Modifieds return to the Acres

Modifieds return to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After an exciting season opening Pepsi night this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway, racing is set to return for a special Sunday evening Salute the Troops show at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval. In addition to the local stars and cars in the late model, Thunder Roadster, mini stock, roadrunner and bomber divisions, RAR will also be hosting the North State Modified Series which is in its debut season.

The North State Modified Series was created to mirror the Lucas Oil Modified Series, a popular touring series which races in southern California. It features IMCA and NASCAR Grand American modifieds. The NSMS held its debut race at Anderson, California’s Shasta Speedway earlier this month on May 3^rd which was won by Jay Linstroth.

While Redwood Acres Raceway has never had the modifieds as a regular local division, the class does have a rich history at the track. The modifieds have been one of the staples of the annual Fall Spectacular event and RAR has long been popular with racers in the division due to the fact that the track is a great equalizer between the teams and drivers who race regularly at other facilities.

The Fall Spectaular modified event has seen some of the best racers in Northern California and Southern Oregon participate and win. Lucerne, California’s Bob Strauss was a popular racer who won the race numerous times. Oregon’s Willie Thompson is another driver who won at the Acres several times. 2013 NASCAR K&N West Series champion, Derek Thorn was victorious at Redwood Acres in the modified Fall Spectacular event. Current RAR promoter, Blair Aiken also won the race in 1995. The most recent modified race winner was, Darin Knight who won last September.

While the top three finishers of the first NSMS race, Linstroth, Kyle Borden and Jason Philpot all have prior experience racing at RAR they will be facing different track conditions than usual as the modifieds have not normally raced this early in the season. Sunday's event will feature three 6-lap Dashes for Cash sponsored by Lucas Oil, Scrubba Bub's, and Road Safety. The winner of each dash will be presented with a $100 bill. The 60 lap feature pays $1000 to the winner, $700 for second, $600 for third, $500 for fourth and $400 for fifth. All starters of the 24-car event are guaranteed to get $150.

Grandstand ticket booths open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. There is a special test and tune event Saturday the 24th for all divisions. For more information regarding the series visit NorthStateModifiedSeries.com or check out North State Modified Series on Facebook. For more information regarding Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

2014 marks new era for the Acres

2014 marks new era for the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2014 racing season at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway is on the horizon. It will be the 26th consecutive year of racing on the pavement at the 3/8 mile facility but the first with the new promotional pairing of Blair Aiken and Mic Moulton. The previous 25 years at Redwood Acres Raceway were promoted by Rich and Linda Olson. The Olsons announced their retirement from promoting the raceway during the track’s awards banquet last November.

Many folks may be surprised to know that Redwood Acres Raceway is among the oldest race tracks not only in California but on the entire west coast. The first races at the Acres were held in 1947 on dirt, a year after Merced Fairgrounds Speedway was established and around the same time that Stockton 99 Speedway began holding events. In 1956 and 1957, the track was known as Eureka Speedway and featured a 5/8-mile configuration. The facility hosted two NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) events with Herb Thomas winning the 1956 race and Lloyd Dane winning in 1957. The Acres also hosted the NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model series/Winston West in its dirt days on the familiar 3/8-mile configuration. Bill Amick was victorious in 1964, Harold Hardesty in 1968 and legendary driver, Hershel McGriff won in 1972.

After years of success on the dirt, the cost upkeep and maintenance for the track became too much to handle. Thus the raceway was converted from dirt to asphalt between late 1987 and early 1988 with races being held under NASCAR sanctioning. Between 1988 and 1995, the Acres hosted 7 NASCAR Southwest Tour events and 2 Winston West races. Mike Chase won the inaugural tour event in July of 1988. The next season, Bill Sedgwick won the West race while Chase won the tour race yet again. In 1990, Troy Beebe took the tour race while Sedgwick won the final West race at the Acres. Ron Hornaday, Jr. won the ’91 event over Rick Carelli who won the ’92 event. Hornaday won the 1993 race and after a year away from the raceway, M.K. Kanke won the final tour event in 1995.

Since the track was paved, Redwood Acres Raceway has produced several well-known drivers. Though Jim Walker and Randy Olson had established themselves prior to the 1988 season, they both honed their skills at the Acres for several years and are a huge part of the track’s pavement history. 1997 NASCAR Southwest Tour champion, Bryan Germone ran at the Acres to prepare himself for the tour. Rusty Olson moved from the Acres to win numerous late model events. Paul Peeples, Jr. drove in the mini stock class before winning the 1994 NASCAR Pacific Coast Region title.

More recently, drivers like Derek Thorn, Howard Ford and Jeremy Doss have established their talent by winning features. In 2013, the Acres has hosted and featured late model touring series like the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series and the Pacific Challenge Late Model series. The 125-lap SRL race was won by Jim Pettit, II.

Blair Aiken is a former racer who not only raced in NASCAR’s Winston West and Southwest Tour series but was also a regular open competition racer in Northern California throughout the 80s and 90s. Aiken formerly promoted Ukiah Speedway and along with his duties at Redwood Acres Raceway this season, he also helps in the promotion of Shasta Speedway in Anderson, California. His daughter, Jennifer Aiken will take over the role of business manager for the raceway.

While Aiken will promote Redwood Acres Raceway, Mic Moulton will utilize his established reputation and experience with the track and local racers serving as marketer. Moulton is a native of Eureka and raced at the Acres for nearly 20 seasons in several different divisions while also racing at various speedways throughout the region. His knowledge, insight and connections with local businesses and racing enthusiasts will be beneficial for the track’s success this season and on into the future.

The first action at the track will take place on Saturday April 12th with open practice.

Peterson, Henderson Pepsi night winners

Peterson, Henderson Pepsi night winners

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was the dawn of a new era this past Saturday night at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway as the 2014 racing season at the 3/8-mile paved oval began after an extended and lengthy off season. Besides being the first race of the new year, it was the first race for the track’s new promoters, Blair Aiken and his daughter, Jennifer Aiken. The Aikens took over promoting the Acres this year after Rich and Linda Olson decided to retire at the end of 2013 after 26 straight seasons as the track’s promoters.

Along with the new promoters taking over the responsibility of operating RAR, changes have been made on both sides of the track in order to better improve the experience for the fans. The mini stock class is back at the Acres after being away for a few years. A bigger change comes in the form of new rules for the real stock and sportsman divisions with the idea of local cars in both divisions being able to compete at other tracks in the region and vice versa.  On the fan’s side of the track, there is a new café with a fresh new menu.

The roadrunner division trophy dash win went to Gary Klinetobe. Victories in the heat races went to Steve Paiment and Klinetobe. Gray Ethridge led the opening few laps of the feature event before losing the lead to Rick Esty. A few laps later, Paiment took the lead away from Esty as the field sorted itself out.  Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer worked their way by Paiment just before Tim Abeyta had issues entering turn three and hit the wall.

Things got wild on the restart when Ethridge got together with Esty going into the first turn. Officials disqualified Ethridge for rough driving. On the next restart, Paiment spun resulting in another caution. The run to the checkered flag featured a duel between Klientobe and Palmer. Second place, Palmer tried his best to intimidate Klientobe out of the lead, including applying the bumper several times. Klientobe withstood Palmer’s challenges and went on to claim the win followed by Paiment and Kayla Foster.

Prior to racing in the bomber division, Donnie Hyman’s car suffered issues in practice which forced him out of action for the night. Leonard Ward took home the trophy dash victory while Tyler Avelar narrowly beat Ward to win the heat race. Matt Simon became the second casualty of the night in the heat when he engine let go. The bomber feature was highlighted by an intense duel for the lead between Avelar and Ward. Avelar dominated the race until the closing stages when he began suffering issues.  Ward was able to inherit the lead and cruise to victory a lap ahead of second and third place finishers, Michael Lawrence and rookie driver, James Moore.

The mini stock had only three cars show up on the night with Brian Murrell, Jr. not being able to race after issues in practice. His younger brother, Brett Murrell was able to beat Jordon Paiment in both the trophy dash and feature races. Both drivers are mini stock rookies coming up from the roadrunner division ranks.

Paul Peeples, Jr. took the trophy dash win for the Thunder Roadster cars while David Henderson won the hotly contested heat race over Peeples. The Thunder Roadster feature got off to an unfortunate start when Robbie Nelson and Peeples wrecked coming off turn two. Henderson was also involved but spun and did not receive any damage to his car.

After the restart, Chris Sarvinski and Henderson staged a fantastic nip and tuck duel for the race lead. It appeared as though Sarvinski held the advantage in the power department while Henderson had the edge in handling. With 10 laps left, Henderson was able to find the low day past Sarvinski to take the lead and the eventual victory. Sarvinski fought off Tommy Payne for the runner-up position while Bruce Ziemer took fourth.

Jerry Peterson was victorious in the late model trophy dash. Heat race victories in the division went to Al Acuna and Mic Moulton. The 35-lap feature proved to be a slam-bang affair right from the first lap. Going into the third turn, Luke Hall made contact with Kenny Demello. Demello spun and appeared to have minimal damage but was unable to return to the track. After the restart, the race was slowed again for an incident, this time between Acuna and Peterson who were racing for the lead. Thankfully both drivers were able to continue in the race.

The highlight of the entire evening was the duel for the race lead between Moulton and Hall. The two veteran drivers raced door-handle-to-door-handle for numerous laps, thrilling the packed house. Moulton appeared to have the advantage handling wise but just as he was able to put a gap between himself and Hall, a caution flag flew.

As happens in short track racing, there was contact on lap 25 when Hall got into the rear of Moulton sending Moulton spinning out of the lead and both cars to the rear of the field. This gave the lead to Peterson who had been watching the top two cars duel for the entire race. After the restart, Moulton was able to quickly maneuver his way to second but that was as far as he would get.  Peterson had enough strength to fight off a last lap challenge from Moulton who spun between turns three and four on the final lap. Moulton’s spin allowed Hall to finish second with Acuna taking the third position.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway for a special Sunday evening event this weekend, May 25^th. It’s Salute The Troops night at the Acres featuring the North State Modified Series which is in its inaugural season. Of course the five local divisions of late models, Thunder Roadsters, bombers, mini stocks and roadrunners will also be joining in the action. Grandstand ticket booths open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. There is a special test and tune event Saturday the 24^th for all divisions.

For more information regarding this weekend’s races or anything else this season, please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Pettit dominates SRL debut at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SRL stars coming to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henderson, Mayo back in victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a week off, racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday night for the annual Mother’s Day races. As always, the four local classes of real stocks, roadrunners, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman cars put on a great show for the fans in attendance.

Division rookie, Michael Lawrence took the trophy dash victory in the real stock division while the victor in the heat race was Nick Green. The feature event for the division was dominated by Matt Simon who led from the drop of the green flag. On the final lap, Simon got loose in turn two which allowed Green to take the lead and the victory. Lawrence took third followed by Harvey Holm and Leonard Ward.

Thanks in part to being the only driver who has started all three events in the real stock division, Lawrence holds a sizeable gap in the battle for the track championship. Lawrence’s margin over Green and Tyler Avelar who are tied for second is 44 points. The brother duo of Dustin and Ryan Walters is fourth in points with Simon fifth.

The roadrunner trophy dash winner was Jordon Paiment while the heat race winners were Gary Klinetobe and Paiment again. The main event featured a great battle between Jarrett Mayo and Paiment.  Unfortunately, Paiment was collected in an incident with Ken Lawrence with both drivers unable to continue.  Jarrett Mayo took his second main event win of the year ahead of Klinetobe, Kolby Jackson, Ken Barrett and Ryun Leazer.

Mayo’s victory allowed him to pull slightly farther ahead of Jackson in points with an 18 point gap. Tim Abeyta, Barrett and Klinetobe round out the top five with Paiment, Leazer, Gray Ethridge, Brett Murrell and Eugene Palmer sixth through tenth.

The Thunder Roadster trophy dash went to Thomas Payne while Lonnie Tamboury took the heat race win. David Henderson made his way through the field quickly in the main event and was absolutely dominant, creating a sizeable gap over the rest of the pack. Henderson easily took the main event victory over Payne, Mike Ward, Chris Sarvinski and Tamboury.

Saturday night’s victory helped boost Henderson in points after engine problems in the previous race.  Henderson holds a slim six point lead over Sarvinski while Payne, Belinda Ward and Robbie Nelson complete the top five in Thunder Roadster points.

Brandon Barnwell looked to be the man to beat on the night in the sportsman division taking wins in the dash and the heat race.  Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse at the start of the main event. Going down the backstretch on the first lap, Barnwell and Kevin Estep got together forcing both cars hard into the wall and ending the race for both drivers. Dennis DelBiaggio made his first start of 2013 and was the class of the field winning handily over Angelo Marcelli, Kenny Demello and Ken Hallis.

Thanks to Barnwell’s misfortune, Marcelli took over the division point lead. Marcelli leads Barnwell by eight points.  Demello lies third ahead of Jerry Peterson and Al Acuna.

Racing returns to the Acres this Saturday night with all four division returning to the track for what should be another exciting night of action.

Acres season just getting started

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a week off, racing returns this Saturday evening for the annual Mother’s Day weekend races at Redwood Acres Raceway.  Two races have already been put in the books, the most recent occurring on April 27^th.

Ryan Walters won the most recent feature event for the real stock division over Nick Green, Michael Lawrence, Matt Simon and Harvey Holm.  Ryan and his brother Dustin hold the points lead for the class over Lawrence and William Sand.  They are the only three drivers who started both main events thus far this season.

Young Jordon Paiment held off Ken Barrett in the roadrunner main event on the 27^th, his first ever main event victory.  Things are tight in the battle for the track title in the division as Jarrett Mayo holds a slim three point advantage over Tim Abeyta while Kolby Jackson, Barrett and Paiment aren’t too far behind.

Chris Sarvinski was another first-time main event winner in the most previous race, taking home the checkered flag in the Thunder Roadster division.  The win gave Sarvinski the early season point edge by six markers over David Henderson.  Thomas Payne, Belinda Ward and Jim Rich round out the top five drivers in the roadsters.

Brandon Barnwell’s main event victory on the 27th closed the points gap between he and Angelo Marcelli.  Marcelli leads Barnwell by only three markers followed by Kenny Demello, Jerry Peterson and Al Acuna.

As previously noted, racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday May 11^th.

Redwood Acres Raceway Points Standings (As of 5/9/13)

Real Stocks

Dustin/Ryan Walters 130, Michael Lawrence 116, William Sand 112, Tyler Avelar 79, Leonard Ward 66, Nick Green 65, Matt Simon 60, Harvey Holm 54, Chris Naughton 54

Roadrunners

Jarrett Mayo 134, Tim Abeyta 131, Kolby Jackson 123, Ken Barrett 122, Jordon Paiment 120, Gary Klinetobe 114, Gray Etheridge 110, Ryun Leazer 104, Brett Murrell 101, Kayla Foster 74, Paul Leazer 59, Eugene Palmer 53, Tony Miles 46, Steve Paiment 44, Brian Murrell, Jr. 42, Barbara Paiment 38

Thunder Roadsters

Chris Sarvinski 139 David Henderson 133, Thomas Payne 129, Belinda Ward 117, Jim Rich 110, Les Barnwell 102, Robbie Nelson 101, Paul Peeples, Jr. 77, Allen Olson 73, Lonnie Tamboury 68

Sportsman

Angelo Marcelli 132, Brandon Barnwell 129, Kenny Demello 119, Jerry Peterson 118, Al Acuna 114.

Marcelli, Peeples, Mayo and Avelar win on opening night

The 2013 season kicked off this past Saturday evening at Redwood Acres Raceway with all four local classes in action. A great crowd was on hand to see real stocks, roadrunners, Thunder Roadsters and sportsman cars put on a fantastic show.

The real stock trophy dash was won by Tyler Avelar while Leonard Ward took the heat race victory. The feature event saw a three car incident in the early going between Ryan Walters, Chris Naughton and division rookie and 2012 Redwood Acres Raceway roadrunner champ, Michael Lawrence.  Unfortunately, Lawrence was the only car that was unable to continue.

William Sand held the lead briefly before smacking the wall allowing Avelar and Ward to get by.  Ward made his way to the lead for several laps but could not hold off the faster Avelar who took the lead late in the going and held on to win over Ward, Sand, Naughton and Walters.

Jarrett Mayo took the victory in the roadrunner trophy dash while the heat races were won by Ryun Leazer and Ken Barrett.  The roadrunner main event featured a scary incident involving Barb Paiment.  Paiment was starting her first ever race and moved high in turn one to allow the leaders to pass her safely.  Unfortunately, Paiment got too high off the second turn and hit the wall at the pit road entrance head-on. The race was halted and delayed while rescue crews extracted Paiment from her car. Paiment broke her left arm, her left ankle and her right foot in the incident.

The remainder of the race showcased a thrilling duel for the lead and the victory between Mayo and Tim Abeyta.  Abeyta did all he could to pressure Mayo into making a mistake and coming off turn four it looked as though he had a chance to steal the victory.  Unfortunately, he came up short in his effort as Mayo beat him to the checkered flag.  Kolby Jackson, Gary Kinetob and Barrett rounded out the top five.

David Henderson narrowly defeated Paul Peeples, Jr. in the Thunder Roadster trophy dash while Peeples held off Henderson for the win in the heat race. A rocky start that saw Jim Rich get loose in front of the field in turn three on the first lap gave Peeples the advantage he needed while Henderson lost precious track position to avoid wrecking.

Lonnie Tamboury held the lead in the early stages but could not hold off Peeples who took the lead.  Chris Sarvinski, who looked to be very strong on the night, followed Peeples into second and road right on his tail for the majority of the race.  Meanwhile, Henderson had to work hard to get by the likes of Thomas Payne, Allen Olson and Tamboury then had a tough battle for second with Sarvinski which he eventually won.  Henderson was in Peeples’ mirror the rest of the way but was unable to make the challenge necessary to take the lead.  At the line it was Peeples winning over Henderson, Sarvinski, Payne and Olson.

The sportsman dash was won by Brandon Barnwell while the heat race was taken by Angelo Marcelli.  Jerry Peterson took the lead from pole position in the main event and fought off Barnwell until Marcelli moved into second.  Marcelli took the lead from Peterson and looked to be home free the rest of the event.  Peterson was able to close in on the final laps and made a serious challenge on Marcelli coming off the fourth turn on the last lap.  Marcelli was able to withstand it and crossed the line first over Peterson, Kenny Demello, Barnwell and Al Acuna.

Racing resumes this Saturday night, April 27^th for Pepsi Night at the Acres.

Acres season on the horizon

By Matthew J. Sullivan

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

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

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

April 6 - Practice

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

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

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

May 18 – Weekly Show Presented by KFMI 96.3

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

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

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

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

July 13 – Weekly Show Presented by ABC 23 TV

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

August 3 – California Truckers’ Association Appreciation Night

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

September 14 – Memorial Race Presented by KEKA 101 Country Radio

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

Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2012 season nearing its conclusion

Redwood Acres Raceway’s 2012 season nearing its conclusion

By Matthew J. Sullivan

This weekend marks the end of the 2012 season for racing at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway the 25th straight year of pavement race on the 3/8-mile oval.  In what has become a Northern California tradition, the year will conclude this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 21st-23rd) with the Fall Spectacular.  Along with the local classes of cars and drivers from the real stocks, roadrunner and thunder roadster divisions will be the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model touring series along with the return of the IMCA modified open race.

The battle for Redwood Acres Raceway’s sportsman division concluded on the September 15th Larry Pries Memorial event as Brandon Barnwell sealed his 2012 track championship with a main event victory.  Barnwell’s 2012 crown marks his third championship in the sportsman division, his previous titles coming back-to-back in 2007 and 2008.  The title in the thunder roadster division has been sealed as well by Paul Peeples, Jr.  Peeples championship mirrors Barnwell’s run as he too previously won titles in the roadster class in 2007 and 2008.  Donnie Hyman appears to have the real stock track title well within reach as he has a nearly insurmountable margin of 93 points over second place, Dax Kinsey.  Things are closer in the roadrunner class as Michael “Cheeseburger” Lawrence has a 34 point gap over second place driver, Ken Barrett.

As previously mentioned, the 2012 Fall Spectacular marks the return of the very popular IMCA modified open race after a five-year absence.  Thomas Wright won the most recent running of the event in 2007 over Jay Linstroth, Richie Potts and Charlie Kramm.  The 2006 running saw Oregon veteran, Willie Thompson come across the line first ahead of Jerry Dubach, Scott Winters, Eddie Laws and Gary Lowblad.  The 2005 race was won by Jay Linstroth beating out Ken Scales, Willie Thompson, Richie Potts and David Sullivan.  The modifieds visited the Acres earlier this year in June with Guy Young taking the victory.

The AABLM series will be staging its ninth race of 2012 this weekend, the series’ third visit to the Acres on the year.  Randy Houston won the season opening race in May while Forrest Kuecker won his first ever AABLM event in the race in late July.  Howard Ford won both ends of a double-header in the 2011 running of the Fall Spectacular.  Jeremy Doss has been the dominant force in the series, scoring five wins this year but the young driver has yet to taste success thus far at Redwood Acres Raceway.  He’ll face top competition including Houston, David Miller, Jim Walker and another youngster in his teammate, Brandon White who won the AABLM’s last race at Shasta Speedway on September 15th.

Redwood Acres Raceway will have open practice on Friday for all cars and drivers beginning at 2:00PM followed by a barbeque.  Racing will begin Saturday at 6:00PM while Sunday’s events will begin at 1:00PM.  Any questions regarding this weekend’s races should be directed to the raceway by calling 707-442-3232.

Past Late Model Fall Spectacular Winners
1990 – Randy Olson
1991 – Bob Strauss
1992 – Randy Olson
1993 – Jeff Rogers
1994 – Roger Gannon
1995 – Darrell Midgley
1996 – Randy Olson
1997 – Randy Olson
1998 – Darrell Midgley
1999 – Mike Sackett
2000 – Mike Sackett
2001 – Mike Sackett
2003 – Mike Sackett
2004 – David Miller
2005 – Josh Bews
2006 – Ryan Foster
2007 – Howard Ford
2009 – Noel McCormack, Jr.
2010 – David Miller
2011 – Howard Ford/Howard Ford