Redwood Acres Raceway Fall Spectacular Winners

Late Models:
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
2012: Jeremy Doss
2013: Eric Schmidt
2016: Jeremy Doss
2017: Brandon White

Modifieds:
1991: Robert Carrel
1992: Rick Rose
1993: Darrell Midgley
1994: Richie Potts
1995: Blair Aiken
1996: Bob Strauss
1997: Bob Strauss
1998: Bob Strauss
1999: Denny Cashada
2000: Kelly Peacock
2001: Clarence Reddick
2002: Bill Binns
2003: Derek Thorn
2004: Gary Lowblad
2005: Jay Linstroth
2006: Willie Thompson
2007: Thomas Wright
2012: Darrin Knight
2013: Darrin Knight
2014: Darrin Knight

Champions to be determined this weekend at the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The 2016 track championships at Redwood Acres Raceway in five of the six divisions are set to be decided this Saturday September 24th. While the late model championship was determined on September 10th, champions in the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends, Thunder Roadsters will be decided on what is Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles Night at the Races.

The most points that can be earned in all five divisions on the night is 43. Any driver within a 43 point margin of the leader is mathematically still alive in the title hunt though of course the odds of making that much ground up are very low and would require the leader to miss an entire night’s worth of action on Saturday.

Tyler Peach currently leads the standings in the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division. Steve Paiment is second and was the early season leader in the standings but late season misfortune has cost him dearly as he is 25 points behind Peach. Dominic Vogelsang and Bethany Rapp are 40 and 42 points behind. Rookie, Patrick Sproul is fifth in standings and 45 markers behind Peach.

The title in the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber class was decided in the most recent event on September 10th. James Moore left that race with a 112 point lead, more than enough to clinch the 2016 championship in the class. The battle for second is a tight one as a single point separates Ryan Ahrens and John Lally. Kimberly Sorrels is secured in fourth while Tyler Avelar is fifth in the standings.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division is a three-man race with only six points separating the top three drivers. Gary Klinetobe currently holds a five point edge over Jarrett Mayo while Eugene Palmer is a point behind Mayo. Rick Estes is fourth in the standings and has been on a tear as of late in spite of missing a couple early season races. Daniel Buell is fifth and has had a strong rookie campaign in 2016.

In the Legends division, Robert Miller has a strong 29 point lead over Brad Curtice in second place. As long as Miller starts the main event, the inaugural RAR Legends championship will be his. Anissa Curtice is third in points with Brent Mack and M’Kinzy Uselton rounding out the top five in the division standings.

Tommy Payne’s lead in the Thunder Roadster division is seven points over Ronnie O’Neil. The two have raced hard all season long and often have finished near each other which will make O’Neil’s path to the title very difficult. Aaron Byers and Donnie Brown are tied for third but are 38 points in arrears to Payne. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. is fifth but well out of championship contention.

Mic Moulton wrapped up the 2016 Mid City Motor World late model track championship on September 10th thanks in part to David Henderson who subbed for Moulton in the final point race. Moulton was forced to miss the event due to an injury. Henderson was able to finish second in the main event to secure Moulton’s second late model championship at the Acres. The final point margin in the late models was 15 markers.

Second place in the standings was Marty Walsh who had a strong 2016 season. Perhaps the biggest factor as to what cost Walsh this year’s championship was a blown engine on the July 2nd Firecracker 100 event. Walsh was unable to start the feature event which resulted in no points on the night. Had Walsh been able to just start and park that race, he would have earned 16 points, 1 point more than Moulton in the final standings. Richard Knight placed third in the late model points just beating out Kenny Demello for the position. Rookie driver, Eddie Klein had several impressive runs in his rookie campaign and was fifth in the standings.

As mentioned, racing at Redwood Acres Raceway returns this Saturday September 24th for the final points race of the season presented by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. In addition to the championships being decided in the local divisions, the second boat race of the season will take place at the end of the night. Grandstands open at 5:00 PM while racing begins at 6:30 PM.

2016 at the Acres concludes October 7th, 8th, and 9th with the return of the Fall Spectacular. Late models and modifieds highlight the event while roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and Thunder Roadsters will also be in action. For more information about the Fall Spectacular including entry forms and purse payout please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Henderson clinches title for Moulton in substitute role

By Matthew J. Sullivan

It was a fine evening for racing this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. It was Mid City Motor World Night at the Races and all six local divisions were in action including the late model division which was running its final point paying event of 2016.

Prior to the racing action starting, Redwood Acres Raceway and its fans paid tribute to the late Nyle Henderson. Henderson was a former racer at Redwood Acres Raceway and was a fixture at the Acres for more than 30 years. Nyle Henderson is the father of the late, Steve Henderson who was also a driver at Redwood Acres Raceway in the 80s on the dirt and the 90s on the pavement. Henderson is also the grandfather of current RAR driver, David Henderson.

James Nichols was fast time in the California State and Federal Employee Credit Union roadrunner division with a 20.763. Dominic Vogelsang won the trophy dash while heat race victors were Ken Barrett and Nichols. The 20-lap feature started off with the cars running in the opposite direction. The race was slowed early when Gage Ethridge hit the wall in turn three. Ken Barrett led the opening two laps before Vogelsang took over. Even after the cars were turned around to run the proper direction around the track, Vogelsang was dominant. At the finish it was Vogelsang taking his first main event win. Nick Ford placed second followed by Nichols, Barrett and Tyler Peach.

Qualifying for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stocks was paced by Brian Murrell, Sr. with a 19.045. Gary Klinetobe took trophy dash honors while heat races were won by Brian Murrell, Jr. and Rick Estes. The 25-lap feature was led early on by Brian Murrell, Jr. On lap six, Rick Estes took over and never looked back. The best battle for the rest of the race was for third between Jarrett Mayo, Klinetobe, Palmer and Murrell, Jr. At the front, Estes was able to hold on and withstand a late charge by Murrell, Sr. to take the win. Mayo took third, Klinetobe fourth and Palmer rounded out the top five.

Brad Curtice set quick time for the Legends class with a 18.001 qualifying time. Robert Miller took the trophy dash win while Curtice took the heat race victory. Curtice and Miller resumed their season-long battle in the 25-lap main event. In spite of Curtice leading from start-to-finish, it was a tight race between the two. At the finish it was Curtice taking the win over Miller, Anissa Curtice and M’Kinzy Uselton.

Kolby Jackson was fast time for the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division with a 18.276. The trophy dash saw an unfortunate accident between John Lally, Ray Taylor, Sr. and Jordon Paiment which sent Paiment hard into the wall. While Paiment was okay, he was finished for the night. Jackson won the dash. The heat race was taken by Taylor, Sr. Steven Taylor led the opening lap of the 25-lap main before Jackson took over the lead. Jackson would never fall out of the top position. The event was cut short of its scheduled distance when Lally spun in turn three. James Moore had nowhere to go and slammed into Lally’s rear-end. Thankfully both drivers were okay. Officials declared the race official with Jackson being the winner. Ray Taylor, Sr. was second while Moore was credited with third. Shane Toole finished fourth while Steven Taylor placed fifth.

The fastest driver in Thunder Roadster qualifying was Ronnie O’Neil with a 17.339. Aaron Byers won the trophy dash while Tommy Payne took the heat race. Jett Taylor led the first lap of the 30 lap main but on lap two it was Byers in the lead. The highlight of the race was for third between Donnie Brown, O’Neil and Payne. On lap 19, Payne finally prevailed to move into third. Nobody had anything for Byers on the night as he took the win in dominating fashion. Taylor placed second followed by Payne, O’Neil and Brown.

13 Mid City Motor World late models took time with David Henderson setting fast time with a 15.828. Henderson was racing as a substitute for Mic Moulton who was injured in the most recent race on August 20th. Henderson’s role as Moulton’s sub took an even bigger role on the night as the points champion in the division was on the line and Moulton was the points leader over Marty Walsh.

Walsh took the trophy dash win while heat race victories went to Kenny Demello and Henderson. Demello led the opening lap of the 50-lap feature before giving way to Corey James. James’ time up front was short as Henderson moved to the lead on lap six. Meanwhile, Walsh was having to play catch up having been involved in an opening lap tangle which put him at the rear of the field.

Racing came to a halt on lap 30 and several cautions slowed the race. The most notable incident involved Dustin Walters and Walsh with both going to the rear. Henderson looked to have the dominant car but began suffering issues. On lap 38, James maneuvered back to the lead. Two laps later a major incident in turn four brought out the yellow. Officials deemed the race official with James taking the win and Henderson helping Moulton claim the championship. Walsh recovered to finish third while Robbie Nelson and Ken Hallis rounded out the top 10.

Racing at Redwood Acres Raceway returns Saturday September 24th for the final points race of the season presented by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. The late models will be off but the other five local classes will be in action to determine who will win the track championships in each division. Concluding the event will be the second boat race of 2016.

2016 at the Acres concludes October 7th, 8th, and 9th with the return of the Fall Spectacular. Late models and modifieds highlight the event while roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and Thunder Roadsters will also be in action. For more information about the Fall Spectacular including entry forms and purse payout please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Late model title to be decided this Saturday night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final points event for Redwood Acres Raceway’s late model division is set to take place this Saturday September 10th for Mid City Motor World Night at the Races. It will be the next to last event for the Acres’ five other local divisions.

The battle for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division is a two-man race at this point. Tyler Peach currently holds a 12 point lead over Steve Paiment. The battle for third in the standings is even closer as third through fifth are separated by only three points. Bethany Rapp currently holds down the third position while Dominic Vogelsang and Patrick Sproul round out the top five in the standings.

It appears as though James Moore has a lock on the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division track championship. If Moore finishes the evening with a 43 point margin, he will be the 2016 division champ. Moore leads second place John Lally by 77 markers. Ryan Ahrens sits third in points followed by rookie driver, Kimberly Sorrels and Tyler Avelar in fifth.

Only five points separate the top three drivers in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division. Gary Klinetobe leads Eugene Palmer by four points while Jarrett Mayo in third is a point behind Palmer. Rick Estes is fourth in the standings and has been a regular front runner all season long. Daniel Buell has been impressive in his rookie campaign in the division and is fifth in the championship standings.

The fight for the Thunder Roadster division crown is a tight, two man race. Tommy Payne and Ronnie O’Neil have traded the points lead several times in 2016 and the current gap between the two is a mere four points. Donnie Brown is third in the standings, while his brother Aaron Byers is fourth and only two points behind him. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. is fifth in the standings having returned to racing at the Acres for the first time in several years.

Robert Miller has a comfortable lead in the Legend point standings. Like James Moore in the bombers, if Miller leaves the night with a 43-point margin over whoever is in second place in the standings, he will lock up the 2016 track championship in the Legend division. Miller’s lead over second place Anissa Curtice is 30 points. Annissa’s father, Brad is third in the standings, 3 points behind his daughter. Brent Mack is fourth in points while M’Kinzy Usselton rounds out the top five in the standings.

As mentioned, the 2016 champion in the Mid City Motor World late model division will be decided this weekend. Mic Moulton has the lead by 12 points. The margin is anything but comfortable given that second place in the standings is Marty Walsh who has been as strong as Moulton all season long. Third in fourth in the standings are Jedd Ambrosini and Richard Knight. While both have an outside chance of claiming the division title, it will take major odds to swing in their favor as they are 18 and 21 points behind Moulton. Kenny Demello is fifth and though he’s mathematically alive, it will take a miracle for him to win this year’s title.

The final point race for the rest of the five local divisions will take place Saturday September 24th presented by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. In addition will be the special Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners along with the second \boat race of the 2016 season. The Fall Spectacular will return on October 8th and 9th featuring all six local divisions in what promises to be a memorable ending to the 2016 season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of all the main events from this past Saturday night, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Boldways, Curtice close out kart season with wins

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final outlaw kart race of the 2016 season took place this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. It was Williamson Fianancial Night at the Races with drivers in three classes took to the .110-mile dirt oval for the last time this season.

T.J. Sorrels of Ukiah has been a terror in the beginner box stock division in 2016 and he was once again quick qualifier with a 10.768. Sorrels went on to take the wins in both the trophy dash and heat race. The 20-lap main event was slowed only once in an incident that proved costly for Sorrels who was among those involved. Jacob Boldway dominated the race, running away from the pack while Sorrels maneuvered his way to second. Sorrels closed the gap in the closing laps but spun in turn two costing him a chance at the win. At the checkered flag it was Boldway taking the win over Sorrels. Janice Walters had her best run of the season in third followed by Zacunda Fansler and Kai McCrady-Hirsch.

Another Boldway showed strength in the box stock class as Jeremiah Boldway was quick time in qualifying with a 10.221. Maleesa Miles was the winner of the trophy dash which saw Derek Kessler taken out of action in a lazy rollover. Boldway took the heat race victory. Miles took the lead early on in the 25-lap main and showed strength in the first half of the event. On lap 14, Boldway made the pass for the lead moving Miles to second. Boldway was able to hold on the rest of the way to take the main event victory over Miles. Kandace Mace placed third followed by Quentin Ikeya and Jayden Molloy.

Brad Curtice set fast time in the 500 karts with a 8.773. Anissa Curtice took the trophy dash win while Brad Curtice won the heat race. Only three karts started the main as Dax Williamson, Steve Kimberling and Jamie Jorgenson all had issues prior to the main. Anissa Curtice looked to have the fastest car in the early going of the 30-lap feature but issues knocked out her out of the race. This handed the lead to her father, Brad who was able to hold off Tony Miles to take the victory.

With action on the dirt oval coming to an end, the focus of the rest of the 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway shifts to the 3/8-mile paved oval. The next event at the Acres is Saturday September 10th with racing presented by Mid City Motor World. It will be the final point-paying event for the late model division. The final point race for the rest of the five local divisions will take place Saturday September 24th with the special Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners and the second boat race of the 2016 season. That race is sponsored by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. RAR officials have also added to the schedule the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th featuring all six local divisions. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon.
For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of all the main events from this past Saturday night, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Leazer, Mayo big winners on Fan Appreciation Night

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The grandstands at Redwood Acres Raceway were filled to capacity once again this past weekend. In addition to it being Fastenal Night at the Races Presented by Lenox and Irwin Tools, it was also Driver Appreciation Night. Fans were treated to another spectacular night of racing on the 3/8-mile paved oval.

During the event, raceway officials set up a donation box for the victims of the Clayton Fire which recently devastated Lake County. RAR fans donated $1,642.74 which was matched by the track for a grand total of $3,285.48. Fans were also able to meet all the drivers in all of the divisions in the intermission between the heat races and the main events.

Brian Kamisky paced the field in qualifying for the Legends division with a 18.136. Kamisky followed up with trophy dash honors while Brad Curtice claimed the heat race victory. The story of the 25-lap main event was how Robert Miller managed to hold off Curtice and Kamisky. Curtice was Miller’s main challenger and looked to have the speed advantage. However, Miller was able to use slower traffic to his advantage. Several times it appeared as though Curtice was about to take the lead from Miller but each time, traffic prevented Curtice from pulling off the pass. At the finish it was Miller taking the win followed by Brad Curtice, Kamisky, Jason Fisher and Anissa Curtice.

Visiting driver, Dave Rogers led qualifying for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners with a time of 20.281. Rogers went on to win the dash while the heat races were won by Dominic Vogelsang and Rogers. Vogelsang led the majority of the first half of the 20 lap race. Once the field was turned around at halfway to run the track backward, Dylan Ford showed his strength by taking the lead. Ford had his hands full with the faster car of Rogers filling his mirror. On the final lap in the final turn, Rogers was able to get by Ford to take the lead and the victory. Ford placed second followed by Dominic Vogelsang, Tyler Peach and Gage Ethridge who did a great job in his first ever night of racing.

Fast time for the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bombers was Ukiah’s R.J. Randall with a 18.003. Randall was the trophy dash winner while James Moore and Randall won the heat races. Lally Motorsports and Four Star Realty once again upped the purse for the 25-lap bomber feature giving added incentive for the top three finishers. The biggest incident in the main event occurred on lap eight when Randall spun and was collected by Jim Redd. Up at the front, Moore was dominant while John Lally had his hands full trying to hold off Brian King and Erick Ray. At the finish it was Moore taking the win over Lally, King, Ray and Matt Simon.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class had an added feature attraction for the night as the Second Annual Murrell 500 trophy was on the line for the winner of the main event. Rick Estes set fast time with an 18.955. Jarrett Mayo won the trophy dash while the heat races were won by Brian Murrell, Jr. and Estes. Murrell, Jr. led the opening two circuits of the feature before Eugene Palmer took the lead. On lap 10, Mayo snatched the lead away from Palmer while Estes followed into the second spot. The top two looked to be even as Mayo was not able to pull away from Estes more than a car-length. At the finish it was Mayo winning by only three-tenths of a second over Estes. Palmer held off Gary Klinetobe for third while Daniel Buell rounded out the top five.

Thunder Roadster qualifying was led by Ronnie O’Neil with a 17.361. Tommy Payne won the trophy dash while O’Neil took the heat race. As expected, the 20-lap main event featured a battle for the win between Payne and O’Neil. Unlike recent races where both drivers seemed to be equal, Payne appeared to have a bit of a handling advantage for the night. After getting by Aaron Byers for the lead on lap 12, Payne was able to maintain a comfortable lead over O’Neil to take the win. Byers placed third followed by Donnie Brown and LeRoy Marsh, Jr.

20-cars showed up for the Mid City Motor World late model division. Unfortunately two were unable to make it to the actual races as Al Acuna and Scott Baker both had issues. Mic Moulton was fast time for the late models with a 16.106. Oregon veteran, Mike Sackett won the trophy dash. Due to the packed schedule for the night, track officials nixed heat races in favor of a Happy Ten practice session. The 50-lap feature got off to a scary start. Just after the completion of the first lap, chaos ensued going into the first turn with several cars getting together including Todd Lands, Jedd Ambrosini, Mic Moulton and Richard Knight. Moulton was banged up in the incident and went to the local hospital but was released without any serious injuries.

Tim Crenshaw led the opening four laps until Ryun Leazer took the lead. The fastest car on the track appeared to be that of Redding’s Derek Copeland who was making his first late model start at the Acres. Leazer pulled out to a huge lead while Copeland was able to make his way past Crenshaw into second on lap 23. A caution with 18 to go erased Leazer’s advantage and put Copeland right on his bumper. Leazer showed the poise and resolve which won him the 2015 late model track championship at the Acres and was able to withstand Copeland’s challenge. At the finish it was Leazer getting a much needed victory over Copeland. Sackett placed third followed by Rob Vining and Crenshaw.

Racing on the pavement takes a break before returning Saturday September 10th with racing presented by Mid City Motor World. It will be the final point-paying event for the late model division. The final point race for the rest of the five local divisions will take place Saturday September 24th with the special Big T Jackpot race for the roadrunners and the second boat race of the 2016 season. That race is sponsored by Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place this Saturday August 27th and is presented by Williamson Financial. RAR officials have also added to the schedule the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th featuring all six local divisions. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon.

For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of all the main events from this past Saturday night, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway nearing its conclusion

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Less than a handful of races are left on the 2016 schedule for Redwood Acres Raceway. In fact, only three point paying events remain on the schedule, two for the late model division. As the season winds down, the battle for the track championship in all six local divisions promises to heat up.

The California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division has a tie atop the division’s standings. Steve Paiment and Tyler Peach are the two drivers racing neck-and-neck for the division crown. Third place, Bethany Rapp will need both drivers to suffer serious issues to find her way back into the fight as she’s 38 points in arrears to the two leaders. Patrick Sproul is only a point behind Rapp in fourth while Dominic Vogelsang is fifth, two points behind Sproul.

James Moore has a huge advantage in the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division. Moore has a 74 point lead over John Lally and appears to be a lock for the division track championship barring major unforeseen circumstances. Tyler Avelar is third in points, 93 behind Moore while Ryan Ahrens is a point behind Avelar in fourth. Rookie driver, Kimberly Sorrels is fifth in the standings, 109 behind Moore.

It’s a three man race for the title in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class. Gary Klinetobe leads Eugene Palmer by only five points. Jarrett Mayo led the standings for the majority of the season but has suffered two straight races of bad luck which have dropped him to third and 12 points behind Klinetobe. Daniel Buell has been impressive in his rookie season in the division and is fourth in points, 54 behind Klinetobe. Division veteran, Rick Estes is fifth in points, 60 behind the leader.

Only four points separate first and second in the Thunder Roadster division. Veteran Tommy Payne leads rookie Ronnie O’Neil. It’s likely that the championship in the division will go down to the wire between the two drivers as they have finished near each other in nearly every race this season. Donnie Brown and Aaron Byers are 25 and 28 points behind Payne and though they are still in the point fight, it will take issues by both leaders for them to regain ground. LeRoy Marsh, Jr. rounds out the top five, 75 points behind Payne.

Robert Miller has a firm hold on the Legends division points lead. His gap over second place Anissa Curtice is 30 markers. Anissa’s father, Brad Curtice is third in points, 12 behind his daughter. Brent Mack is fourth, 60 behind Miller and rookie racer, M’Kinzy Usselton lies fifth in the point standings.

With only two races left in the Mid City Motor World late model division, the fight for position in each race is going to matter even more. Mic Moulton has a 16 point lead over Jedd Ambrosini. Marty Walsh and Richard Knight are tied for third, 21 markers behind Moulton. Kenny Demello is fifth, 35 out of the point lead.

Racing at the Acres returns this weekend August 20th for Driver Appreciation/Fastenal Night at the Races Presented by Lenox and Irwin Tools. Fans can get complimentary tickets from their favorite driver. In addition to the six local classes, the second annual Murrell 500 race will be held. Track officials also announced the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place August 27th. It’s certain to be an exciting event as youngsters will take to the .110-dirt oval for the final time this season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Thorn survives rough and tumble SRL race

By Matthew J. Sullivan

Redwood Acres Raceway was at full capacity this past Saturday night for Bear River Hotel and Casino/Renner Petroleum Night at the Races. In addition to four local classes of roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Legends, fans were treated to the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series’ third visit to the 3/8-mile paved oval. The SRL’s Renner Petroleum/Bear River Hotel and Casino 125 proved to be a memorable race for a variety of reasons.

Bethany Rapp was fast time for the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union with a 21.064. Dominic Vogelsang was the trophy dash winner while the heat races were won by Bob Ratzloff and Vogelsang. The main event was scheduled for 20-laps but was marred by several caution flags. The scariest incident involved Tim Ratzloff who got sideways in turns one and two and slid into the pit entrance in turn two. Thankfully nobody was harmed and Ratzloff somehow avoided getting damage.

At lap 10, the field was turned around and ran the track backwards. The battle up front between Rapp and Vogelsang proved to be contentious and controversial. Vogelsang appeared to have the superior car and was able to take the lead from Rapp but was moved back to second due to driving through the dirt to make the pass. With three laps remaining, Vogelsang got into Rapp sending her sliding out of the lead much to the dismay of the fans. Officials black flagged Vogelsang which gave Bob Ratzloff the top spot. The race was called at that point with Ratzloff winning over Tyler Peach, Jake Keeling and Rapp.

Ukiah racer, R.J. Randall was quick time for the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division with a 18.133. Randall took the trophy dash victory while the heat race featured an incident that knocked Ryan Ahrens out for the race. James Moore was the heat race winner. Dave Jones led the opening four laps of the 25-lap feature until Moore took over. The race looked to be Moore’s until a restart in the final handful of laps did him in. Jones was able to take the lead with three laps remaining and held off Moore to claim the win. The top three drivers were awarded a special monetary bonus thanks to Lally Motorsports and Four Star Realty with Moore and Tyler Avelar being the other two drivers receiving the extra money. John Lally placed fourth while Jimmy Sorrels rounded out the top five.

Dylan Hagmann continues to impress in his rookie campaign in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division. Hagmann set quick time with a 18.949. Gary Klinetobe took trophy dash honors while heat race winners were Brian Murrell, Sr. and Eugene Palmer. A strong field of 15 cars started the 25-lap feature. Troy Lee and Jordon Paiment traded the lead the first two laps before Brett Murrell took over. Hagmann had already maneuvered through by lap seven and on lap eight, he took over the lead and would never look back. The best battle for the rest of the race was for second with Daniel Buell and Rick Estes battling tooth and nail. At the finish it was Hagmann winning his first mini stock feature. Estes managed to take second followed by Buell, Klinetobe and Sam Brown.

Brad Curtice was fast time in the Legends division with a 18.114 and went on to win the trophy dash and heat races. The main event featured a two-man battle for the lead between Robert Miller and Curtice. With just three laps remaining, Miller and Curtice got together off turn two. Anissa Curtice inherited the lead and was able to hang on to take her first Legends main event win. Brad Curtice placed second while Miller and M’Kinzy Uselton were credited with third and fourth.

16 Spears SRL Southwest Tour drivers qualified for the Renner Petroleum/Bear River Casino 125. Blaine Rocha set quick time and a new SRL Redwood Acres Raceway track record with a 15.410. Rocha drew an invert of four which put local driver, Brandon White on the pole, much to the delight of the partisan crowd. White took the lead from the drop of the green flag in what proved to be a clean start. The first caution dropped 10 laps in due to a spin off turn four by Oregon racer, Alan Cress.

A lap 19 restart proved to be to the benefit of Derek Thorn as he was able to get by Jacob Gomes for second. White and Thorn had a fantastic battle for the lead with Thorn briefly taking the top position on lap 24. However, White was able to regain the lead. On lap 38, Thorn found the line he needed to maneuver past White for the lead. A lap later, Andre Prescott hit the wall in turn three from that point on, the race was caution-filled.

On lap 36, a massive pile-up took place in turn three involving Carlos Vieira, Alan Cress and Dennis Furden. All four drivers were knocked out of the race. Also involved were Craig Raudman and Luke Hall but drivers were able to continue. The race slowed again a few laps later when Raudman and and Hall got together going into turn three. Another caution quickly followed when White spun going into the third turn and hit the wall ending his night.

Thorn led the field on the restart and the race was clean the rest of the way. Rocha was right on Thorn’s bumper for the early stages of the long run but as the race progressed, Thorn’s car appeared to be more stable and Rocha’s appeared to lose grip. Thorn began to pull bigger gap lap after lap. Rocha eventually lost the second spot to Gomes just before the final caution flew for oil on the track. Unfortunately due to curfew, the race was cut to 102 laps with Thorn taking the win over Gomes, Rocha, Ryan Cansdale and Keith Spangler.

Racing at the Acres takes a two week break before returning on August 20th for Driver Appreciation Night presented by Fastenal. Fans can get complimentary tickets from their favorite driver. In addition to the five local classes, the second annual Murrell 500 will be held. Track officials also announced the return of the Fall Spectacular on October 8th and 9th. More details will be provided on the season-ending event soon. Also, the final outlaw kart race of 2016 will take place August 27th. It’s certain to be an exciting event as youngsters will take to the .110-dirt oval for the final time this season. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway including video of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour race from this weekend, please visit the track’s official website www.racingtheacres.com

Spears SRL Southwest Tour returns to the Acres

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the third time in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series’ history, the super late model touring division will visit Eureka’s Redwood Acres Raceway. The SRL tour cars first visited the Acres in 2013 and returned to the 3/8-mile paved oval in 2014.

Many of the top super late model drivers on the west coast are set to participate in the 125-lap main event presented by Renner Petroleum and Bear River Hotel and Casino. Perhaps the biggest name is SRL series point leader, Derek Thorn. Though he currently resides in Bakersfield, Thorn was born in Lakeport, California. Thorn has three wins in 2016 including in the most recent SRL race at Madera Speedway on July 16th. He was the 2013 NASCAR K&N West Series champion and has 27 career wins in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series.

Thorn is no stranger to the Acres. The 30-year old driver raced IMCA modifieds at RAR in the early 00s before moving to the now defunct North State Challenge late model series. Thorn won three NSCS races at Redwood Acres Raceway between 2005 and 2006. More recently, Thorn has made a name for himself on the national stage, in particular the prestigious Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Florida where he has three top 10 finishes in four races including a third in 2014.

Another top driver who will be making only his second start in the SRL series this season is Upper Lake’s Jeremy Doss. At only 19-years old, Doss is making a big name for himself in super late model racing circles. Just a few weeks ago, Doss won the coveted Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell, Montana. Doss is a member of the Kulwicki Driver Development program named after the 1992 NASCAR Spring Cup Series champion, Alan Kulwicki. Like Thorn, Doss also has experience taming Redwood Acres Raceway. Doss won a 2012 Pacific Challenge Series race at the Acres and currently holds the series’ fast time mark with a 15.413.

Eureka’s Brandon White will be looking for his second career win in the SRL series at his home track on Saturday night. White’s only win came in 2014 at Madera Speedway. The 2016 SRL season has not treated White so kind as it’s been a struggle for the 19-year old. White’s only top 10 so far in the season came at the season opening race at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. White hopes his victory at the Acres in the Don Graham Memorial Firecracker 100 in July will provide the momentum he needs to take a win in front of his home town fans.

Alderpoint’s Luke Hall will be making his first Spears SRL Southwest Tour start Saturday night. Hall is a regular in RAR’s late model division. Roseburg, Oregon’s Brandon Ash will also be racing as well as Stayton, Oregon’s Alan Cress. Ash finished third in the Don Graham Memorial Firecracker 100 earlier this season while Cress has numerous late model starts at Redwood Acres Raceway.

Gates open at 4:00 PM on Saturday with the qualifying for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour cars taking place at 6:00 PM. The local late model and Thunder Roadster divisions will have the night off. In between the heat races and main events, fans will have the opportunity to meet the stars of the SRL on the front straightaway. Presale tickets for this weekend’s Renner Petroleum/Bear River Hotel and Casino 125 are available at Fortuna Wheel & Brake. For more information on this weekend’s SRL race and everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway please visit the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Miles wins first box stock feature

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The penultimate outlaw kart race of the 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night on what proved to be a beautiful afternoon. It was Scott Hammond State Farm Night at the Go-Kart Races and the drivers in the three divisions produced exciting and spectacular racing on the .110-dirt track.

It was T.J. Sorrels’ night in the beginner box stock division. In qualifying, Sorrels set fast time with a 10.857 time. When the racing started, Sorrels was just as quick scoring victories in the trophy dash, heat race and main event. Sorrels margin of victory in the 20-lap feature was 5.624 seconds over Malachi Johnson who placed second in all three races.

Spears SRL Southwest Tour driver, Brandon White was driving Brad Curtice’s kart in the 500 division for the night. White set fast time with a 8.983. He went on to take the victory in both the trophy dash and heat race. White looked primed to win the 30-lap feature but fell out on lap 12 while leading. Dax Williamson inherited the lead from that point and never looked back. Williamson went on to take the checkered flag over Tony Miles while White was credited with a third place finish.

Nine youngsters qualified for the box stock division on the night. Fastest among them was Driver Dothage with a 10.089. Kandace Mace took the trophy dash win while the heat race winners were Kimberly Sorrels and Dothage. Sorrels led the opening five laps of the 25-lap main before losing the lead to Malessa Miles. Jayden Molloy took the lead a lap later before getting passed by Dothage on lap 7.

Dothage looked untouchable up front but a late race caution changed everything. Dothage was determined to have jumped a lap 23 restart. Officials placed Miles in the lead and racing resumed. Dothage did everything he could to regain the top position but Miles had enough speed and savvy to hold him off. At the finish it was Miles winning her first box stock main event. Dothage placed second followed by Quentin Ikeya, Sorrels and Derek Kessler, Jr.

As mentioned, there is only one more chance to witness outlaw kart racing at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2016. The final event for the karts takes place on August 30th. The biggest event of the season on the 3/8-mile pavement at the Acres is set for this upcoming weekend, August 6th. The Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series visits RAR for the third time in the series’ history. Top super late model drivers include Derek Thorn, Jeremy Doss and Eureka’s own, Brandon White.

Gates open at 5:00 PM on Saturday with the SRL tour cars qualifying at 6:00 PM. In between the heat races and main events, fans will have the opportunity to meet the stars of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series on the front straightaway. Presale tickets for this weekend’s event are available at Fortuna Wheel & Brake. It promises to be a spectacular and memorable night of racing. For more information on this weekend’s SRL race and everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway please visit the track’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com