Exciting racing thrills spectacular crowd

Exciting racing thrills spectacular crowd

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a week off, racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday night for the eighth race of the 2014 season. The grandstands were packed for the night with what looked to be the biggest crowd of the year thus far. The fans got their money’s worth with exciting racing in the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models as well as the evening’s special attraction, the boat race.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash victory was taken by Steve Kimberling. The first heat race was won on a last lap pass by Kimberling over Grey Ethridge while the second heat went to Gary Klinetobe. The 25-lap feature was highlighted by a spectacular fight up front between Kimberling, Klinetobe, Eugene Palmer and Dillon Ford among others. The event was slowed on a couple of occasions, most notably a wreck in turn two on lap four that took Briana Stone and Kayla Foster out of action.

In the final handful of laps, Klinetobe and Palmer pulled away from the field and continued their season-long duel battle for the race lead and the eventual victory. Going into turn one on the white flag lap, Palmer got inside of Klinetobe. The two raced down the back stretch into turn three. Klinetobe tried to cut under Palmer off turn four but ran into Palmer’s bumper killing his momentum and giving the victory to Palmer. Kimberling finished third over Ford and Chad Grammer.

Out of town visitor, David Dillinger took the wins in the trophy dash and heat races for the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. Dillinger looked to have the car to beat in the 25-lap main event but incidents with James Moore and Leonard Ward forced him to start in the back twice for his role in each event. With five laps remaining, Dillinger took the lead away from Tyler Avelar. At the same time, Dillinger’s car began smoking heavily. Officials black flagged Dillinger who was putting fluid on the track. Avelar regained the lead and won his second main event in a row ahead of Rick Jelton. Dillinger was credited with third while Moore was fourth and Ward fifth.

With both Brian Murrell, Jr. and Brett Murrell unable to race due to issues with their vehicles, the rest of the field looked to try to close the gap in the Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles mini stock division. Rick Estes won the trophy dash while young Cole Peterson claimed his first ever victory of any kind at the Acres in the heat race. The main event proved to have the most spectacular finish of the night. Kenny Demello, who was driving the car normally piloted by Chelsea Champagne, held the lead for the majority of the race. On the last lap going into turn three, Demello went high allowing Estes to make a move under him. The two came in contact off turn four and became entangled. Estes crossed the finish line first while Demello took second and stopped at the gate to the entrance of the track. The finish delighted the packed house as fans roared in approval. Peterson was third, Brian Murrell, Sr. fourth and Ryan Ahrens fifth.

Robbie Nelson took his first win of 2014 in the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division. Paul Peeples, Jr. took the win in the heat race. Thomas Payne took the lead in the 30-lap main event from his outside front row starting position but was quickly challenged by the faster car of Peeples. Payne did all he could but could not hold Peeples off.

The race was slowed near the midway point when Belinda Ward spun in turn four and the restart proved to be bad for Payne as he was dropped back to fifth place. As he has done for the majority of 2014, Peeples dominated the feature but in the closing stages it was Nelson who showed surprising strength. Nelson reeled Peeples in and was on his bumper in the final few laps but didn’t have the muscle to mount a serious challenge. In the end it was Peeples crossing the finish line first over Nelson, Henderson, Chris Sarvinski and Payne.

The Mid City Motor World late model trophy dash win went to Luke Hall. The heat race saw an unfortunate accident when Al Acuna and Kenny Demello got together in turn one. Acuna’s car hit the wall and was out for the rest of the night while Demello was able to continue racing. Hall led from the start of the 35-lap main and was able to put a gap on second place, Mic Moulton. Jed Ambrosini spun and hit the turn three wall on lap eight which proved to be the turning point of the race.

The restart proved to be exactly what Moulton needed. After falling into second behind Hall, found a way to the inside to take the lead on lap 13. From that point on, Moulton was able to pull out to a sizable gap and was able to win comfortably over Hall, Demello and Ambrosini.

The night was capped off with the thrilling boat race. There were well over 10 competitors in the event which had the fans on their feet and cheering from the very start. At the end it was Jonathan Zaugg, Jr. taking the $600 first prize. Dave Watson was awarded the $400 second prize while Bryan Crawford and Matt Taylor earned the $200 third prize.

Of note, bomber racer Donnie Hyman returned home after suffering an injury to his back. A fund raiser has been put together for Donnie to help him as he recovers from his injuries. Also Redwood Acres Raceway has revised the schedule for the rest of the 2014 season. Mid City Motor World championship night has been moved to Saturday September 13th. In addition, the season finale Fall Spectacular event has been moved to the weekend of Friday September 26th, Saturday September 27th and Sunday September 28th. For more information concerning Hyman and the schedule change, please visit www.racingtheacres.com.

Racing takes a break for a week before returning Saturday August 16th. All five local classes will be at it again and it should be another fantastic night of racing. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

Henderson, Moulton return to victory lane

Henderson, Moulton return to victory lane

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Racing returned to Redwood Acres Raceway Saturday night and it proved to be another action packed affair. The five classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models delighted a great crowd on what proved to be a cool night at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash was won by Dylan Ford. Tim Abeyta took the win in the first heat while Ford followed his dash victory with a win in the second heat. The 20-lap feature was slowed several times in the early laps due to caution flags. Once things got settled, the two dominators in the division, Gary Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer battled for the race lead. Palmer had to give up two positions at the mid-way point due to breaking the 21-second barrier which allowed Klinetobe to put a gap over himself and the rest of the field.

On lap 17, Ford made contact with the back of Chad Grammer’s car in turn three bringing out the caution flag and bunching up the field for what would prove to be the race’s final restart. Young Jett Taylor showed surprising strength taking the lead away from Klinetobe. The final lap of the race featured a thrilling duel for the race win between Taylor, Klinetobe and Palmer. Coming off turn two, Palmer got to the inside of Klinetobe. Going into turn three, the front three cars were three wide for a brief moment. Taylor was able to win the drag race to the checkered flag to win his first main event win in only his fourth race. Klinetobe narrowly beat Palmer for second while Nick Vellis placed fourth and Abeyta took fifth.

James Moore took the trophy for the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. The heat race was taken by Matt Simon. The main event was halted mid-way due to a serious accident involving Leonard Ward and Donnie Hyman. Coming off turn two, Ward’s right rear wheel left his car. With no time to react, Hyman hit the tire and flew into the air before coming back down on the track and sliding into the infield.

On site EMT and fire crew were on the scene immediately to tend to Hyman and the race was halted. Hyman was transported by ambulance to the local hospital and was later flown out of the area for further evaluation. At the time of this writing, Hyman was diagnosed with a lower vertebra injury but is awake and alert.

When the racing resumed, Simon and Eddie Klein battled for the race lead. With two laps remaining, Klein and Simon made contact off turn two resulting in a caution. Tyler Avelar took the race lead and held off Simon and Klein to win his first race of the season.

The trophy dash victory in the Suddenlink Communications mini stock division went to Rick Estes while the heat race was won by Nick Green. Sam Brown led the early stages of the 25-lap feature but soon faced the pressure from the faster cars of Green and Brian Murrell, Jr. On lap eight, Murrell used the inside line to get by Brown for the lead while Green followed into second. Murrell held the top position for two laps before Green powered by on the outside line. Green was able to cruise to the win, his second of the season. Murrell placed second followed by Chelsea Champagne, Brown and Cole Peterson.

The Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster trophy dash victory went to Paul Peeples, Jr. who was also able to take the victory in the heat race. Robbie Nelson led the field to the green in the main event but by the end of lap one it was David Henderson who took the lead. The story of the season in the Thunder Roadster class has been the battle for wins between Peeples and Henderson with Peeples being on the winning end more often. The tables were turned on this night as Henderson was able to withstand all of Peeples’ challenges for the lead.

A brief caution from contact between Chris Sarvinski and Tommy Payne bunched the field but did not give Peeples the advantage that he was hoping for. At the checkered flag it was Henderson winning his second feature of 2014. Peeples took second, Nelson third, Sarvinski fourth and Payne fifth.

Luke Hall took trophy dash honors in the Mid City Motor World late model division. Mic Moulton ran away in the heat race and was victorious in that event. Al Acuna took the lead of the 35-lap feature from pole sitter, Ken Hallis at the start of the event and was able to pull away as the rest of the field sorted itself out. On lap two, Kenny Demello got sideways off turn two and slapped the back stretch wall bringing out a caution. Demello was able to drive his car to the pits but was not able to return to the race.

On the restart, Ryun Leazer was able to get under Hallis for second and was followed by Hall in third. The next lap, Hall and Leazer made contact going into turn one which sent both cars into the wall. Both cars were finished for the night. Oregon visitor, Dana Bowers also suffered cosmetic damage in the incident but was able to continue. Moulton took advantage of the side-by-side restart and was able to wrestle the lead away from Acuna. Moulton was dominant on the night and went the majority of the race unchallenged for the lead.

Jerry Peterson spun out of second for a caution but the closing of the field did nothing to hinder Moulton’s quest for the victory. At the checkered flag it was Moulton winning over Acuna. Bowers took third while Peterson was fourth and Hallis finished fifth.

Racing takes a week off at the Acres before resuming Saturday August 2nd. As always, the five local classes will be in action along with a special feature attraction that has not been seen at Redwood Acres Raceway, boat racing. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in participating in the upcoming boat races or have any further questions regarding other divisions, please visit the official site of Redwood Acres Raceway, www.racingtheacres.com. Further information regarding Donnie Hyman’s injuries will also be posted on the website as they become available in the coming days.

Lindstroth dominant in modified victory

Lindstroth dominant in modified victory

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Redwood Acres Raceway celebrated Independence Day weekend in style this past Saturday night. Not only did the Acres serve as host to the five local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models, the North State Modified Series made their second stop of the season at Eureka, California’s 3/8-mile paved oval. In addition to the fantastic racing, the night was capped off by a spectacular fireworks show that thrilled the large crowd in attendance.

Gary Klinetobe set fast time in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division with a 20.328 qualifying lap. Klinetobe followed that up with a victory in the four lap trophy dash. The first heat race went to Michael Lawrence who returned to the division due to his bomber being severely damaged several races ago. Dylan Ford took the second heat in thrilling fashion on the final lap.

The 15-lap feature for the roadrunners was slowed several times early on. One incident involved Kayla Foster who was sent head on into the back stretch wall. Foster’s car was finished for the night but she was unharmed. The story for the division this season has been the battle between Klinetobe and Eugene Palmer. Klinetobe moved to the front early while Palmer had to scrap through the field and wasn’t able to get to the front until the final two laps. At the checkered flag it was Klinetobe taking the win ahead of Palmer, Steve Kimberling, Tim Abeyta and Ford.

The John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bombers saw an influx of cars for the night as drivers from the Redding and Lake County areas made the trek to the Acres. David Dillinger set fast time with an 18.512 lap. Brian Smith took the trophy dash victory then was victorious in the heat race. Don Hyman led the feature early on but the out-of-town drivers made their strength known throughout the feature. Hyman did all he could to hold off Dillinger at the halfway point of the 20-lap main event but was unable to do so. Dillinger would go on to take the victory beating Smith, Leonard Ward, Eddie Klein and Kevin Coburn.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts/Del Reka Distributing mini stock class also saw several new cars join the field for the night. Visitor, David Felch set the standard in qualifying, beating all the local drivers with a 19.164 qualifying lap. Felch’s time in qualifying proved to be a prelude to how he would race in the evening as he won the trophy dash, the heat race and the main event. Brian Murrell, Jr. finished second while Rick Estes, Chelsea Champagne and Jordan Paiment rounded out the top five.

Robbie Nelson set fast time with a 17.187 qualifying lap for the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division. The trophy dash win was taken by Paul Peeples, Jr. while Chris Sarvinski held off Peeples in the heat race. The 20-lap main event was highlighted by a nose-to-tail duel for the race lead between Sarvinski and Peeples. Coming off turn four on the final lap, Peeples found the inside line under Sarvinski and the two drag-raced to the line in a photo finish. Track officials determined that Sarvinski beat Peeples by a mere eight-thousandths of a second or about a foot. Thomas Payne finished third, Robbie Nelson fourth and Belinda Ward placed fifth.

Luke Hall set fast time for the Mid City Motor World late model division with a 15.938 qualification lap. The trophy dash victory was taken by Jerry Peterson who followed that up with a win in the heat race. The 25-lap feature saw a heated battle for the race lead between Hall, Mic Moulton and Peterson. Hall and Moulton were battling side-by-side for the lead coming off turn two on lap 13 when Hall got sideways into Moulton sending him spinning into the infield. Peterson got by in the melee but Hall got into his bumper going into the third turn. All three drivers restarted at the back which gave Al Acuna the race lead.

Acuna held onto the lead until four laps to go when the handling appeared to severely fall off on his car. Hall took advantage and quickly took the lead while Moulton and Peterson had to work slightly harder to get by Acuna. Moulton made one last effort to try to challenge Hall but it wasn’t enough in the end as Hall took the victory followed by Moulton, Peterson, Acuna and Ryun Leazer.

Citrus Heights racer, Jay Lindstroth broke the existing track record for the North State Modified Series with a 16.100 qualifying time. The Scubba Bub’s Dash for Cash went to Petaluma’s Richie Potts while the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash was taken by Linstroth. Both winners were awarded a crisp 100 dollar bill for their efforts.

Kyle Tellstrom of Ukiah was the benefactor of the five-car invert for the 60-lap feature and used his pole position start to his advantage by taking the lead from the drop of the green flag. In second place was Cody Braund of Anderson who had his hands full with Lindstroth and Kelseyville’s Darrin Knight who won the North State Modified Series previous race at the Acres in May. The biggest accident of the race took place on lap 18 in the third turn.  Involved were Corey James of Cottonwood, Don Swartz of Grass Valley, Rich Cobb of Klamath Falls, Oregon and Orion Mosher of Eureka.

The restart proved to be the advantage that Linstroth needed as he powered by Tellstrom to the race lead. Knight moved into second in the closing stages and after a spin by Dustin DeRosier with 12 laps remaining, it looked to be a showdown between the front two cars. Linstroth got the advantage on the restart and was able to pull away from Knight. At the finish it was Linstroth winning over Knight, Tellstrom, Kyle Borden and Braund.

Racing at the Acres takes a break before returning Saturday July 19th. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. For more information involving Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com . For more information concerning the North State Modified Series, visit www.northstatemodifieds.com.

North State mods return to the Acres

North State mods return to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2014 racing season at Redwood Acres Raceway hits its halfway point this weekend, Saturday July 5^th for a special Fourth of July celebration at the 3/8-mile paved oval. Joining the local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models will be the return of the North State Modified Series which had raced at the Acres earlier this season during the May 25^th Memorial Day weekend races. Capping the night off will be a spectacular fireworks show, the first time Redwood Acres Raceway has held a fireworks event. It promises to be a memorable and spectacular night for fans.

The point leader in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division is Gary Klinetobe. Of the five feature races thus far this season, Klinetobe has been victorious in four of them. Eugene Palmer broke Klinetobe’s win streak in the most recent race on June 21^st, doing so by mere inches. Palmer lies 21 points behind Klinetobe in the standings. Tim Abeyta holds down third, 44 behind Klinetobe. Robbie Robinson is fourth, 52 points behind the leader and Kayla Foster is fifth, 76 points behind.

Leonard Ward has made the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division his personal playground this season. Like Klinetobe in the roadrunner class, Ward has dominated the field in the bombers winning four of the five races in 2014. Due to his success, Ward has a 20 point gap over second place, James Moore. A rookie at the Acres, Moore was victorious during the May 25^th event. 60 points behind the leader in third position is Tyler Avelar. Fourth in points is Michael Lawrence who is 69 points in arrears of Ward. Matt Simon is fifth, 71 points behind.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts/Del Reka Distributing mini stock division saw an influx of cars during the fair night races two weeks ago. Brett Murrell holds the points lead in the class ahead of his older brother, Brian Murrell, Jr. by 12. Nick Green is a rookie to the division but not to racing at Redwood Acres Raceway and is third and 47 points behind the leader.  The top three drivers all have at least one main event win thus far this season Brett Murrell with one, Brian Murrell, Jr. with two and Green with one. Chelsea Champagne is fourth 58 markers behind Murrell while Sam Brown is fifth, 60 behind.

Since crashing out on opening night on May 17^th, Paul Peeples, Jr. has dominated the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division knocking off four straight main event victories and holding down the points lead. David Henderson won the opening night race and has finished second to Peeples in all four races that he’s won. The gap between the two is only nine points. Chris Sarvinski is third, 37 points behind Peeples. Thomas Payne is fourth, 41 behind and Robbie Nelson is fifth, 70 points behind.

The closest competition at the Acres in 2014 has come in the Mid City Motor World late model division. Mic Moulton leads second place, Luke Hall by only four points. Both drivers each have two main event wins so far this season. Kenny Demello holds down third and is 36 points behind Moulton. Division rookie, Ryun Leazer is fourth and 47 points behind while Jerry Peterson is fifth, 54 points behind. Peterson is the only other driver who has won this year, his victory having come on the May 17^th race.

The North State Modified Series will be making its second stop to the Acres in 2014 this weekend. It will be the fourth race of six for the new touring series this season. Jay Linstroth leads Cody Braund by 26 points in the standings. Kyle Borden is third, 34 points behind Linstroth while Dustin DeRosier and Rich Cobb are fourth and fifth, 38 and 46 behind the leader respectively.  Linstroth won the series opener at Shasta Speedway while the previous race at the Acres on May 25^th was won by Darrin Knight. Linstroth took the most recent victory on the tour at All-American Speedway on June 21^st.

There will be an open practice session for all cars on Friday July 4^th between noon to 6:00 PM. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM on Saturday while the racing begins at 6:30 PM. For more information regarding this weekend’s events or news in general for Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Moulton, Hall, Peeples fair night winners at the Acres

Moulton, Hall, Peeples fair night winners at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time in several years, fair night races returned to Redwood Acres Raceway this past Friday and Saturday night. There was plenty of close and exciting racing in all five local divisions which thrilled the crowd both evenings. In addition to the races, there were also special post-race events on both nights. Friday night featured the quad wars while Saturday night was concluded with a destruction derby.

Heat races were eliminated in all five divisions on Friday while laps were added to each classes feature event. Eugene Palmer took the trophy dash victory in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division. The 30-lap feature was highlighted by a battle for the win between Palmer and division point leader, Gary Klinetobe. In the end, Klinetobe was able to take the victory over Palmer, Tim Abeyta, Grey Ethridge and Rob Robinson.

Leonard Ward won Friday’s trophy dash for the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. The main event saw misfortune for two drivers. Matt Simon broke a rear end part which caused his right rear wheel to leave his car, ending his night prematurely. Later on, Michael Lawrence and Tyler Avelar got together going into the third turn. After the ensuing restart, Avelar took Lawrence into the turn one wall ending up with Lawrence’s car out for the rest of the weekend and Avelar disqualified from the event. At the checkered flag it was Ward over James Moore, Donnie Hyman, Lawrence and Simon.

Rick Estes stepped up from the roadrunners to the Humboldt Motorsports and Humboldt Bay Coffee Company mini stock division, taking the trophy dash win on Friday night. The main event was featured a fantastic duel for the win between Nick Green and Brian Murrell, Jr. The two swapped the lead in the late stages and just as Green began to close back up to Murrell to challenge for the top spot, he spun off the fourth turn. Murrell went on to take the win ahead of Green, Estes, Chelsea Champagne and Sam Brown.

The Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster trophy dash victory was taken by Paul Peeples, Jr. The 40-lap main event was a repeat of what has been seen in the division all season long as well as in recent years; a duel for the victory between Peeples and Henderson. At the finish it was Peeples beating Henderson, Chris Sarvinski, Thomas Payne and Robbie Nelson.

Luke Hall won the Mid City Motor World late model trophy dash. The 45-lap feature started off bad for several drivers. On the initial start, Ryan Peeples got loose and spun coming to the green along with Kenny Demello. The next start saw Demello come together with Kevin Estep resulting in Estep receiving damage that ended the rest of his weekend. Hall was the early leader but lost the lead when Demello’s car developed issues and slowed in front of him. Mic Moulton was able to take advantage of Hall’s misfortune and take the win. Hall placed second, Ryun Leazer third, Jed Ambrosini fourth and Demello fifth.

The post-race quad wars event was a new attraction at the Acres. A special short oval was created in the infield for the quads to run in. Aiden Kimberling was the winner in the junior event over MKinzy Uselton while the team of Anthony Rosa and Nick Hanson were victorious in the adult event.

Saturday’s Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner trophy dash went to Gary Klinetobe while the heat races were won by Rob Robinson and Eugene Palmer. The main event was slowed several times but produced a thrilling finish between Klinetobe and Palmer. The two came off the final corner side-by-side with Palmer just edging Klinetobe for the win. Former real stock driver, Steve Kimberling placed third while Tim Abeyta and Dillon Ford rounded out the top five finishers.

James Moore won the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber dash while Leonard Ward took the heat race victory. Early in the main event, it appeared as though Donnie Hyman might be able to hold off Ward who has been the dominant force in the division this season. Ward was able to overpower Hyman eventually and cruised easily to the win. Moore took second, Tyler Avelar third, Hyman fourth and Matt Simon fifth.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock trophy dash win was taken by Nick Green. He was able to follow that victory up with another in the heat race. Rookie, Rick Estes gave Green all he could handle for the win but Green’s previous experience in the real stock class paid off as he swept the night beating Estes, Chelsea Champagne, Sam Brown and Brett Murrell.

The Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster division was dominated once again by Paul Peeples, Jr. who won the trophy dash. Peeples took the heat race win which saw an accident that involved Thomas Payne and Mike Ward. Payne and Chris Sarvinski spun off the fourth turn. While coming to the yellow flag, Ward hit Payne’s car knocking off the right front suspension and ending his night. Just like the night before, the main event saw a duel between Peeples and David Henderson. Once again it was Peeples winning ahead of Henderson, Robbie Nelson, Thomas Payne and Sarvinski.

Mic Moulton won the Mid City Motor World late model trophy dash Saturday night. He was able to follow that win up with another in the heat race. The main event saw close nip and tuck racing between Luke Hall and Moulton for the race lead. On the final lap, Moulton got inside of Hall going down the back stretch. The two raced side-by-side coming off turn four with Hall narrowly defeating Moulton for the win. Kenny Demello finished third, Ryan Peeples fourth and Jed Ambrosini fifth.

Following the racing on the oval, Redwood Acres Raceway held its first demolition derby in many years in the track’s in field. Doug Emery made the long tow from Butte City to participate in the event and was able to take the derby win.

Racing returns to Redwood Acres Raceway for a special fireworks show on Saturday July 5^th. Joining the five local divisions will be the return of the North State Modified Series which raced at the Acres earlier this season on May 25^th. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:00 PM. For further information, visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Championship favorites making early season push

Championship favorites making early season push

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway has started off in fine fashion. The action on the track has been thrilling the first three races.  Between the door-to-door action and the close finishes, fans have witnessed great racing in all five of the Acres local divisions. Things should prove to get even more exciting in the coming weeks.

Gary Klinetobe has been the dominant factor in the Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner division thus far in 2014. In the first three races this season, Klinetobe has won the trophy dash, heat race and main event, going 9-for-9. His dominance in the division shows in the point standings as he holds a comfortable 21 point margin over second place, Eugene Palmer. Third in the standings is rookie, Rick Estes, 29 points behind Klinetobe. Robbie Robinson and Tim Abeyta are tied for fourth position 33 points in arrears of Klinetobe.

The John’s Used Cars and Auto Wreckers bombers class has been Leonard Ward’s playground so far in 2014. Ward has won two main events in the former real stock division and has a 12 point lead ahead of rookie driver, James Moore whom already has a main event victory this season. Tyler Avelar and Michael Lawrence are tied for third 19 points behind Ward while Matt Simon is fifth, 52 markers behind.

The Renner Petroleum mini stocks have return to the Acres in 2014 but unfortunately the division has struggle with the car count. It is expected that more cars and drivers will be filling the division in coming races. Brett Murrell holds a 20 point lead over his older brother, Brian Murrell Jr. Craig Baker sits third 25 points back, Brian McIntosh is fourth 31 points behind and Jordon Paiment is fifth 36 points behind Murrell.

Paul Peeples, Jr. is the point leader for the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadster class having won two main events. Peeples leads David Henderson by only two points. Henderson was the opening night main event victor. Chris Sarvinski is third in standings 18 points behind Peeples. Thomas Payne is fourth, 20 points behind. Robbie Nelson holds down fifth and is 57 points back of the leader.

The Mid City Motor World late model division has arguably had the most exciting racing of all five classes so far this season. The top three in points are separated by only five points and each driver has one main event win this season. Mic Moulton holds a slim two point margin over Luke Hall while Jerry Peterson is third. Veteran driver, Al Acuna is fourth in points, 21 behind Moulton and Kenny Demello is fifth, 23 behind Moulton.

One of the biggest weekends of the year for Redwood Acres Raceway takes place this weekend, Friday June 20^th and Saturday June 21^st for the Fair Classic. In addition to the five local divisions there will be special action both nights. Friday night will feature the Quad Ward while Saturday night will feature a demolition derby. More information on this weekend’s events can be found at www.racingtheacres.com. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

Hall thrills crowd, wins first feature of 2014

Hall thrills crowd, wins first feature of 2014

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Beautiful weather welcomed another fantastic crowed to the third night of racing in the 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway. As has happened on the track thus far this year, the racing action in the roadrunner, bomber, Thunder Roadster and late model divisions was intense and exciting.

The Humboldt Hydroponics roadrunner races proved to be a repeat of what has been happening all year long in the division. Gary Klinetobe set fast time with a 20.386 laps then took the victories in the trophy dash and the heat races. The 20-lap feature started off badly for Kayla Foster, Eugene Palmer and Brett Murrell as the three tangled in turn four on lap one. After the restart, Gray Ethridge took the lead briefly before being overtaken by Robbie Robinson, Jr. who was piloting the car normally driven by his father.

After a restart for a spin by Murrell, Rick Estes grabbed the lead from Robinson. On lap five, Robinson got loose and spun in turn three. Behind him, Nick Vellis got sideways which forced Palmer to slow. Foster rammed the bumper of Palmer’s car sending him spinning but fortunately everyone was able to continue. Estes did all he could after the restart to hold off Klinetobe but did not have enough as Klinetobe ended up taking the lead and walking away to take the win handily going 9-for-9 on the season. Estes placed second while Robinson, Tim Abeyta and Ethridge rounded out the top five.

After suffering issues in the previous event several weeks ago, Leonard Ward came back with a vengeance in the John’s Used Cars and Wreckers bomber division. While James Moore was fast time with a 19.174 qualifying lap, Ward was the winner in the trophy dash and the heat race. Tyler Avelar led early on in the 25-lap main event over Matt Simon and Ward. Unfortunately for Avelar and Simon, Ward’s strength proved to be too strong. Avelar held off Ward until lap eight when Ward took the lead for good.

The best action for the rest of the race proved to be between Simon and Moore. The two raced nose-to-tail for several laps. Late in the going, Moore tried to make a move to Simon’s inside off turn two. Unfortunately both drivers touched wheels which sent Moore’s car up into the air briefly before setting down on the track. The contact caused suspension damage to Moore’s car which forced him out of action. At the checkered flag it was Ward winning over Avelar, Simon and Michael Lawrence.

David Henderson set fast time for the Bear River Hotel and Casino Thunder Roadsters with a 17.160 qualifying lap, narrowly beating Paul Peeples, Jr. by three-thousands of a second. Although Henderson was the quickest in qualifying, Peeples was the man to beat when it came to the racing action as he won both the trophy dash and heat races. Mike Ward took the lead at the start of the 30-lap main but by the end of the first lap, Tommy Payne was the leader followed by Peeples. On lap two, Peeples maneuvered by Payne for second while Henderson tried to get by both Payne and Mike Ward.

Payne and Henderson fought hard in a side-by-side duel for several laps until Henderson finally took the second position away. Henderson was able to close in on Peeples but was never quite able to mount a serious challenge for the lead. Even after a caution flag for an incident off turn two involving Rob Nelson and Les Barnwell, Henderson could not use the double-file restart to his advantage. At the checkered flag it was Peeples winning followed by Henderson, Payne, Chris Sarvinski and Belinda Ward.

Mic Moulton’s 16.135 lap set the standard in qualifying for the Mid City Motor World late models over Luke Hall’s 16.141. Jerry Peterson won the trophy dash and was able to follow that win up with another in the heat race. The racing in the 35-lap feature was intense as the previous two races in the division this season. Kenny Demello led from the start but was challenged off the bat by the faster cars of Peterson and Moulton. After trying to utilize the high line for the first few laps, Moulton was able to get the grip he needed off turn two on lap five to take the lead away from Demello.

Moulton pulled away from the field as Peterson and Hall moved to second and third on lap six. It looked as though Moulton was on cruise control to the victory but everything changed on lap 19 when Joe Bonomini spun and hit the wall off the bumper of Jeb Ambrosini. After a brief restart, Peterson’s car slowed and came to a stop bringing out another yellow. After the next restart, Hall found a run on the inside of Moulton off turn four on lap 21 to take the lead.

For the next 14 laps, the top two cars ran bumper-to-bumper with Moulton gaining more and more as each lap progressed. Moulton’s best chance at the win came on the last lap coming off turn four. The two were side-by-side coming off turn four with Hall winning the drag race to the line ahead of Moulton. Demello finished third, Al Acuna fourth and rookie Ryun Leazer fifth.

Racing returns to the Acres for the annual Big 5 Fair Classic on Friday June 20^th and Saturday June 21^st. The five local divisions will be set to race both nights with Friday featuring the Quad Wars and Saturday featuring a demolition derby. As always, the grandstands open at 5:00 PM while the racing will get going at 6:30 PM. You can find more information about the 2014 season at Redwood Acres Raceway by visiting the track’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Knight takes the crown at the Acres

Knight takes the crown at the Acres

 By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was another thrilling night of racing this past Sunday evening at Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway. Joining the five local divisions of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models for Salute the Troops night presented by Renner Petroleum were the North State Modified Series which like the local Acres racers were also running their second race of 2014.

A fantastic crowd packed the stands on what proved to be a clear and comfortable night weather-wise. Gary Klinetobe was the dominant force in the Roadrunner division for the second straight weekend. Klinetobe took the victories in the trophy dash and heat races and ran away with the race in the main event, taking the lead on lap seven and never looking back. Steve Paiment finished second ahead of Rick Estes, Eugene Palmer and Tim Abeyta.

It looked as though Leonard Ward III was going to be the man to beat the second straight week in the bomber division as he was victorious in the trophy dash and heat races. Unfortunately, Ward suffered issues early in the feature which took him off the track and out of the race. Rookie driver, James Moore showed surprising speed in only his second ever race. Moore grabbed the race lead on the third lap and was never seriously challenged afterward as he crossed the line first. Matt Simon and Brian Murrell, Sr. were scored finishing second and third after Tyler Avelar and Donnie Hyman failed post-race technical inspection.

After suffering issues which prevented him from racing the previous weekend, Brian Murrell, Jr. returned to the mini stock division in style. Murrell took the trophy in the dash race, won the heat race and obliterated the field in the main event, winning handily over second place, Craig Baker. Brian McIntosh placed third while Brett Murrell was fourth but unable to finish after his vehicle broke in the early going of the main event.

Paul Peeples, Jr. was in top form in the Thunder Roadster class as he took wins in the dash and heat races. Peeples was in the lead by lap six of the 30 lap feature and was followed the majority of the way by David Henderson. The two raced nose-to-tail with Peeples maintaining just enough of a lead on Henderson to prevent him from making a serious challenge for the lead. At the checkered flag it was Peeples winning over Henderson, Chris Sarvinski, Robbie Nelson and Thomas Payne.

The late model trophy dash win was taken by Jerry Peterson while the heat race victory went to Luke Hall. Just like the first race of the year, the main event featured spectacular racing between Hall and Mic Moulton. Hall moved to the race lead by lap two of the 35 lap affair and held the lead until lap 25 when Moulton was able to utilize the low line to take the pass. Hall maintained a close gap on Moulton but was never able to make a run to the lead again as Moulton crossed the line first over Hall, Peterson, Al Acuna and Joe Bonomini.

The North State Modifed Series made their second start of the season at the Acres. Citrus Heights, California racer, Jay Linstroth set the pace in qualifying with at 16.234 effort. The Lucas Oil A Dash for Cash win was taken by Corey James of Laytonville, California. Longtime veteran, Richie Potts of Petaluma, California won the Scrubba Bub’s B Dash for Cash. Kelseyville, California’s Darrin Knight was the victor in the Road Safety C Dash for Cash. The winner of all three dashes was awarded a 100 dollar bill for winning. Knight donated his 100 dollar bill to two members of the armed forces who were in attendance.

The 15-car field was brought to the green of the 60-lap feature by Richard Knight and Michael Morrison, Jr. Things got crazy in a hurry when Morrison and Linstroth came together off the second turn on lap two which collected Kyle Borden in the process. Morrison fell out of the event, Linstroth was sent to the rear and Borden pitted and returned to the field. Richard Knight held the lead on the restart until lap eight when Darrin Knight took the low line coming off the fourth turn for the lead.

The top three cars raced closely up front while Linstroth and Borden tried to battle their way back into contention. Richard Knight was able to stick to Darrin Knight’s bumper for most of the race but Cody Braund began aggravating him for second allowing Darrin Knight to pull away. With nearly ¾ of the race finished, an odor began emitting from one of the cars on the track. Coming down the front stretch, Richard Knight’s rear end let go sending off a shower of sparks and dumping fluid on the track. Fortunately, there was no serious damage but Knight’s race was done from that point.

The final 15 laps featured a furious race by Linstroth to the front which delighted the packed grandstands. Up front, Darrin Knight was withstanding Braund’s challenges for the race lead. The action was slowed with five laps remaining when Kyle Borden and Riley Watson tangled off turn four. After the restart, Knight was able to put a gap on Braund while Linstroth did all he could to maneuver his way past cars. At the checkered flag it was Knight winning while Braund narrowly held off Linstroth for the second position. Dustin DeRosier placed fourth while Potts rounded out the top five finishers.

After two straight weeks to start the season, racing at the Acres takes a one week break before returning Saturday June 7^th. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM. You can find more information on the 2014 season at the Acres by visiting the track’s new and official website, www.racingtheacres.com.

Redwood Acres Raceway would like to thank the following sponsors for their help in keeping racing going on the North Coast: Humboldt Hydroponics for the roadrunners, John’s Used Cars and Wreckers for the bombers, Renner Petroleum for the mini stocks, Bear River Casino for the Thunder Roadsters and Mid City Motor World for the late models. Also thank you to Renner Petroleum for sponsoring Support the Troops night and the North State Modified Series racing for the weekend.

Results

Roadrunners

Fast Time: Gary Klinetobe 20.356

Trophy Dash: Klinetobe, Eugene Palmer, Rick Estes, Steve Paiment

Heat Race: Klinetobe, Palmer, Estes, Paiment, Tim Abeyta, Robbie Robinson, Kayla Foster

Main Event: Klinetobe, Paiment, Estes, Palmer, Abeyta, Robinson, Foster

Bombers

Fast Time: Leonard Ward III 18.997

Trophy Dash: Ward III, Tyler Avelar, James Moore, Donnie Hyman

Heat Race: Ward III, Avelar, Moore, Hyman, Brian Murrell, Sr., Matt Simon

Main Event: Moore, Simon, Murrell, Sr., Ward III, Hyman (DQ), Avelar (DQ)

Mini Stocks

Fast Time: Craig Baker 19.742

Trophy Dash: Brian Murrell, Jr., Brett Murrell, Brian McIntosh, Craig Baker

Heat Race: Murrell, Jr., Baker, William Sand, McIntosh, Murrell

Main Event: Murrell, Jr., Baker, McIntosh, Murrell

Thunder Roadsters

Fast Time: Paul Peeples, Jr. 17.026

Trophy Dash: Peeples, Chris Sarvinski, David Henderson, Robbie Nelson

Heat Race: Peeples, Bruce Ziemer, Henderson, Thomas Payne, Sarvinski, Nelson, Belinda Ward, Mike Ward

Main Event: Peeples, Henderson, Sarvinski, Nelson, Payne, Ziemer, B. Ward, M. Ward

Late Models

Fast Time: Mic Moulton 15.936

Trophy Dash: Jerry Peterson, Al Acuna, Luke Hall, Moulton

Heat Race: Hall, Moulton, Peterson, Kenny Demello, Acuna, Ryun Leazer, Joe Bonomini

Main Event: Moulton, Hall, Peterson, Acuna, Bonomini, Leazer, Demello

North State Modified Series

Fast Time: Jay Linstroth 16.324

Lucas Oil A Dash For Cash: Corey James, Don Swartz, Ralph Borden, Brad Watson, Herman Pulyer

Scrubba Bub’s B Dash For Cash: Richie Potts, Cody Braund, Dustin DeRosier, Riley Watson, Rich Cobb

Road Safety C Dash For Cash: Darrin Knight, Jay Linstroth, Richard Knight, Kyle Borden, Michael Morrison

Main Event: D. Knight, Braund, Linstroth, DeRosier, Potts, K. Borden, Cobb, R. Watson, B. Watson, James, Swartz, Pulyer, R. Knight. R. Borden, Morrison.

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.