O'Bannon And Allen Score $250 Wins At Colusa Fair

By Gary Jacob

Colusa, CA -- Derek O'Bannon paced only the final four laps after leader Pete Johnston lost fire to score a $250 win in the 125 Intermediate feature race as the outlaw karts staged a special Thursday night show during the Colusa County Fair. Johnston doesn't normally race in this division, but installed a 125 engine in his open outlaw kart for the Mason Moore team. He paced the race from lap 9 through lap 21 and appeared headed for the win when he lost power on the front stretch. O'Bannon led the final four laps with Moore in second ahead of QRC All Star Tour dominator Rudger Worley. Kenny Allen of Chico paced the final 16 laps to win the 25 lap Box Stock main event, also worth $250. It was his first feature win and Cameron Bartlett ran second ahead of Kyle Larson, who was driving a second entry for the Tyler Reddick team. David Lee passed an out of shape R J Johnson on lap 13 and won the 20 lap Beginner Box Stock feature with Johnson second ahead of Devin Lee. Lowell Moural of Cycleland Speedway staged fair events in Yuba City, Gridley and Colusa in 2002, but dropped his fair shows in 2003. A few of the local racers got together with the fair board and put on this presentation, importing the Lakeport Speedway paved track officials to run the show.

The 125s drew an 11 kart field and Brian Southers won the first heat race ahead of Moore and O'Bannon. Alan Ambers won heat 2 with double division racer Larson second ahead of Johnston. Brett Miller subbed for Allie Moore in the feature race and the lineup was an invert 4 off the heat race finishes. Larson paced the first lap over Moore and Johnston. A Ambers stalled to force a big melee as the track had large berms on both the inside and outside, leaving no escape routes. Andrew Wiley raced into fourth, but lost the spot to O'Bannon on a lap 3 restart. Moore spun in turn 1 with Johnston now second over O'Bannon and Worley. When Miller spun and got hit by Wiley for a lap 9 yellow, Larson looped in turn 2 to hand the top spot to Johnston. The lengthy Box Stock feature and quick change over to his 125 left the ten year old Larson exhausted and he pulled the track. Johnston now led O'Bannon and Worley. Moore climbed back to fourth and fifth place Southers ran off the top of the track for a lap 11 yellow flag. Worley spun out of third on lap 15 and Wiley spun and got hit by Southers. Johnston lost power as he finished lap 21, but he coaxed one more lap out of the mount before he stalled for a lap 23 yellow flag. O'Bannon gained the lead ahead of Moore, Worley and A Ambers, but A Ambers spun and got hit by Miller on the restart. The leaders had to race around the incident to the checkered flag with O'Bannon winning ahead of Moore, Worley, Shane Theis, Wiley and Southers.

The Box Stocks had the biggest turnout with 14 karts. Allen won the first heat ahead of Jon Phillips and Larson. Lakeport point leader Ryan Richardson took heat 2 with Jake Cartwright second ahead of R J Johnson. Reddick had engine woes in hot laps, but was able to borrow an engine from R J Johnson for the racing action. This main event also had a four kart inversion and ran the 25 lap distance with 8 yellow flags. Phillips and Cartwright shared the front row and Phillips took a quick lead over Cartwright and and Allen. Reddick fell back with an off track excursion on lap 2 as Larson grabbed third from Allen. Richardson raced into fourth on lap 6, but got tangled up with Cartwright for a lap 7 yellow with Larson now second over Allen and Bartlett. On lap 9, the lapped car of Ethan Rohner spun and trapped leader Phillips. Larson spun off the top of the track in the incident and Allen was the new leader over Bartlett and double division racer Wiley. Wiley had borrowed the Shelly Miller kart to race in this class. Phillips raced back to third on this restart, but he broke for a lap 17 yellow flag. Larson was now third ahead of Wiley and Richardson. Reddick moved up to duel Richardson for fourth place and they traded the spot several times. Allen stayed out front for the win with Bartlett second ahead of Larson, Reddick, Richardson, Johnson, Tristan Miller and Wiley.

The Beginner Box Stock action had 8 entries and David Lee won the first heat ahead of R J Phillips and Allison Costa. Younger brother Devin Lee won heat 2 in front of Tanner Thompson and Brenden Lewis. The Lee's live in nearby Maxwell. This 20 lap feature also had a four kart inversion and ran the distance with just a single caution flag. Phillips charged into the lead over Thompson and David Lee. While lapping the slower Riley Peacock entry, David Lee took second from Thompson on lap 2. Devin Lee gained third on lap 6. David Lee began to put pressure on leader R J Phillips. After leading 12 laps, Phillips got out of shape high in turn 2 on lap 13 and David Lee was the new leader. Phillips recovered in second with Bryce Perry taking fourth from Thompson. Perry spun for the only yellow flag on lap 16. David Lee won the feature ahead of Phillips, Devin Lee, Thompson, Lewis and Perry.

Besides the three divisions of racing, five more competitors aged five and under ran a series of hot lap sessions in the debut of a new Ultra Box Stock class.

Summary
Beginner Box Stock
Heat 1
David Lee, R J Phillips, Allison Costa, Riley Peacock
Heat 2
Devin Lee, Tanner Thompson, Brenden Lewis, Bryce Perry
Main
David Lee, Phillips, Devin Lee, Thompson, Lewis, Perry, Costa, Peacock
Box Stock
Heat 1
Kenny Allen, Jon Phillips, Kyle Larson, Tyler Haylett, Tristan Miller
Heat 2
Ryan Richardson, Jake Cartwright, R J Johnson, Tyler Reddick, Andrew Wiley
Main
Allen, Cameron Bartlett, Larson, Reddick, Richardson, Johnson, Miller, Wiley, Phillips, Cartwright, Garrett Peacock, Haylett, Chris Starr, Ethan Rohner
125 Intermediate
Heat 1
Brian Southers, Mason Moore, Derek O'Bannon, Cody Ambers, Andrew Wiley
Heat 2
Alan Ambers, Kyle Larson, Pete Johnston, Rudger Worley, Allie Moore
Main
O'Bannon, M Moore, Worley, Shane Theis, Wiley, Southers, Brett Miller, A Ambers, C Ambers, Johnston, Larson

Binns bags IMCA win

Binns bags IMCA win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kneely takes real stock victory

Kneely takes real stock victory

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Racing is one of the most unpredictable sports there is. September 7 at Redwood Acres Raceway was no exception as Jeff Kneely, driving a car normally shoed by Travis Maytanes, took the victory. Kneely is no stranger to the 3/8 of a mile paved oval though, as he has raced the track many times before, but not in a while. Rookie, Joe McDonald displayed his ability in the sportsman division taking the unexpected main event win. The mini stock main event winner, however, was no stranger to victory lane as Phil Wood took home another main event trophy this season.

In the mini stock trophy dash, Phil Wood took the top honors over Jaison Chand, Jason Rhodes and Chad Grammer. Making his first ever start at the Acres, 21 took the victory in the first of the two heat races beating Matt Wolf, Joe McDonald Sr. and Tai Frye. In the second heat, Jason Shaha came in first but because his car wasn’t legal he didn’t officially take the win. Jason Rhodes took the trophy followed by Wood and Brian Murrell.

Murrell and Rhodes brought the mini stock main event to the green flag. On lap 2, Grammer and Judge John Morrison spun collecting McDonald. Morrison suffered damage to his right front wheel and pulled into the pits to call it a night while Grammer and McDonald were able to continue. Rhodes led the field to the restart and the green flag.

Within a few laps, Wood made his move, making a move on Rhodes on the outside then passing him on the inside. Shaha followed suit just a lap later. For the rest of the race, it was a two-horse battle between Wood and Shaha. With a few laps to go, Shaha made an inside move on Wood. The two collided but came apart with Shaha in the lead and Wood second, but only in position. When the checkered flag fell, Shaha led Wood but it was Wood who took home the win over Rhodes and Chand.

In the sportsman trophy dash, veteran, Al Acuna took the win over Ken Hallis, Roger Sanderson and Pat Walsh. Walsh made some moves to the front in the heat race, taking the win over Joe McDonald, David Henderson and Jim Norris. The main event was brought to green and Norris used his pole position to his advantage, taking the early lead. On lap 2, McDonald powered his way by Norris. Three laps later, Hallis slid between turns three and four. Behind him, Ed Peters hit the wall severely. Peters was all right as he drove his mount into the pits, unfortunately he would not return.

After the restart, on lap 9, Acuna spun off of turn four but there was not a caution. A few laps later, Walsh made contact with Sanderson and a caution flag was thrown. Under the yellow, Sanderson and Hallis collided sending Hallis hard into the turn three wall. Sanderson continued to race with some left front fender damage while Hallis had to call it a night. On the restart, McDonald got a jump and pulled away from second place Angelo Marcelli. With four laps to go in the 30 lap main event, Norris spun for the yellow flag. McDonald again got a good start on Marcelli and with that, he came across the finish line first followed by Marcelli, Walsh and Henderson.

The real stock class had one of it’s smaller car counts of the season; only 25 cars. In the “B” trophy dash, Cecil Arispe took the win over Bill Middleton. The “A” dash victory went to Jeff Kneely, followed by Don Hyman, Mike Peters and Jimmy Thornberry. Rick Fox, whom had motor problems on his qualification attempt, won the first of three heat races over Arispe and Steve Kimberling. Lissa Uselton took the second heat win with Aaron Byers, Hymie Yellon and Chad Trump breathing down her neck. In the third heat, Peters won followed by Ryan Thompson, Marty Walsh and Hyman. The “B” main transferred four cars into the “A” main. Filling those positions were Fox, Arispe, Gary Adams and Kimberling.

Uselton and Yellon led the field to the drop of the green flag in the real stock “A” main event. Uselton showed her strength, taking the lead away from Yellon. Early, Doug Way and Peters had a run in. On lap 7, Thompson spun resulting in the first caution flag in the race. After the restart, Ryan Walters lost control of his car and spun for another caution. When the field went back to green flag racing it was Uselton leading followed by Yellon, John Goinn and Byers.

On lap 11, Kneely began to make his presence known taking the third position. Two laps later a wreck involving Walsh, Thornberry and Donald Brown occurred between turns three and four. After the clean up crew did their job, Uselton again brought the field to the green flag. Kneely took advantage of the close field taking away second on lap 14. A lap later, Goinn spun without the result of a caution though. The same lap, Kneely made a strong move to the outside of Uselton and took the lead from her. Fox who had marched his way through the field followed Kneely to take second from Uselton. Lap 19, Hyman made an attempt to pass Uselton for third. The two dueled for several laps with Hyman taking the spot on lap 22. Kneely was just too strong this night though as he took home the win over Hyman, Fox, Uselton and Byers. The next race at Redwood Acres Raceway is a special night as it will be Fan Appreciation Night on September 21.

Thain, DiBenedetto And Bloom Take Idaho Outlaw Kart Features

By Gary Jacob

Caldwell, ID -- Leading all 20 laps after she drew the pole starting position, Cassie Thain from Elk Grove, CA won the Open Outlaw A Main as the QRC All Star Tour made it's longest road trip ever to Sandhollow Raceway Park in Caldwell, Idaho. She was chased to her win by series point leader and defending series champion Sean Becker, who started 3rd. Robbie Whitchurch ran third ahead of Daniel Becker as the inside row starters ran 1-2-3-4. In the 125 Intermediate action, fast timer Matt DiBenedetto from Grass Valley, CA drew the pole after winning his heat and led all 20 laps to win. Napa's Richard Bailey started fifth and ran second with Brett Miller coming from 9th to finish third. In the Box Stock action, Keith Bloom Jr set fast time and won his heat. He drew third starting spot but raced by pole starter Derek Kennemore on lap 13 to win that 20 lap A Main. Outside front row starter Kyle Larson ran second and wrapped up the traveling series championship with one race remaining in November at Red Bluff. A great group of traveling teams from California allowed the three division show to have over 110 entries. Since the Idaho facility lacks lights, the time trials and heat races were run on Saturday afternoon and the feature races were contested on Sunday afternoon. The track was watered between each event leading to a pair of long race days.

Over 50 Open Outlaws time trialed with Ryan Kaplan the quickest at 10.294. S Becker ran a 10.450 lap and Whitchurch had a 10.491 effort. Ukiah's Rick Schamber posted a 10.497 and Thain was fifth quick ahead of Zack Mason. Thain scored a big win at the Ukiah fair race back in August. Mason won the dash honors with Thain second over S Becker. The large field was divided into six heat races with the top 3 finishers in each advancing into the 20 lap A Main. The heat races were straightup off the timed runs. Kaplan won the first heat with D Becker second over Chris Faulkner. S Becker won heat 2 with Michael Tarter second over Aaron Colburn. Whitchurch won heat 3 with Idaho's Josh Ostler second over another Idaho star Bryan Warf. Schamber won heat 4 with Tony Sousa second over David Shingle. Thain won heat 5 from the pole with Kyle Hirst second in front of Chris Mansell. Mason won heat 6 as Idaho's Brandon Johnson came from deep in the field for second ahead of Jared Consani. Four more transfer slots were available in the B Main and Oregon's Brandon Farquhar won that race over David James, Jon Shingle and Idaho's Eric Hodge. Just missing transfers were Kevin Juvenal and Kelly Fairbanks. Juvenal had battled forward from 19th starting after winning the C Main ahead of Kirk Simpson and Jeff Pohlman. The six heat winners drew for their starting order at the front of the 22 kart A Main grid. Thain and Schamber shared row 1 ahead of S Becker, Mason, Whitchurch and Kaplan. Again, the inside row had a major advantage in the 20 lap feature with Thain winning ahead of S Becker, Whitchurch, D Becker, Kaplan, Faulkner, Mason, Consani, D Shingle and Farquhar as a 22 car grid filled the track.

DiBenedetto was the quickest of the 31 125's with a 10.213 lap that beat all the 500 cc Open Outlaws. It easily paced the second fast effort of Lakeport star Kayla Mincey who ran a 10.556. Camden Mendiola ran a 10.567 lap with Alan Ambers, Bailey and Michael Forslund also in the 10.5 bracket. Forslund was the dash winner ahead of Bailey and DiBenedetto. The field was divided into four heat races with the top 3 in each advancing into the 20 lap A Main. DiBenedetto won heat 1 with Bailey second over B Miller. Forslund beat Nic Helwig in heat 2 with Justin Reinolds third. Bradley Terrell took heat 3 in front of Cody Miller and Mendiola. Michael Hubert III took heat 4 ahead of Tyler Wolf and Alan Ambers. It was a tough weekend for second fast Mincey as she ran last in the dash, sixth in her heat and 11th in the B Main. Four transfers were pulled from the B Main finish and Carson City, NV racer Tom Purcell won with Klint Simpson second over Michael Helwig and JoJo Helberg. Idaho's Jimmy Gross won a small C Main ahead of Peter Lawrence. The four heat winners drew for their starting order with DiBenedetto drawing the pole alongside Hubert. Terrell and Forslund shared row 2. DiBenedetto led all 20 laps for the win ahead of Bailey, B Miller, Hubert, Terrell, C Miller, N Helwig, Reinolds, Ambers and JoJo Helberg.

Bloom was the quickest of 29 Box Stocks at 12.019. Derek Kennemore ran a 12.083 lap and Larson was third quick at 12.140. Shane Graham and Dillon Silverman rounded out the top five qualifiers. Derek Kennemore won the dash over Thomas Bruckenstein and Silverman. The field was split into four heat races with the top 3 in each advancing. Bloom won heat 1 from the pole with Silverman second over Doug Kennemore. Derek Kennemore won heat 2 with Mason Moore second over Bruckenstein. Kaplan beat Jonny Lentz in heat 3 as Riley Gomes ran third. Brian Southers won heat 4 over Jacob Miller and Tristan Miller. The final four A Main slots came from the B Main were Jesse Red won over Austin Lev, Cody Ambers and Leanna Kenyon. Just missing the cut were Brad Patchen and Nevada's Jennifer Purcell. Casey McClain won the C Main with Derrick Hirst second over Shelby Dargert. The draw between the four heat winners put Derek Kennemore and Larson on the front row ahead of Bloom and Southers. Derek Kennemore led 12 laps before Bloom took over. Larson ran second over Derek Kennemore, Southers, Lentz, Bruckenstein, Red, J Miller, Lev and Ambers.

Summary Box Stock Fast Time-Keith Bloom Jr 12.019 Dash-Derek Kennemore, Thomas Bruckenstein, Dillon Silverman. Heat 1-Bloom, Silverman, Doug Kennemore, Austin Lev, Cody Ambers. Heat 2-Derek Kennemore, Mason Moore, Bruckenstein, Jake Cartwright, Dana Evans. Heat 3-Kyle Larson, Jonny Lentz, Riley Gomes, Jesse Red, Cory Lockwood. Heat 4-Brian Southers, Jacob Miller, Tristan Miller, Brad Patchen, Gavin Marron. C Main-Casey McClain, Derrick Hirst, Shelby Dargert, Cyle Allison, Shane Graham. B Main-Red, Lev, Ambers, Leanna Kenyon, Patchen, Jennifer Purcell, Evans, Marron, Dargert, Andrew Cumpton. A Main-Bloom, Larson, Derek Kennemore, Southers, Lentz, Bruckenstein, Red, J Miller, Lev, Ambers, Doug Kennemore, Gomes, Kenyon, Silverman, T Miller, Moore. 125 Intermediate Fast Time-Matt DiBenedetto 10.213 Dash-Michael Forslund, Richard Bailey, DiBenedetto. Heat 1-DiBenedetto, Bailey, Brett Miller, Lonnie Stephens, Klint Simpson. Heat 2-Forslund, Nic Helwig, Justin Reinolds, Tom Purcell, Steven Rogers. Heat 3-Bradley Terrell, Cody Miller, Camden Mendiola, Michael Helwig, Stephen Connell. Heat 4-Michael Hubert III, Tyler Wolf, Alan Ambers, Austin Hagar, Kale Freedman. C Main-Jimmy Gross, Peter Lawrence, #3, Mike Salter. B Main-Purcell, Simpson, M Helwig, JoJo Helberg, Rogers, Freedman, Lonnie Stephens, Hagar, Gross, Jessica Helberg. A Main-DiBenedetto, Bailey, B Miller, Hubert, Terrell, C Miller, N Helwig, Reinolds, Ambers, JoJo Helberg, Simpson, Forslund, Purcell, Wolf, M Helwig, Mendiola. Open Outlaw Fast Time-Ryan Kaplan 10.294 Dash-Zack Mason, Cassie Thain, Sean Becker. Heat 1-Kaplan, Daniel Becker, Chris Faulkner, Pete Johnston, Bubba Hill. Heat 2-S Becker, Michael Tarter, Aaron Colburn, Brandon Farquhar, Steven Gannon. Heat 3-Robbie Whitchurch, Josh Ostler, Bryan Warf, Cody Braund, Eric Hodge. Heat 4-Rick Schamber, Tony Sousa, David Shingle, Josh Chartier, Taylor Simas. Heat 5-Thain, Kyle Hirst, Chris Mansell, Eric Miller, David James. Heat 6-Mason, Brandon Johnson, Jared Consani, Jon Shingle, Mark Bowers. C Main-Kevin Juvenal, Kirk Simpson, Jeff Pohlman, Jay Dargert, Chuck Miller, Jerryd Stanley, Brad Dey, Justin Mincey, Shawn Amos, Ron Ennis. B Main-Farquhar, James, J Shingle, Hodge, Juvenal, Kelly Fairbanks, Chad Widener, Simas, Simpson, Gannon. A Main-Thain, S Becker, Whitchurch, D Becker, Kaplan, Faulkner, Mason, Consani, D Shingle, Farquhar, Johnson, Tarter, Sousa, Schamber, J Shingle, Mansell, Hirst, Colburn, Ostler, Warf, James, Hodge.

Bayless wins controversial late model race

Bayless wins controversial late model race

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Something must have been in the air on the Sunday night of August 24. In Bristol, Tennessee in the NASCAR Winston Cup race, there were several controversies involving several drivers. Hundreds of miles away in Eureka, California, there was no exception. While the prize money was less, the track was shorter and the incident was between two drivers, the controversy couldn’t have gotten any more incensed than it did in the late model main event between Oregonians Larry Bayless and David Miller. Using the “bump and run,” Bayless took the victory away from Miller on the last lap of the race.

In mini stock action, Jason Chand took the trophy home in the dash over rival Phil Wood. When the heat race action ended, Chand again beat Wood to the line to take the victory. These races were only a small dose of what was seen in the great main event race. Brian Murrell took the early lead in the race but unfortunately for him, it wasn’t long as Chand took the lead away within a few laps. Wood followed suite two laps later.

While racing for position, Chad Grammer and Joe Papa made contact but there was no resulting caution. This was great news for Chand who pulled out to a good lead over Wood. The lead would last for very few laps though as Wood reeled in Chand. Wood made an outside passing attempt on Chand but got loose and lost track position.

Behind the two, Murrell spun off of turn four on lap 12 but again, no caution was thrown. On lap 14, Wood got to the outside of Chand and challenged him for the lead. As the duo came to lap Ralph Miller, Miller moved up high to let the leaders go by on the inside. It wasn’t high enough however, as Miller and Wood made contact resulting in Miller spinning and a caution flag thrown on lap 19.

The great race between Chand and Wood would not continue after the restart because as the field took the green, Chand’s car lost power and pulled into the infield. Wood took the lead and never looked back taking the victory over Dan Brown, Jason Rhodes, Matt Wolfe and Grammer.

Long time Acres veteran, Angelo Marcelli took home trophy dash honors over David Henderson, Roger Sanderson and title rival, Pat Walsh. Marcelli’s luck would sour on him though as in the heat race, rookie Joe McDonald spun coming off of turn four. Marcelli, with no where to go, ran into McDonald. Both cars were essentially done for the evening as both only made a few laps in the main event for points. Sanderson took the heat win over Jim Norris, Walsh and Henderson.

Sanderson took advantage of the cars being grouped up for the main event as he took the early lead in the race; a lead he would not relinquish. Henderson moved in behind him and tried to apply pressure to Sanderson’s rear bumper. He could never get a good run on Sanderson and when the race concluded Sanderson took the win over Henderson, Walsh and Norris.

The real stock division once again showed their strength with 27 cars clocking in for qualifications. In the fast trophy dash, points leader Rick Fox took the victory over Mike Peters, Donnie Hyman and Travis Maytanes. In the slow dash, frequent victory lane visitor, Gary Adams won over Tony Rodriguez, James Henry and Craig Huffman. Adams won again in the first of the three heat races over Huffman, Bill Middleton and Troy Wood. In the second heat, Donald Brown held off a furious charge by Lissa Uselton, followed by Ryan Thomson and Steve Kimberling. Fox took the dash-heat sweep with the heat win over Hyman, Aaron Byers and Peters.

Adams made it three for three by taking the victory in the ‘B’ main event over Chad Trump. Both drivers transferred into the ‘A’ main event. Chad Gurney and Kimberling brought the field to the green flag. Gurney used the pole position to his advantage and stretched out to the early lead. Within a few laps, the caution was thrown when Jimmy Thornbury and Maytanes hooked bumpers and spun into the infield. On the restart, Mike Peeples took advantage of cool tires and a tightened field. On lap 8 he passed Brown and on lap 9 he passed Gurney for the lead. That lap, Thomson spun while on the same lap Brown spun resulting in another caution flag.

On the restart, Byers tried to do what Peeples had done the restart before making a move on Gurney on the outside. On lap 12, Marty Walsh spun off of turn four undamaged. Unfortunately, he would not go without damage as Brown, with nowhere to go, collided into the driver’s side of Walsh resulting in a red flag. Both drivers were all right but the same couldn’t be said for their cars. When the green flag came out Peters began to show his hand. On lap 14 he was up to second and within two laps he was challenging Peeples for the lead. On lap 16, Doug Way spun off of turn four but no caution flag was thrown. That very lap Peters took the lead away from Peeples. A few laps later, the two quick cars of Fox and Hyman moved into second and third. Peters’ lead was insurmountable as he took the main event win over Fox, Hyman, Byers and Gurney.

The all ways quick late model cars provided a great racing action. Larry Bayless took the trophy dash win over Rick Spencer. In the heat, David Miller won over local favorites Larry Pries and Jimmy Walker. The main event was bumper to bumper between most of the field. Miller led over Bayless, Pries and Preston O’Dell. About halfway through the race, O’Dell’s rear end locked up going into the third turn. His car turned backwards and spun in front of several cars including Pries, Walker and Spencer. Pries and Spencer spun and lost a lap while Walker barely made it through the mêlée.

Miller got a jump on the restart and pulled out to a good lead over Bayless and Walker. Both drivers caught up to Miller within five laps however. Bayless had the stronger car as he made several moves on Miller trying to get him to make a mistake. On the last lap going into turn three, Bayless gave Miller a bump moving him to the outside lane. Bayless went past Miller along with Walker and took home the victory. Miller was furious at Bayless and repaid the favor on the cool down lap on the backstretch. The win stood with the officials however with Bayless winning over Walker, Miller and Spencer.

Dean Moore Wins Colby Late Model Show

By Gary Jacob

Colby, KS -- It was a big night for the Moore clan from Grand Junction, CO as the WDRA dirt late models made their second 2002 season visit to the Thomas County Speedway Friday night. Leon Moore is the series founder and director and son Dean Moore wheeled his Rayburn to a win in the feature race with younger brother Allen Moore in third behind Denver's Ken Brack. Kelly Boen from Henderson, CO is dominating the point standings for the Western Colorado based series and he ran solid fifth on this night.

There were 14 late models, 13 from Colorado and Rod Benken as the lone Kansas entry. D Moore, Brack and A Moore were trailed in the feature finish by defending CLMA dirt late model champion John Kuchar, Boen, current CLMA point leader Brett Hallmark from Grand Junction, Benken, Bill Sabin and Scott Lewis. Those ten cars finished with Scott Cimfl, Mike Cox, veteran Jim Clifton and IMCA Modified veteran Darren DeLoach all failed to finish.

Summary Main Event-Dean Moore, Ken Brack, Allen Moore, John Kuchar, Kelly Boen, Brett Hallmark, Dave Garmann, Rod Benken, Bill Sabin, Scott Lewis, Scott Cimfl, Mike Cox, Jim Clifton, Darren DeLoach.

Spencer holds off Walker to win

Spencer holds off Walker to win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The late model cars made their fourth visit to the 3/8-mile paved oval in Eureka, California and they didn’t disappoint. Though there was a low turnout of cars there was not at a low level in the action as Rick Spencer held off local favorite, Jimmy Walker to take the win in the main event. In the local action, young Gary Adams took the victory in the popular real stock division. Veteran driver, Pat Walsh, made a bold pass and won the main event in the sportsman division while Phil Wood once again showed his strength in the mini stock division taking home the top honors.

Jaison Chand took the mini stock trophy dash victory over Dan Brown. In the first of the two heat races in the division, Matt Wolfe took the win over Tai Frye who was making his first appearance of the season and Brian Murrell. Phil Wood won the second heat over his season long challengers Jason Rhodes and Chand. In the main event, Wood showed his strength early as he took the lead in the first few laps of the race; a lead he would not relinquish. On lap 3, Rhodes made his way to second and tried to chase down Wood along with Brown and Chand. Wood, was just too strong and he took the victory over Rhodes, Brown and Chand.

Rick Fox broke the real stock track record for the second race in a row with a new fast pace of 19.531. In the trophy dash, Mike Peters won over Dan Maxwell, Shawn Craig and Fox. Craig Huffman won the first of the three heat races for the real stock class over Carl Bowling and Brett Alverson who was driving in Bill Middleton’s car. There was a alarming event in the second heat race when Jimmy Thornbury and Lissa Uselton made contact coming off of turn four. Uselton’s car looked as if it were going to hit the wall severely but fortunately she suffered only minor damage to her right front quarter panel. Thornbury also escaped major damage to his car. James Henry took the win over Travis Maytanes and Ryan Thompson. In the third heat, Rick Fox had radiator troubles. Dan Maxwell won over Fox’s title rival Craig and Donnie Hyman.

Four spots were open for the drivers in the ‘B’ main event to move on to the ‘A’ main. Filling those four places were winner, Huffman, Ryan Walters, Chad Trump and Cecil Arispe. The main event was tempestuous to say the least. Chad Gurney and Uselton led the field to the green flag. A full first lap would not be completed however as a major accident in turn three involving several cars ensued. Among the most heavily damaged were Fite, Fox, Craig, Peters, Curt Vance and Hyman. Under the caution flag, Maxwell and Doug Way had an exchange in which Maxwell spun out Way. Both were black flagged and parked for the evening.

After the restart and a few laps of racing, Uselton spun while trying to pass another car bringing out a caution flag. Fortunately for her, she did not loose a lap and was able to continue on. Once the green fell again, Gary Adams began to show his muscle. On lap 8 Adams took the lead from Aaron Byers. On lap 12, Byers and Dana Porter spun while fighting for second position. That same lap, Maytanes pulled his car into the infield. Under the caution Byers was not pleased with his placement in the lineup for the restart. He showed his discontent and he was black-flagged and parked for the rest of the night.

After another restart, Gurney spun and almost collected Craig who had returned to the track to run for valuable points. The green fell again and Adams pulled away from the rest of the pack. Another incident developed for second between Henry and Mike Peeples. Both spun but the caution flag was not brought out. Adams ran clean the whole night and ended up with the winner’s trophy. Finishing second making a great charge from his win in the ‘B’ main was Huffman, followed by Arispe, Uselton and Fite.

It seemed to be a night for the veterans in the sportsman division as a veteran driver took each victory in the class. Angelo Marcelli won the trophy dash over David Henderson and Pat Walsh. Ed Peters, who had been out of competition for several years, took the heat race win over Walsh and Marcelli. The main event had the most exciting episode in the first corner of the first lap. Peters and Henderson brought the field to the green flag. Going into that first corner, Walsh made a daring move to the inside of Peters and Henderson to make it three wide. Fortunately for everyone, Walsh made it through unscathed in what turned out to be the winning move. On lap two, Peters got loose and spun off of turn two but there wasn‘t a caution flag thrown. Walsh stretched out his lead while Marcelli, Henderson and Scotty Turner tried to chase him down. Henderson had problems on lap 20 and was forced to retire. Walsh held his lead and took the win over Marcelli, Turner and Peters.

In a fight between two Ferndale, California drivers, Larry Pries took the heat race win over Jimmy Walker, Rick Spencer and Shawn Hayes. Pries made the heat race action even more exciting as he took the lead and the victory away from Ed Peters on the last lap over the race. Second was Spencer followed by Hayes and Walker.

Peters and Preston O’Dell brought the field to the green flag in the main event. It was short lived for Peters though who broke on the first lap and was done for the night. On the restart, O’Dell took the early lead. While racing with Pries, Hayes made contact with him and spun Pries out. The caution was thrown and Hayes was sent to the rear of the field. On the restart, O’Dell led over Spencer and Walker. On lap 12, Chuck LaHorgue had problems and went into the pits. Three laps later, Pries spun between turns three and four. Coming to the caution flag, Spencer made a bold pass on O’Dell and took the lead. After a few laps of green racing, O’Dell spun forcing another caution flag.

After the restart, Hayes got loose and spun off of turn four, billowing smoke from his tires trying in vain to save his car. Eureka driver, Jason Winfrey drove into the smoke but didn’t make it through as his front end slammed in to the right front wheel of Hayes car. Both Hayes and Winfrey were done for the night. Walker tried his best to make a move on Spencer. Both had a lot of horsepower down the straight-aways but it was Spencer’s better handling car that helped him hold off Walker for the lead and the eventual victory. Second was Walker followed by O’Dell and Pries.

The next race at the Acres is the regular show of mini stocks, real stocks and sportsman cars on August 17. The late models return two weeks later on August 24.

Point Leader Hallmark Back In CLMA Winner's Circle

By Gary Jacob

Denver, CO -- After an off weekend to allow the teams to support the big dirt late model show in Ely, Nevada, the Colorado Late Model Association returned to action at Rocky Mountain National Speedway Saturday night. Point leader Brett Hallmark from Grand Junction passed Don Post with just two laps remaining to score another $1,000 win. Post ran second and Jeep Berry made only his second 2002 appearance in the Denver area with a third place finish.

The 18 car turnout was split into three heat races. Hallmark won the first from the pole with his GRT as third starter Ken Brack ran second. Also from Grand Junction, Berry won heat 2 from the pole with Bill Sabin second over last starter Jim Beaman. Jim Clifton was a scratch from heat 3 as Rod Glenn won from an outside front row start with last starter Post second. Hallmark and Berry shared the front row for the dash and Hallmark led a couple laps before Berry raced by with his GRT for the six lap win. Hallmark was second ahead of Sabin. In the lineup for the 25 lap feature, Sabin and Post shared the front row with Glenn and Brack in row 2 as Hallmark and Berry shared row 3. The 25 lapper was slowed by just 3 caution flags. Sabin led the opening lap over Post, Brack and Hallmark. Hallmark raced into third on lap 2 and Berry was fourth a lap later. Post passed Sabin for the lead on lap 4 and the Berry-Hallmark duel continued with Berry into third on lap 6. J T Botts spun for the first yellow flag on lap 7. Hallmark retook third from Berry on this restart. On lap 8, Curt Daniels spun and was hit by Clifton to force another yellow. Both were able to continue in the race. On lap 10 with Post still leading, Hallmark got by Sabin for 2nd as Berry ran fourth over Beaman. On lap 13, Glenn spun forcing both Botts and Clifton to also spin. This was the last caution and both Botts and Clifton were sent off the track for being involved in two yellows. Berry passed Sabin for third on lap 14. Rick Lieser was a late dropout and Hallmark made his winning move around the unsung Post on lap 24. Post ran second ahead of Berry and Sabin with Brack making a late charge to fifth. Beaman continues to impress in the second John Kuchar car as he ran 6th to Kuchar's 7th. Previous race winner Mike Cox was 8th ahead of Glenn and Scott Lewis.

Hallmark's point lead is 121 over Kuchar, 161 ahead of Cox and 169 in front of Lieser. Brack and Clifton round out the top six in points as Dave Garmann dropped to 7th when he towed east to run a three race weekend with WDRA.

Summary Dash-Jeep Berry, Brett Hallmark, Bill Sabin. Heat 1-Hallmark, Ken Brack, John Kuchar, Steve Lewis, Kevin Wright. Heat 2-Berry, Sabin, Jim Beaman, Rick Lieser, Mike Cox. Heat 3-Rod Glenn, Don Post, Chris Persichetti, Scott Cimfl, J T Botts. Main-Hallmark, Post, Berry, Sabin, Brack, Beaman, Kuchar, Cox, Glenn, Scott Lewis, Wright, Steve Lewis, Curt Daniels, Cimfl, Persichetti, Lieser, Botts, Jim Clifton.

A ‘hooked up’ Potts takes the IMCA victory

A ‘hooked up’ Potts takes the IMCA victory

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Making one of two appearances at Redwood Acres Raceway this season, the IMCA Modifieds visited the 3/8 of a mile-paved oval for some hard-charging racing action. Setting a new track record at a 16.465, Petaluma’s Richie Potts started from the back to work his way to the front and to take the victory in the main event. Capitalizing on real stock points leader, Shawn Craig’s misfortunes, Rick Fox took the victory and closed in on the championship leader. After making a bold pass on the outside with a few laps to go, veteran Al Acuna took the sportsman main event victory. In the mini stock class, Jason Chand resolved the motor problems he had been having the past few races and took victory honors in that class.

The limited street stock class made their second appearance at the Acres this season. In the trophy dash, Craig Johnson took the victory over Orion Moshier. The two repeated the process in the main event as Johnson again took the win over Moshier. Due to the low car count, however, the class didn’t run a main event.

Defending mini stock track champion, Phil Wood won the trophy dash over Dan Brown. The heat race action was intense as Chad Grammer, Jaison Rhodes, Wood and Brown battled for the victory. Coming off of turn four on the last lap, Rhodes made an attempt to pass Grammer on the inside. The two touched sending Grammer into the infield and Rhodes to the checkered flag first. Officials ruled that since Rhodes caused the incident he would be placed at the tail end of the finishing order. This gave Wood the victory over Brown, Glenn Bernald and Brian Murrell.

Leading the field to the green in the main event were Murrell and Matt Wolfe. Going into turn one on the start of the race, the two made contact and spun. Both had to start at the rear of the field for initiating the incident. On the restart, Brown took the lead over Rhodes. On lap 7, Wood, who had car problems and was using Grammer’s car, got loose and lost a lot of track position to the leaders. Meanwhile, Brown, Rhodes and Jason Chand were tightly contesting for the lead position.

Wood got loose again in turn 3 and this time lost a few positions. With five laps to go, Rhodes got loose and lost second position to Chand. Chand made a bold attempt to pass Brown on the high side with two laps to go and made it stick as he took the lead and the victory. Second was Brown, third was Rhodes while fourth went to Glen Bernald.

In sportsman competition, long time Acres racer, Angelo took the trophy dash victory over another veteran Al Acuna. In the heat race, Acuna gave the crowd a hint of things to come in the main event as he made a strong pass on the outside of rookie Jim Norris on the last lap of the race to take the victory. Norris and another rookie, Joe McDonald, brought the main event to green. Going into turn 3 on the first lap, David Henderson made contact with Norris. Henderson spun and caused a chain reaction that collected Pat Walsh, Scotty Turner and Acuna. Walsh and Turner weren’t able to return to the race while Acuna suffered only minor damage.

On the restart, McDonald lead over Redding visitor, Kyle Cattanach. The battle for the lead was intense as Cattanach put the pressure on McDonald. Going into turn one halfway through the race, Cattanach made a mistake and got loose. This allowed Acuna, Henderson, and Marcelli to get by. With just a handful of laps to go, Acuna moved to the top groove and made his car stick as he drove past McDonald and began to pull away. Henderson passed McDonald as well did Marcelli but it was too late in the race as Acuna won over Henderson, McDonald and Marcelli. It was determined after the racing action that a few of the sportsman competitors were illegal. Acuna’s victory withheld with second really belonging Marcelli, third Cattanach and fourth Ed Peters.

The real stock division had another great car count. Rick Fox broke the track record setting a new time of 19.566. In the trophy dash, Travis Maytanes took the victory over Shawn Craig by just a bumper. Gary Adams won the first of the three heat races over Ryan Walters and Dana Porter. The second heat was won by Chad Gurney with second going to Hymie Yellon and third place being Steve Kimberling. In the fast heat, Marty Walsh won over Donnie Hyman and Doug Way.

Because of the high car count the division ran a B main event with the top two finishers transferring to the main. Filling those two spots were James Henry and Porter. The real stocks put on yet another awesome main event race. Craig Huffman and Kimberling brought the field to the green flag. On lap 2, Hyman made contact with the turn two wall forcing his night to a close. On the restart, Aaron Byers began to apply pressure on Huffman. Returning driver, Dan Maxwell made a daring attempt going into turn one making it three wide on lap 8. Everybody came out okay with Maxwell leading. On lap 9, Huffman spun coming off of turn two. At the same time, Lissa Uselton spun coming off of the corner. Both lost a lot of track position but didn’t lose a lap.

Fox, who had started at the back of the pack, began to make his presence known. On lap 10 he passed Byers for second. On lap 12, Fox took the lead away from Maxwell. Fox caught a break in the points on lap 13 when his title rival, Craig had an axle brake on the right rear of his car ending his night. On the restart, Maxwell and Walsh spun. Coming to the caution, Maxwell made contact with Kimberling spinning him out. All of the drivers continued on without any major damage. On the restart, Fox led Byers and Way. Fox stretched out his lead and ended up taking the winner’s trophy over Byers, Mike Peters, Way and Walsh.

Long time IMCA veteran Richie Potts showed off his fast car as he set a new track record at Redwood Acres Raceway. In the trophy dash, David Sullivan took the victory over Bill Vance. The first of the two heat races led to misfortune for one driver, Lester Agee who made severe contact with the wall ending all of his racing action for the night. Gary Crawford took the win over Lakeport racer, Bob Strauss and Charlie Krown. In the second heat, Kelly Peacock won over Sullivan, Potts and Vance.

The main event was clean and green from start to finish. Crawford and Lance Walker brought the field to the green flag. Peacock took the lead early. By lap 8 it was Peacock, Krown, Sullivan and Potts who had all ready passed six cars from his last starting position. Potts passed Sullivan and on lap 15 he passed Krown on the inside for second position. On lap 19, Potts took the high line and passed Peacock and stretched out to an insurmountable lead over the rest of the competition. The rest of the race was for second as Peacock tried to hold off Vance and Sullivan. Vance eventually got by Peacock but it was too late in the race as Potts took the victory over Vance, Peacock and Crawford.

Fair Night Races Exciting At The Acres

Fair Night Races Exciting At The Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

With a packed grandstand and the fair atmosphere in the air, a nice field of late model cars arrived for two thrilling nights of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka, California. Night one saw Myrtle Point, Oregon’s Mike Sackett take the main event honors while night two saw another Oregonian, David Miller take the victory and the overall fair race bonus.

Along with the late models, the real stock, mini stock and sportsman divisions showed up for their regular night of racing action. The first race of night one was a prelude of the racing action to come for the next two nights as Rick Fox took the trophy dash victory over Shawn Craig by a bumper. In heat racing action, Jimmy Thornbury, Dana Porter and Donnie Hyman each took the trophies in their respective heat races.

The high turnout of real stocks forced a “B” main event with the top two cars transferring to the main event. Taking those positions were Mike Peeples and Thornbury in that order. The “A” main event action got started with a bang... literally as Keith Conn and Ryan Thompson made contact going into the first turn on the first lap. Chad Gurney trying to avoid the incident spun and Travis Maytanes, who had nowhere to go rammed into the back of Gurney’s car ending the night for both drivers. Fox took his car to the lead after the restart and fought off several challenges from defending champion, Craig, winning the first night of racing for the real stocks. Third was Porter and fourth was Doug Way.

There was a larger field of mini stocks for both nights. In the first night, Jason Rhodes took the trophy dash victory over Phil Wood and Dan Brown. In the heat race, Rhodes and Wood raced wheel-to-wheel in an exciting race which saw Rhodes win again over Wood, this time by about a foot. These two continued their battle into the main event.

Rhodes took the lead on lap one and tried to stretch his lead over the rest of the field. Wood worked his way through traffic and caught up to Rhodes and began to make an attempt to pass him on the outside. Lap 9, Wood took the lead but didn’t pull out to a big margin over Rhodes and Brown who made his way to third. While working traffic on lap 12, Wood lost the lead to Rhodes. By lap 18, however, Wood regained the lead and never looked back taking the victory over Rhodes, Brown and Jerry Shaha who was making his first appearance of the season.

In the sportsman trophy dash, David Henderson took the win over Roger Sanderson and Shawn Andrews. Points leader going into the night, Scotty Turner won the heat race over Pat Walsh and Al Acuna. The main event action was bumper to bumper and rousing to say the least as Walsh and Henderson brought the field to the green flag. Ed Peters, who had been having problems with his car smoking all afternoon pulled his car into the pits and was done for the night. Sanderson and Jacob Winfrey made contact coming off of four early in the race but both continued on. Lap 9, rookie Joe McDonald spun for a caution. On the restart, Walsh continued to hold his lead over Henderson.

Lap 24, Andrews who had been working on passing Sanderson got too aggressive and spun Sanderson off of turn two. Sanderson let Andrews know how he felt about the incident and because of that, Sanderson was given a one lap penalty while Andrews was sent to the rear of the field. After the restart, Henderson tried his best to make a move on Walsh but all attempts were thwarted as Walsh won over Henderson, Angelo Marcelli, and James Norris.

The late model trophy dash was fast as Crescent City driver, Howard Ford took the victory over David Miller, Larry Bayless and Randy Hvall. Roger LaHorgue took the first late model heat race win over Preston O’Dell. Unfortunately, LaHorgue had car problems and didn’t race the rest of the two nights. An accident in the second heat race between Ford and Dennis DelBiaggio took both cars out of racing action for the rest of the weekend. Shawn Hayes of Redding won over Mike Sackett and Miller.

Local favorite, Larry Pries and Sackett led the field to the green flag in the main event. Sackett took the early lead over Pries as the field sorted itself out. Lap 3, Paul Peeples had a motor problem and was done for the night. On lap 7, Hayes spun in turns three and four. After the restart, Sackett stretched out a tremendous lead over the field. On lap 31, Hayes spun in turn 3 while trying to move out of the leaders way. A few laps later, Bill Ward hit the wall coming off turn two. On the same lap, Mic Moulton spun his car in turn four. The rest of the race was clean as Sackett took the victory over Bayless, Miller and Hvall.

The second night of racing was even more exciting. Doug Way took the trophy dash victory in the real stock class over Rick Fox and Travis Maytanes. Mike Peeples, Jimmy Thornbury and Way took the trophies home in the three heat races. The main event action got off to a rough start as Fox had problems with his car going into turn one on the first lap and spun into the infield. Later that same lap, Gary Adams and Way made contact and spun. Adams, who had a flat tire was slow on the inside coming to the caution flag. Behind him came Thornbury who had nowhere to go and rammed into the back of Adams ending the night for both drivers.

After the restart, a battle for the lead ensued between Mike Peeples, Travis Maytanes and Donnie Hyman. Peeples took the lead on lap 19 and looked to stretch his lead over Hyman, Maytanes and Shawn Craig who had moved his way through the field. While working his way through traffic, Peeples was slowed. Hyman took advantage of Peeples’ unfortunate break and took the lead. Craig also took advantage and made his way to second. Hyman took the victory over Craig, Peeples and Maytanes.

Dan Brown took trophy dash honors over Jason Rhodes, Phil Wood and Brian Murrell. In the first of the two mini stock heat races, Chad Grammer held off a hard charge by Mac Collado and Jason Shaha while in the second heat Brown held off Rhodes, Murrell and Matt Wolfe.

Jaison Chand, who had been having motor problems all weekend and Grammer led the field to the green flag in the main event. Wood made a quick charge to the front as he began to chase down Chand. Shaha began to leak fluid on the track and a yellow flag was thrown to check his car as well as the track for any fluids. After the restart, Wood again made a challenge on Chand and by lap 11 he took the lead. Lap 17, Collado who had been making a strong charge through the field lost his power plant and pulled his car into the infield. Wood took the victory over Rhodes, Brown and Chand.

Scotty Turner won the sportsman trophy dash. Second was Shawn Andrews followed by David Henderson and Pat Walsh. Roger Sanderson took the heat race win over James Norris, Al Acuna and Angelo Marcelli. Joe McDonald and Sanderson led the field in the main event. Early, Acuna and Sanderson made contact in turn three resulting in a caution. After a lap five restart, Andrews took advantage of cool tires and after several attempts at passing leader Norris he took the lead on lap 10. On lap 15, Acuna and Sanderson again made contact. Acuna was black flagged and done for the night. Andrews went unchallenged for the rest of the race as he took the victory over Norris, Henderson and Walsh.

The late model trophy dash was fast. Randy Hvall won it over Bill Ward, Larry Pries and Mike Sackett. The most exciting event happened in the first of the two heat races when Shawn Hayes and Luke Hall made contact in turn 3. Hayes car climbed over the hood of Hall and flipped over Hayes’ car. Hayes clambered out of the car uninjured. To his delight, his car suffered only slight body damage and he was able to make it back out for the main event.

Fan favorite, Jimmy Walker, who had been having problems with his car all weekend, took the victory over Ron Peters, Preston O’Dell and Mic Moulton. Walker did not make a qualifying attempt earlier in the day has he and his crew took the car back to the shop for an engine change. The second heat race had it’s share of the action as well as Larry Bayless and David Miller made contact coming off of turn two. Mike Sackett ran into the back of Randy Hvall trying to avoid the incident and tore up the whole front wrap of his car. On lap 9 of the 10 lap race, Miller made a bold pass on the outside of Eric Graham going into turn one and took the victory over Hvall, Graham and Rick Spencer.

Miller and Spencer brought the field to the green flag in the main event. Miller took the advantage as Spencer fell in behind him. On lap 16, Hall and Pat Walsh, who was running in the late model class as well made contact in the backstretch. Both cars slid onto the track in turn three but nobody was damaged. At the same time, Walker broke a rear-end and made contact with the wall going into turn 3. A few laps later, O’Dell spun in turn one from some fluid that Walker had left on the racetrack as a result of his problem.

After the restart, Spencer again tried to put the pressure to Miller. On lap 31, Graham got into the wall. Once the field got going again, Sackett passed Ward on lap 36 after a long battle with him. A few laps later, Pries moved Ward out of his way for position. On lap 47, Sackett passed Hvall for third. Two laps later, Ward went into the pits. With five laps to go in the sixty-lap feature, Moulton and O’Dell made contact resulting in Moulton hitting the wall in turn 3.

Miller got a good jump on the field on the restart as Spencer tried to hold off Sackett for the second spot. On the last lap coming off of turn two, Sackett got loose trying to get under Spencer. When Sackett lifted off of the throttle to save his car, Hvall got into the back of him and sent him into the infield. Sackett came through the infield and back onto the track on the front straightaway, luckily with nobody hitting him. Miller took the victory over Spencer, Hvall and Pries.