set his sights on Bradbury for third. Meanwhile, Way was looking inside and outside of Arispe for the lead. The racing among the front two allowed third, fourth and fifth to catch up and make it a five car race. On lap 21, Browne moved by Barnwell for fifth. Bailey began to have problems and pulled his car into the pits. The race for the lead was close, but in the end Arispe was able to fend off Way to win followed by Bradbury, Browne and Barnwell.

Ryan Walters took home the dash win on Saturday night followed by Steve Kimberling, Dan Browne and Jim Bailey. Bob Lima won the first dash over Kimberling, Doug Way, Mike Peeples and Cecil Arispe. Walters took the second over Barry Barnwell, Marvin Savage, Bill Bradbury and Ray DeMello. DeMello and Ryan Robinson lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Demello got the jump off the start and took the early lead, while Lima slotted himself into the second position. On lap three, Walters moved his car into the third position by Robinson. On lap six, Barnwell, Kimberling and Mike Peeples spun on the backstretch bringing out the yellow. Coming back to the flag, Lima beat DeMello to the line to take the lead.

On the restart, DeMello and the field got a great jump on Lima who fell back several positions. Jim Redd and DeMello began racing for the lead, but the two made contact sending DeMello spinning and bringing out another yellow. The green came again and Walters decided to make his move for the lead taking it from Redd on lap 11. Soon after, Redd spun into the infield. As the race wound down, the field stretched out and Walters pulled away. On lap 14, Lima moved inside and by Robinson for the third position. It was smooth sailing for Walters though as he was able to take the victory handily over Browne, Lima, Robinson and Savage.

Jaison Chand returned to race in the mini stock division for the weekend, and he showed no signs of rust as he set a quick time of 18.821. Scott Baker took Friday’s dash win with Jerry Peterson, Chand and Byron McIntosh in his wake. Chad Grammer won the heat race followed by Baker, Stacy Minnick, Chand and Peterson. Grammer and Minnick lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Grammer took the initial lead, but got loose off the second turn allowing Minnick to move into the lead with Brian McIntosh slotting in the second position. Grammer moved outside and by McIntosh on lap two. The next lap, the caution flag flew when Baker and Peterson had an incident.

The restart came and Chand tried to take advantage of the tightness of the field as he moved outside of Brian Murrell for fourth. Chand then made his way by McIntosh for third. On lap six, Grammer got by Minnick to take the lead. Chand got by Minnick the next lap. Peterson got by McIntosh on lap eight, then by Minnick on lap nine. On lap 13, Judge John Morrison spun bringing out the yellow. Under caution, Chand pulled his car behind the wall ending his evening. The green came back out and Peterson and Grammer began to duel for the lead. The two raced side by side for several laps, but Grammer eventually was able to pull out the lead from Peterson to score the victory. Baker finished third, Minnick fourth and Murrell fifth.

Saturday night proved to be a fresh start for Jaison Chand who won the trophy dash over Scott Baker, Jerry Peterson and Byron McIntosh. Chand followed that up with a heat race victory followed by Brian Murrell, Baker, Peterson and Brian McIntosh. Denzel Barrett and Brian McIntosh lead the field to the green flag in the main event. Brian McIntosh nabbed the lead while brother Byron took second and Murrell third. On lap four, Baker moved by Murrell for third. The next lap, Peterson moved outside of Murrell to take fourth. On lap six, Baker made his way by Byron McIntosh, bringing Peterson with him. The next lap, Baker and Peterson made contact in turn one bringing out a yellow and sending both drivers to the rear of the field.

The restart came and Murrell made his presence known in Brian McIntosh’s mirror. On lap 13, Grammer spun off the fourth turn but kept going. On lap 15, Peterson made contact with Murrell’s bumper bringing out another yellow and forcing himself to the back of the field once more. Out came the green flag and to the outside of McIntosh went Chand to take the lead. With two to go, Chand got severely loose off the second turn almost costing himself the win and bunching up the field behind him, however he gathered his car. Chand’s mistake proved to be Glen Bernald’s good fortune as he was able to move into the second spot. Chand was not to be challenged though as he took his third win of the night over Bernald, Brian McIntosh, Byron McIntosh and Grammar.

Qualifying was held on both nights for the thunder roadsters and the sportsman division. Troy Combs set fast time on Friday with a 17.060 lap. David Henderson won the dash over Paul Peeples, Jr., Mark Baldwin and Combs. Bill O’Neill won the first heat over Donn Cole, Ray Elliott, Jay Bahner and Gary Payne. Henderson took the second over Baldwin, Peeples, Combs and LeRoy Marsh, Jr. O’Neill and Bruce Zeimer lead the field to the green flag in the main event. A restart would have to be made however when Peeples got into Rusty Olson sending him spinning into the third turn. Olson pulled his car into the pits suffering from a loose oil fitting.

After a lengthy cleanup, the green flag came out again with O’Neill getting the lead and Elliott taking second. Marsh and Combs raced side by side for third for several laps until Marsh got loose and into Combs allowing Henderson to get by for third. Henderson moved outside and by Elliott for second before a lap seven caution for a spin by Ziemer. Peeples took advantage of Elliott on the restart moving to the outside to take third. He then moved inside Henderson to try to take second, but Henderson showed strength moving to the outside of O’Neill for the lead.

On lap 10, Combs moved by Peeples for third. Two laps later, Combs moved by Henderson and began challenging for the lead. Peeples got by Henderson for third on lap 17 while Combs and O’Neill continued to fight for the top spot. Combs finally got his car to stock on the outside, taking the lead from O’Neill on lap 18. Peeples began to challenge O’Neill for second allowing Combs to pull out a lead. On lap 23, Peeples got by O’Neill for second and tried to close the gap on Combs. Meanwhile, O’Neill, Henderson and Baldwin were having their own fracas for third. Peeples tried to close the gap but he didn’t have enough laps as Combs took the win while O’Neill held off Baldwin and Henderson.

Randy Olson came out to race Saturday night breaking Ryan Zeck’s track record, setting a new mark of 16.885. Olson took the dash win over David Henderson, Paul Peeples, Jr. and Rusty Olson. Dave McMurray won the first heat race over Bill O’Neill and Gary Payne. Mark Baldwin held off Randy Olson to win the second heat with Troy Combs third, Ray Elliott fourth and Rusty Olson fifth. O’Neill and lead the field to the green for the second night in a row. Combs spun on the initial start forcing a restart. When the green came, O’Neill took the lead while Elliott slotted into the second position. The racing for first few laps were fast and furious as Chris Sarvinski, Marsh, Rusty Olson and Randy Olson all dueled for position. On lap 4, the yellow came out when Combs spun again off the second turn.

Randy Olson tried to take advantage of the restart moving inside of brother Rusty, however Rusty moved to the outside and by Sarvinski on lap five. Rusty then moved outside of Elliott to challenge for second. Randy Olson followed Rusty through by Sarvinski and Eliott, then made his way by Rusty for second on lap seven. The same lap, Randy moved outside and by O’Neill to take the lead. Rusty tried to follow by on the high line but wasn’t able to find the grip allowing Henderson to move inside and by for the third position. While O’Neill, Henderson and Olson were fighting for position, Randy Olson was enjoying a comfortable lead and continued to pull away.

On lap 11, Rusty Olson moved back by Henderson for third. He then moved outside of O’Neill to try to take second the next lap. On lap 13, O’Neill and Olson made contact sending Olson spinning into the infield and bringing out the yellow. Officials put O’Neill to the back and racing resumed with Randy Olson leading Henderson, Baldwin, Sarvinski and Marsh. Combs moved by Marsh on the restart, then moved by Sarvinski. As this was going on, Henderson and Baldwin were having a duel for second giving allowing Olson to pull away. Baldwin got by Henderson on lap 16. The next lap Sarvinski spun off turn four but no yellow came. On lap 23, McMurray made contact with Ziemer sending Ziemer spinning and bringing another yellow.

After another restart, another caution flew when Rusty Olson got into McMurray sending him spinning. Olson was sent to the rear, and the green flag flew for the final time. Randy Olson pulled out once again while Combs moved outside Baldwin for second, however Baldwin held off his challenges. When the checkered flag fell it was Randy Olson winning over Baldwin, Combs, Henderson and Marsh.

Larry Pries had fast lap for Friday night’s racing in the sportsman division timing in with a 16.489. Brandon Barnwell won the dash over Marty Walsh, Pries and Aaron Byers. Donnie Brown took the first heat over Rick Fox, Walsh, Kyle Cattanach and Lissa Uselton. Joe Bonomini took the second heat over Byers, Angelo Marcelli, Pries and Ken Hallis. Al Acuna and Fox comprised the front row for the main event. Acuna took the lead off the start while Fox lost several spots. Acuna pulled out a few car lengths on Marcelli in second and Walsh in third. On lap three, Marcelli pushed off the fourth turn allowing Walsh to move into second. On lap five, Barnwell and Marcelli made contact bringing a yellow out.

After the restart, the cars singled out and ran nose to tail before a lap 11 incident when Barnwell got loose off turn four causing Pries to spin to avoid running into Barnwell. Officials deemed Barnwell at fault and sent him to the rear and the green came out again. Walsh moved to the inside of Acuna for the lead on lap 14, taking the spot. Byers tried to follow him through but made contact with Acuna sending the two hard into the backstretch wall resulting in a red flag.

After the cleanup, the green came again with Walsh leading Fox, Uselton, Cattanach and Browne. A few green flag laps of racing occurred before lap 21 when Browne got into Barnwell for another yellow. The green came out again and Cattanach moved inside Uselton on lap 22. Cattanach then moved under Fox for second, then on lap 27 he moved by Walsh for the lead, bringing Fox with him. Cattanach took the checkered flag first over Fox, Walsh, Uselton and Hallis, however in post race inspection, officials deemed Cattanach’s carburetor illegal giving Fox the win.

After seemingly struggling with his car Friday night, Marty Walsh took fast time Saturday with a 16.433 lap. The dash ran without Rick Fox with Larry Pries winning over Walsh and Brandon Barnwell. The heat race was taken by Al Acuna driving a car borrowed from Fox, followed by Uselton, Donnie Brown, Barnwell and Joe Bonomini. Angelo Marcelli and Bonomini lead the field to the green flag in the main event with Marcelli getting the early lead and Barnwell taking second. On lap three, Barnwell moved by Marcelli to take the lead. Marcelli fell back to the fifth position as Walsh, Bonomini and Pries moved by.

Pries moved inside Bonomini on lap six to take third. On lap 11, after riding behind Barnwell for several laps, Walsh took the lead. The strung-out field allowed the race to go incident free and the best battle for the rest of the race was between Barnwell and Pries. Several times Pries tried to find grip off the corners, but he never could find a way by Barnwell. In the end, Walsh cruised to win over Barnwell, Pries, Bonomini and Angelo Marcelli.

Barnwell holds off Pries, Peeples wins in thrilling fashion

Barnwell holds off Pries, Peeples wins in thrilling fashion

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was the 13th, there was a full moon, mercifully it wasn’t Friday, but that didn’t prevent some craziness from happening Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. With the thunder roadsters back in town, there was a full plate of action for fans, drivers and crew members alike. Brandon Barnwell held off two Acres veterans to claim the Sportsman main event win, while former sportsman runner, Paul Peeples, Jr. won the thrilling roadster main event on the last lap. Bill Bradbury held off all challenges to claim the victory in the real stock main event, and Bryan McIntosh took home the trophy in the crash-marred mini stock main.

The limited street division was out to run, but the car count continued to struggle as only five cars timed in with Orion Mosher setting the fast lap at a 17.253. Adrien Betournay took the dash win over Mosher, Kenny Demello and Trevor Miller who was making his first start in the division. The heat race ended up being the division’s main event as Terry Vallee wasn’t able to make it out. During the race, Miller got sideways off the fourth turn and slammed nose first into the concrete wall. Miller was able to get out of his car, but his car was too heavily damaged to continue. With a two laps left in the 10-lap run, Betournay’s hood came up into his windshield forcing him into the infield. When it was over, Kenny Demello held off Mosher to win.

Craig Baker continued to set the standard in the mini stock division as he clocked in a 19.066 lap. Baker won the dash over Chad Grammer, Stacy Minnick and Scott Baker. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a full night of racing for Craig Baker as he suffered engine problems in the heat. Byron McIntosh took the win in that race over Scott Baker, Bryan McIntosh, Nick Karanopoulos and Minnick. Nine cars started the 25 lap main event with Karanopoulos and Byron McIntosh leading the field to the green flag. Karanopoulos took the lead on the first lap but his time up front would be short-lived. On lap two, Brian Murrell moved his way past Karanopoulos to take the lead. Karanopoulos slotted into the second spot but by the fifth lap he had moved back to the sixth spot as Bryan McIntosh, Scott Baker, Glen Bernald and Grammer all were able to get by him. On lap seven, Byron McIntosh spun off the fourth turn into the infield resulting in a yellow flag.

On the restart, Baker tried to forge his way to the front using the outside line. Unfortunately on the eighth lap in between the first and second turns, Baker got loose and hit the wall slightly bringing out the caution. Baker made his way to the back of the field which at this time was lead by Murrell, Bryan McIntosh, Grammer, Bernald and Karanopoulos. When the green came out again, Murrell stretched his lead while Grammer tried to get by McIntosh. The two raced doorhandle to doorhandle for several laps and were able to close the gap on Murrell. On lap 16, Grammar took the second spot and pulled outside of Murrell to battle for the race lead. On lap 18, Denzel Barrett blew his engine going into the third turn resulting in a small fire under his car. Just as the red flag came out, Murrell spun in the third turn. However, the red flag rules were his savior as he was allowed to keep his race leading position.

The green flag came out again but didn’t last long when Karanopoulos lost his left front wheel in the middle of turns three and four on lap 19 hitting the wall hard. Fortunately he was okay. The green came out once more with Murrell and Grammer continuing their fight for the front position. With two laps to go, Grammer made contact with Murrell in turn two spinning him out. The yellow flag came again with Grammer going to the back of the pack handing the lead over to Bryan McIntosh. It was a green flag, white flag restart with McIntosh leading Bernald and Scott Baker. In turn three on the last lap, Baker and Murrell made contact hitting the third turn wall. It was all in McIntosh’s mirror as he took the win over Bernald, Grammer, Murrell and Baker.

Dan Browne set a very quick 19.070 lap in the real stock division. Ryan Walters won the dash followed by Jim Bailey, Browne and Mike Peeples. Walters followed that up with a win in the first heat over Bill Bradbury, Barry Barnwell, Ray Rapp driving Ray DeMello’s car and Dan Bradbury driving Jim Redd’s car. Unfortunately in the heat, Browne smacked the wall in between the third and fourth turns which hurt his left front, ending his night. Doug Way nabbed the second heat win followed by Peeples, Bailey, Ray Robinson and Troy Wood. 13 cars started the 25 lap main with the front row comprised of Bill Bradbury and Rapp. Rapp got the jump off the start, but Bradbury was able to use the inside line to get by Rapp by the end of the first lap bringing Walters with him. On lap four, Peeples made his way past Walters to take the second spot, however Bradbury had built up a substantial lead over the field. By lap five, the top five was Bradbury, Peeples, Walters, Bailey and Barnwell.

On the eighth lap, Bailey made contact with Walters causing Walters to get loose and lose the position. On lap 11, Way moved his way by Barnwell for the fifth position and set his sights on Walters. On lap 14, Walters got on Bailey’s bumper and repaid the favor from earlier, but Bailey was able to maintain the third position. Four laps later, Walters got by Bailey to take the position. A lap later, Wood made contact with newcomer Nick Green sending Green spinning in the first turn. As he tried to get going, Green’s cooling system failed spilling water on the track and bringing out the yellow flag, much to Bill Bradbury’s dismay as he had built up an insurmountable lead over Peeples. The green came out and Peeples tried to find a way past Bradbury. On the last lap, Peeples tried to use the high line to get by but wasn’t able to get his car to stick as he lost the second spot to Walters. Bradbury crossed the line first to take the win over Walters, Peeples, Bailey and Way. Regrettably, the cars of Walters, Peeples and Way were deemed illegal in post race technical inspection which cancelled out all of their finishes for the night and realigning the top five in the main event, Bradbury, Bailey, Barry Barnwell, Ray Robinson and Dan Bradbury

The thunder roadsters made their second start of the year and had another solid turnout of cars, with a count of 21. Veteran Paul Peeples, Jr. had the fast lap of 17.113. Debut winner David Henderson took the dash win over Peeples, Troy Combs and Mark Arroyo. Peeples grabbed the win in the first heat followed by Rusty Olson, Combs, Ron Rosenthal and Mike Ward while Henderson took the second over Chris Sarvinski, Ray Elliott, Arroyo and Bill O’Neill. Ward and O’Neill shared the front row for the 25 lap main event. When the green flag dropped, Ward took the top spot with Ray Elliott filling the gap in second. On lap three, Elliott spun off the fourth turn sending up a cloud of dust which caught out Dave McMurray who hit the wall bringing out the caution flag.

The green flew for the restart with Ward leading O’Neill, Rosenthal, Combs and Mike Felhouser. Combs moved his way past Rosenthal for third, then by O’Neill for second, then the lead by O’Neill on lap five. On lap eight, Nyle Henderson spun bringing out the yellow. The top five was now Combs, O’Neill, Ward, Rosenthal and Olson. The green flew again with Combs pulling out to a huge lead over the field. On lap 10, Peeples moved into the fifth position. Peeples moved by Ward, then on lap 12 he took the second spot. O’Neill was freight-trained as Olson took third, David Henderson took fourth and Rosenthal took fifth. The front five settled themselves out and it looked as if Combs was going to go unchallenged as he hit slower traffic. Several times, Combs had problems maneuvering past slower cars and with each lap Peeples was able to gain ground. With two laps to go, Peeples was within enough distance to challenge Combs for the lead. On the last lap, the duo was nose to tail, still fighting traffic. Going into the third turn on the final lap, Combs move high to get around a slower car. Unfortunately for him, the slower car moved up allowing Peeples to take the inside line and cross the finish line first. Combs brought his car home second with Olson holding off Henderson for third and Rosenthal taking the fifth finishing spot.

12 cars took clock in the sportsman division, Rick Fox being the fastest with a lap of 16.673. Marty Walsh took the dash win over Fox, Aaron Byers and Brandon Barnwell. Walsh won the first heat over Al Acuna and Jerry Peterson while Angelo Marcelli took the controversial second race which saw contact between Fox and Lissa Uselton. Fox maintained the second position over Byers, Larry Pries and Ken Hallis who arrived after qualifications. Pries and Brown lead the field to the green in the initial start of the 30 lap main event. However, before the lap ended Frank Billy and Fox made contact sending Fox spinning in the third turn. Coming off the fourth corner, Brown spun into the infield hitting one of the Humboldt Towing trucks. Fortunately the damage was minor to Brown’s car and the two truck didn’t appear to have any damage whatsoever.

With Brown going to the rear, Barnwell inherited the outside front row starting position, and when the green came out he took advantage of his opportunity. Going into the first turn, Barnwell took the lead over with Pries slotting behind in second. The field settled out and on lap five it was Barnwell leading Pries, Marcelli, Walsh and Byers. On lap six, Walsh moved to the high line and moved his way past Marcelli the next lap. Meanwhile, Barnwell and Pries were running nose to tail maintaining a comfortable gap over Walsh. Each lap, Walsh gained ground on the front two and by lap 13 he was on Pries’ bumper. On lap 15, Peterson moved by Byers for the fifth position. The battle for second heated up between Pries and Walsh allowing Barnwell to pull out a bigger gap. Walsh had a run inside of Pries on lap 19 but backed off.

On lap 21, Peterson got into the back of Marcelli coming off the fourth corner. Frank Billy spun to avoid Marcelli and the yellow flag came out. Peterson was sent to the rear and the top five was now Barnwell, Pries, Walsh, Acuna and Byers. On the restart, the front trio pulled away from Acuna who had his hands full with Byers. Barnwell’s savior ended up being Walsh who continued to fight Pries for second, allowing Barnwell to race somewhat comfortably. When the checkered flag fell it was Barnwell, Pries, Walsh, Acuna and Byers the top five.

The next race at the Acres is May 20 as the BCRA midgets make their one and only stop to the north coast.

- Notes -

- It was very nice at the track, thankfully there wasn’t a huge wind blowing. It sure got cold though.

- What a shame for Trevor Miller. He finally is able to get out and race and he hits the wall. Hopefully Trevor will be back out soon.

- You have to feel for Troy Combs who lost the roadster main on the last lap. He drove a good race and tried to be as clean as he could with slower cars.

- Hopefully the cars caught up in incidents in the mini stock main will get back out this coming weekend. I hate to see so many cars have problems.

- Brandon Barnwell did a fine job holding off two veteran drivers in Larry Pries and Marty Walsh. It was a nice, clean run between all three.

- Thanks to all who bought tickets in the Chuck Essex raffle. It’s great to hear that Chuck is home. We hope to see you back out soon!