Darrin Sullivan Survives To Win NSMS Feature

#21 Darrin Sullivan took the NSMS win

Eureka, CA (May 29, 2017) – For the first time in the 2017 season, the North State Modified Series visited Redwood Acres Raceway. It was O’Reilly Auto Parts Night at the Races as the popular touring series joined the Acres’ local divisions of roadrunners, Legends, bombers, mini stocks and Thunder Roadsters.

Track officials decided to make an adjustment to the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division. The class ran two 20-lap feature events, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. Nick Ford set fast time for the class with a 20.442. Natya Dawn dominated the first half of the first feature as she led the opening 12 laps. On lap 13, Tim Ratzlaff entered the lead but not for long. Two laps later, Daniel Buell took the lead. Buell held on the rest of the way to take the victory over Ratzlaff, Dawn, Ford and Jake Keeling.

Ford quickly raced to the lead of the second feature event. Buell showed strength and looked like a contender for another win but fell out on lap 15. Ford was able to lead flag-to-flag to take the victory. Keeling placed second over Ratzlaff, Jordon Paiment and Jennifer Murrell.

Cody Winchel set fast time for the Nor-Cal Automotive Legends division with a 17.801. Brian Kamisky was the winner of the first heat race while Derek Copeland won the second. MKinzy Uselton led lap one in the 25-lap main but Brent Mack was able to take over on lap two. Rookie driver, Daniel Whitley showed strength and passed Mack for the race lead on lap six. Copeland moved to the lead on lap 15 and had a fantastic duel for the lead with Winchel. On lap 17, Winchel gained the advantage and the race lead. Things remained tight between the top two until the last lap. In turns three and four, Copeland bumped Winchel. The two raced back to the finish line side-by-side with Copeland taking first by 0.031 over Winchel. Whitley placed third followed by Brad Curtice and Robert Miller.

Fast time for the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division was set by R.J. Randall with an 18.190. Randall took the trophy dash victory while Mike Sullivan was the heat race winner. Kolby Jackson used his pole position to his advantage as he shot out to the lead in the 25-lap main event. Jackson led the first 11 laps until Sullivan briefly took the lead. Jackson regained the lead on lap 16 but spun in turns one and two. Sullivan regained the lead and withstood Randall’s late charge. At the finish it was Sullivan taking the victory over Randall, Dave Jones, John Lally and Jim Redd.

In the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division, Brian Murrell was the fastest in qualifying with a 18.963. Brett Murrell took the victory in the trophy dash while the heat race was won by Troy Lee. Rick Estes briefly held the lead at the start of the 30-lap main event but gave way to Eugene Palmer. Back in his familiar ride, Palmer was dominant as he pulled away from the field and prevailed unchallenged. At the finish it was Palmer winning by two seconds over Brett Murrell. Gary Klinetobe placed third followed by Trevor Eacret and Troy Lee.

Qualifying for the Lone Star Junction Thunder Roadsters was paced by Paul Peeples, Jr. with a 17.290. Tommy Payne took the trophy dash win while the heat race went to Peeples. Chris Lawrence grabbed the race lead at the start of the 30-lap main event. Payne got to the lead on lap 10 but on lap 11, Peeples maneuvered by to take the race lead. Peeples pulled out to a lead as Payne had his hands full racing with Ronnie O’Neil. At the finish it was Peeples taking his first main event win in 2017. Payne held off O’Neil for second while Chris Sarvinski and Lawrence rounded out the top five finishers.

Darrin Knight set fast time in the North State Modified Series with a 16.130. Dustin DeRosier was the winner of the six-lap Lucas Oil Dash for Cash. Bryan Denton took the lead from pole position in the 60-lap feature event. On lap 10, Herman Pulyear got high in turns one and two and hit the water barrels at the pit road entrance. Pulyear was alright but the race was halted due to the water on the track. Denton led another four laps before Charlie Collins took over followed by Knight. The top two raced nose-to-tail. On lap 29, the leaders entered slower traffic. A lap later, Knight moved to the inside to try to take the lead. Things got tight in turn three as the two tried to pass Simi Tour. Contact was made between Collins and Knight with Knight's right-rear spring being knocked out of his car. Collins regained the lead but had to pit under caution because Knight’s spring had lodged itself in Collins’ chassis.

Denton regained the lead and had his hands full as Cody Braund challenged for the lead. On lap 46, Braund suffered damage to his right front suspension knocking him out of the race. Sullivan used the restart to his advantage as he moved to the lead. Denton ended up falling back to fifth as Richie Potts, Sierra Furia and Collins moved past. Furia briefly got to second in the final 10 laps but Collins powered by to take the second spot. Sullivan was able to hold off a furious late charge by Collins to take the victory. Furia took third while Potts and Denton rounded out the top five.

Racing at the Acres takes a break for a week before returning Saturday June 10th for Harper Motors Night at the Races. Late models will join the other local divisions for the third race of the Super 6 Late Model Challenge series. On Friday June 9th, the outlaw karts will be in action. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Moulton, Peeples Among Early Season Points Leaders

Eureka, CA (May 22, 2017) - Race number three of the 2017 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is set to take place this Sunday June 28th for what is expected to be another thrilling night of action. Joining the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and Thunder Roadsters will be the North State Modified Series for the first of two visits to the Acres.

Daniel Buell leads the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division point standings. Buell’s lead over second place Nick Ford is only five points. Tim Ratzlaff is third in the standings, 14 points behind Buell. Jake Keeling is fourth, two points behind Ratzlaff while Bob Ratzlaff in fifth is two markers behind Keeling.

In the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division, Jim Redd currently holds down the top spot in points. Second place in the standings is John Lally who won the most recent main event on May 13th. Bethany Rapp is third, 12 points in arrears to Redd while fourth and fifth are Kolby Jackson and Raymond Taylor.
Brian Murrell, Sr.’s lead in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class is large in comparison to other divisions. Murrell leads second place Eugene Palmer by 13 points. Rookie driver, Scott Taylor has been impressive thus far in 2017 and is third in points, 17 behind Murrell, Sr. Troy Lee is 21 points behind the leader in fourth while rookie Trevor Eacert is fifth, three points behind Lee.

The Nor-Cal Automotive Legends division is currently being led by Brett Mack. His lead over second place driver, rookie MKinzy Uselton is 12 points. Another rookie driver is third in points, Dominic Vogelsang. He is 11 points behind Uselton. The most recent main event winner, Cody Winchel is fourth in points while Brad Curtice lies in fifth.

Veteran Paul Peeples, Jr. holds down the lead in the Lone Star Junction Thunder Roadster class thanks to two second place finishes. Ronnie O’Neil is second in points, five behind Peeples and was the winner of the May 13th feature. Tommy Payne is third, eight points behind Peeples and was the winner of the April 29th main event. Chris Sarvinski’s 70 points put him fourth in the standings, 11 behind Peeples. Fifth is Corey Toole, a rookie driver who is 23 points behind the leader.

The Mid-City Motor World late model class had held two of its five points races at the Acres and will have the night off this Memorial Day weekend. The five events at RAR and another at Ukiah Speedway on July 15th comprise the Super Six Late Model Challenge series. Mic Moulton is the leader of the standings by six points over Brandon White. The two Eureka drivers each have one win. Redding’s Eric Gannon is third and only only nine points behind Moulton. Kenny Demello has been steady in the two races and is fourth in the standings while Marty Walsh is fifth in spite of a major accident in the previous race.

The North State Modified Series will be stopping by the Acres for the first of two times this Sunday. Darrin Knight of Kelseyville is the current leader in the standings and is the odds-on favorite for this weekend’s event. Knight has won four of the series’ six races at RAR and was the winner of the first two races for the NSMS in 2017 at All-American Speedway and Lakeport Speedway.

Darin Snider of Lakeport is 18 points behind Knight in second. Third place features a tie between Charlie Collins from Upper Lake and Eric Johnson of Kelseyville. Both drivers are 20 points behind Knight. Santa Rosa’s Cameron Austin sits fifth in points, 32 behind Knight. Other top contenders who are likely to show up are Bryan Denton from Kelseyville, Jason Philpot from Sacramento, Petaluma’s Richie Potts and Sierra Furia from Lakeport.

O’Reilly Auto Parts sponsors this Sunday’s Memorial Day weekend races in honor of the men and women who serve in our country’s military. Grandstands open at 5:00 while racing begins at 6:00. General admission is $16, senior $13 and children 12 and under $3. Kids five and under get in free and any military member will also get in free with ID. There is an open practice on Saturday, May 27th from 1:00 to 6:00. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Outlaw Kart Season Begins At The Acres

Ukiah's T.J. Sorrels found victory lane in the beginner box stocks

Eureka, CA (May 14, 2017) – For the first time in 2017, outlaw karts returned to Redwood Acres Raceway on the 1/10-mile dirt oval this past Saturday evening. The season opening race had originally been scheduled for May 12th but rain prevented the race from happening.

T.J. Sorrels of Ukiah set the pace in qualifying for the beginner box stocks with a time of 12.266. Sorrels took the trophy dash win while the two heat races were won by Jacob Boldway of Eureka and Sorrels. Emma Hudman of Hayfork and Corbin Green of McKinleyville led the field to the green in the 20-lap feature event. Sorrels quickly maneuvered to the lead as the field exited off turn two. Kai McCrady-Hirsch and Hudman got together on lap three for a caution. Several other cautions followed but each time Sorrels was able to pull away from the field on the restart. At the finish it was Sorrels winning by nearly half of a second over Charles French of Laytonville. Zakunda Fansler placed third followed by Boldway and McCrady-Hirsch.

The UAS speedway karts made their debut on the night. Steve Rambo of Medford won the trophy dash while Jeremy Brown also of Medford claimed the heat race. Medford’s Larry Fuller and Rambo led the field to the green flag. On lap three, Brown spun to bring out the yellow. Fuller moved to the lead, but suffered issues that put him out of action. This allowed Rambo to inherit the lead and the win.

The Williamson Financial box stock division had over 10 karts show up. In qualifying, Dryver Dothage of Kelseyville set the fast time mark with an 11.104 time. Dothage took the honors in the trophy dash while Kadence Mace of Fortuna and Dothage were the heat race victors. Bradley Henderson of Fortuna and Grant Williamson of Eureka led the field to the green in the 20-lap main event. Henderson got the initial lead but spun in turn two collecting several others. Sophia Bauer of Brookings took the lead briefly before Derek Kessler took over.

After a spin by Eureka’s Jayden Molloy brought out a yellow on lap four, Dothage shot out to the lead on the restart. A spin by Kessler slowed the field on lap 15 but even with the field bunched for the restart, nobody had anything for Dothage. At the finish it was Dotage winning over Bauer. Taylor Fuller of Medford placed third while fourth and fifth went to Kessler and Dylan Combest of Hopland.

In 250 karting action, it was Landen Green’s night. The McKinleyville driver set fast time with a 10.788. Green would go on to sweep the night with wins in the trophy dash, heat race and main event. Eureka’s MKinzy Uselton placed second in her first-ever race on the dirt.

The old fart kart division made its debut on the night with Wayne Fisher of Eureka setting the pace with a 12.205. Fisher followed up quick time with wins in the trophy dash and the heat race. Eureka’s Troy Lee and Brionna Fuller of Medford led the field to the green of the 20-lap main. Sean Fuller of Medford jumped to the lead and looked to have the race well in control until a spin on lap 16 took him out of the lead. This allowed Fisher to take the lead and ultimately the win. Sean Fuller placed second followed by Casey Fisher of McKinleyville, Brionna Fuller and Lori Fuller of Medford.

Dax Williamson of Eureka was quick time in the 500/open karts with a 10.415. Tony Miles of Fortuna was the trophy dash and heat race winner. The 30-lap feature was led to the green flag by Steve Kimberling of Eureka and Brett Elliott of Rio Dell. Off the start Miles’ kart had issues which took him out of the race. Kimberling led the majority of the race but a late caution allowed Elliott to catch up. On the restart, Elliott passed Kimberling for the lead. At the finish it was Elliott winning over Kimberling.

Racing at Redwood Acres Raceway returns to the pavement this Sunday May 28th for a special Memorial Day weekend event. Joining the regular field of roadrunners, Legends, mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and bombers will be the North State Modified Series. Gates open at 5:00 while racing begins at 6:00 The next outlaw kart race will take place Friday June 9th. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website. www.RacingTheAcres.com

Moulton survives to take Super 6 race win

#10 Mic Moulton took the late model win Saturday night

EUREKA, CA (May 13, 2017) – The second race of the 2017 season at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night. It was the annual Pepsi Night at the races and another packed house witnessed another memorable night that featured exciting racing and some scary incidents.

In the Nor-Cal Automotive Legends division, Cody Winchel set quick time with a 17.888. Winchel followed up his fast time with a win in the trophy dash. M’Kinzy Uselton won her first ever race in the first heat while Winchel took the second. Two rookies in Uselton and Dominic Vogelsang led the field to the green in the 25-lap feature. Uselton took the initial lead but lost it on lap three to Brad Curtice. Spins by Robert Miller in turn two and Vogelsang didn’t result in caution flags. Curtice had a firm hold on the lead until lap 10 when Uselton spun out.

After another caution, Winchel was able to take the lead on the restart and pulled to a commanding lead. Brent Mack suffered a massive engine failure on lap 19 which brought out the red flag. When racing resumed, Winchel reasserted himself as the top competitor and was able to take the win. Brad Curtice placed second while Miller, Anissa Curtice and Mack rounded out the top five.

Donnie Brown was subbing for Jim Redd in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber class and he set fast time for the night with a 18.400. Brown took the win in the trophy dash while Raymond Taylor won a spirited heat race. Ray Rapp was driving his daughter Bethany’s car for the night. He along with James Moore led the field to the green flag. The race was slowed on lap four when Jimmy Sorrels car stopped in the infield. Brown took the race lead on the restart but on lap seven, Moore maneuvered into first.

While moving through slower traffic, Moore tried to pass Chris Naughton on the outside of turn four. Unfortunately the two got together and hit the wall forcing both drivers out of the race. Brown resumed as race leader but spun in turns three and four on lap 20 giving Rapp the lead. With two laps remaining, Lally was able to get by Rapp for what proved to be the race win. At the checkered it was Lally winning over Rapp, Brown, Taylor and Moore.

Qualifying for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division was paced by Brian Murrell, Sr. with a 18.855. Brett Murrell was the trophy dash winner while heat race winners were Trevor Eacert and Brett Murrell. Cole Peterson and Troy Lee led the field to the green in the 25-lap main event. After two early cautions, Murrell, Sr. took the lead from Lee as Murrell followed into second.

The middle stages of the main featured a spectacular duel between the father and son duo of Brian and Brett Murrell. On lap nine, Brett moved to the lead. A lap later, the lead exchanged yet again with Brian getting the upper-hand. On lap 12, Brett made what proved to be the winning move for the lead. A late caution due to a spin by Lee in turn four bunched the field but Murrell was able to hold off all challengers. At the finish it was Brett Murrell winning followed by Brian Murrell, Sr., Jarrett Mayo, Eugene Palmer and Trevor Eacert.

Paul Peeples, Jr. set fast time for the Lone Star Junction Thunder Roadster division with a 17.188. Ronnie O’Neill took the trophy dash win while the heat race went to Peeples. Jason Mitchell and Chris Sarvinski paced the field to the green in the 30-lap feature. The race proved to be caution-free as Sarvinski took the lead from the start over O’Neill. On lap four, O’Neill moved under and by Sarvinski and pulled out to a substantial lead. As the race progressed however, Peeples was able to close the gap. With five laps remaining, the margin between first and second was barely a car length. O’Neill was able to withstand the pressure from Peeples and took the feature win. Payne placed third over Sarvinski and Corey Toole.

Fast time for the California State and Federal Employee’s Credit Union roadrunners was set by Daniel Buell with a lap of 20.518. Buell followed his fast time up with wins in the trophy dash and heat race. Natya Hanson and Jennifer Murrell led the field for the 20-lap feature. The first 10 laps were raced in reverse fashion and immediately Buell took the lead and ran away from the field.

Even after reversing the course and going in the normal direction, Buell was dominant. Nick Ford made up ground in the final few laps and by the last lap, the two were less than a car length between each other. Coming off turn four, Ford made a last ditch effort for the win. Buell and Ford raced side-by-side to the checkered flag with Buell edging Ford. Jake Keeling took third while Jordon Paiment placed fourth and Tim Ratzlaff fifth.

The second race of the Super 6 Late Model Challenge Series presented by Danielson Construction, Mid-City Motor World and North Coast Lighting & Electric took place on the night. Brandon White set the pace for the field of 17 cars with a time of 15.759. The heat races determined the starting lineup for the 75-lap feature. Heat race one was won by Northern California racing legend, Jim Walker while the second heat was won by Riley Watson.

Mic Moulton used the outside pole position to his advantage as he shot out to the lead at the drop of the green flag. On lap nine, third place starter and winner of the first Super 6 race, White took the lead. White looked to have the dominant car yet again as he led the majority of the first half of the event. Fan favorite Walker lasted only 20 laps before he pulled into the pits for the night. By lap 25, Brandon Ash had moved his way to second and began slowly gaining ground on White. On lap 40, Ash maneuvered by White for the race lead. A few laps later, White pulled into the pits with problems. Ash looked to have the race in hand until a caution flew on lap 68 due to fluid on the track. It was determined that the fluid was coming from Ash’s car and the Oregon driver was forced out of the race.

Watson inherited the lead and had a duel with Moulton and Marty Walsh. Coming off turn four on lap 69, Walsh and Watson got together. Walsh slide into the infield and back onto the track in turn one collecting Watson. Both drivers hit the turn one and two wall hard but thankfully neither was injured. Moulton took the lead and held off David Henderson’s charge in the final handful of laps to take the victory. Eric Gannon placed third while Kenny Demello had another stellar run in fourth and Richard Knight took fifth.

Racing at the Acres takes a break and will return for a special Sunday afternoon race on Memorial Day weekend May 28th. Legends, bombers, Thunder Roadsters, mini stocks and roadrunners will be in action along with the North State Modified Series. For those who are looking for a racing fix during the break, RAR will host the first outlaw kart action of the season Saturday May 20th. The season opener was originally scheduled for May 12th but was cancelled due to rain. For more information of everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website, www.RacingTheAcres.com

White wins Super 6 opener at the Acres

#19 Brandon White won round one of the Super Six Challenge Series

Eureka, California (April 30, 2017) – You couldn’t ask for a nicer afternoon this past Saturday night at Redwood Acres Raceway. A packed house enjoyed the first race of the season at the 3/8-mile paved oval in what proved to be a thrilling night of action across all six local divisions.

Rookie, Daniel Whitley set fast time for the Legends division presented by Nor-Cal Automotive with a 18.346. Unfortunately, Whitley’s night was cut short in the trophy dash when he spun in turn four and backed into the wall. Brent Mack took the trophy dash win then went on to take the heat race win. Tyler Peach took the lead at the start of the 25-lap feature and made a good account for himself in spite of his inexperience in a Legends car. Peach held off the more experienced Mack for the first 17 laps before a spin by Dominic Vogelsang bunched the field. The restart proved to be to Mack’s advantage and he was able to take over the lead. Mack was able to hold on the rest of the way to take the victory over Peach, Vogelsand, M’Kinzy Uselton and James McBride.

Qualifying was paced by Jim Redd in the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division. Redd’s time was 18.664. John Lally took the trophy dash win and was able to follow it up with a win in the heat race. The 25-lap main event was paced by Kolby Jackson in the opening stages. Redd took the lead away and had his hands full the rest of the race with Lally and Jackson filling his rear-view mirror. Lally made a late race charge on Redd but spun in turns three and four. Redd was able to hang on to take the victory. Lally recovered to place second followed by Jackson, Bethany Rapp and Kim Sorrels.

Fast time for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division was set by Brian Murrell, Sr. with a 19.136. Troy Lee took the trophy dash victory while heat race wins went to Rick Estes and Murrell. Estes led the first lap of the 25-lap main until he spun in turns one and two. Rookie driver, Scott Taylor inherited the lead and showed surprising speed in his first race as he led the majority of the way. On lap 15, Ed Robinson took the lead and appeared to be on his way to his first-ever main event victory before spinning out of the lead off turn four. Murrell took the lead from that point and was able to take the victory after holding off a late charge by Eugene Palmer. Tayler placed third followed by Troy Lee and Trevor Eacret.

Ronnie O’Neil set fast time in the Thunder Roadster division presented by Lone Star Junction with a 17.179. Tommy Payne was the winner of the four-lap trophy dash while Paul Peeples, Jr. took the heat race victory. Payne shot into the lead from the start of the 30-lap main. All race long the 2016 champion had his mirror full with either Peeples or O’Neil right on his bumper. O’Neil’s spin in turns one and two on lap 25 took him out of having a chance at the victory. Payne was able to withstand Peeples’ final charge to take the win. Chris Sarvinski was third while Aaron Byers and Chris Lawrence rounded out the top five finishers.

Daniel Buell was quick time in the California State And Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division. Buell’s time was 20.456. Tim Ratzlaff was the winner of the trophy dash while heat race honors went to Nick Ford. The first 10 laps of the 20-lap roadrunner main were ran in the familiar counter-clockwise format. Ford briefly held the lead before giving way to Ratzlaff. When the field was turned backwards in the clockwise format, Ratzlaff appeared to have the upper-hand. Ratzlaff was able to lead the final stages and take the victory over Ford, Buell, Jake Keeling and Natya Hanson.

The first leg Super 6 Late Model Challenge Series took place on the night. The Super 6 Series will feature four more races at Redwood Acres Raceway in 2017 and one at Ukiah Speedway on July 15th and is presented by Danielson Construction, Mid-City Motor World and North Coast Lighting & Electric.

Mic Moulton set quick time with a 15.854. In all, 16 cars qualified for the event. Leonard Ward III was not one of them however as he had an incident prior to qualifying which took him out for the night. The heat races determined the starting positions for the 75-lap main event. Riley Watson won the first heat which gave him the ninth starting spot. Eddie Kline took the second heat and pole position for the feature.

Home-town favorite, Brandon White took the lead from the start. It was a position he would never relinquish. The big story of the race was the trouble that drivers in second place encountered in the final stages of the main event. Marty Walsh was a strong second the majority of the night before he seemed to encounter issues which knocked him out of the spot. Tim Crenshaw moved to second before his car broke. Watson was having a strong run and took second after Crenshaw’s problems but he too succumbed to issues and was forced to the pits. Up front, White encountered no issues and was able to take the victory. Kenny Demello had a stellar run with a second place finish. Moulton placed third over Eric Gannon and Walsh.

The second race of the season on the pavement at the Acres takes place May 13th. On May 12th, the Acres will host the season-opening event for the outlaw karts. For more information regarding all the racing action at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Redwood Acres Raceway Announces Payouts for Bombers and Late Models

Eureka, CA (April 17. 2017) - The 2017 season at Redwood Acres Raceway begins in less than two weeks. With the season quickly coming to a start, the Redwood Acres Raceway father/daughter promoting team of Blair and Jennifer Aiken have announced exciting purse payouts for the bomber and late model divisions.

Thanks to Four Star Realty, the purse for the bomber feature should be a major attraction to drivers in the area. First place will be awarded $500, second will take $300, third gets $200 while fourth will be awarded $150. Fifth on back receives $100 which means just starting the feature will earn a driver $100 at the minimum.

In addition to the purse for the weekly feature events for the bombers, there is also an exciting purse to announce for the season-ending Fall Spectacular. The bomber feature for the event will have a total purse of $15,000. This is thanks to sponsorship from Four Star Realty and Lally Motorsports.

Also announced is the purse for the Super Six Late Model Challenge Series with five races at Redwood Acres Raceway and one at Ukiah Speedway on July 15th. The winner of a race will receive $1,200 while second receives $1,000, third $800 and fourth $600. Fifth on back receive $500.

There is also an increased payout for the Redwood Acres Raceway and Ukiah Speedway season finales thanks to Mid-City Motor World, Danielson Construction, Northcoast Lighting And Electric and Anderson Logging. For drivers that race all six of the Super Six Late Model Challenge Series, there will be an increase of $3,000 to the driver that wins either of the feature events. The purse from second through fifth is $2,000, $1,500, $1,300 and $1,250. The minimum is $600. Additionally, if a driver starts all six races and wins Redwood Acres Raceway’s Fall Spectacular and Ukiah Speedway’s Fall Classic, they will be awarded a $10,000 bonus.

Redwood Acres Raceway will be hosting an open practice on Saturday April 22nd. The racing seasons starts on Saturday April 29th. Gates open at 4:00 while racing begins at 6:00. Due to the recent wet weather, the scheduled outlaw kart race for April 28th had been rescheduled. The season debut of the karts will now be on Friday May 12th. For more information on everything going on at the Acres this season, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Redwood Acres Raceway’s Tentative 2017 Schedule Released

Eureka, CA (February 1, 2017) - Eureka, California’s Redwood Acres Raceway has released its tentative schedule for the 2017 season. 13 dates are listed between the months of April through September with the schedule still in the process of being finalized.

The third-annual Firecracker 100 late model race will take place Saturday July 1st. At the conclusion of the night’s races, RAR will also a fireworks display which have been real crowd pleasers in the two previous years.

In addition to the local cars, Redwood Acres Raceway will host several touring series events in 2017. The ever-competitive North State Modified Series will return to the Acres for the third straight season for three visits. The NSMS event is a special Sunday-evening affair on Memorial Day weekend May 28th. The mods return on Saturday July 22nd and then for the final time on Saturday September 9th.

Another highly anticipated event will be the debut of the West Coast Sportsman Series at RAR on Saturday August 5th. The series is in its inaugural season and features Grand National-type cars that formerly raced in NASCAR’s K&N West Series. The Acres is one of only two paved ovals currently on the 2017 West Coast Sportsman Series schedule so the event will be something not to be missed.

Outlaw kart racing will return to Redwood Acres Raceway in 2017. Six races are scheduled with the opener on Friday April 21st and the finale on Saturday September 16th. All races for the outlaw karts will be non-point paying events.

Acres management is still in the process of finalizing potential dates for the Redwood Acres Fair but does have Tractor Pulls scheduled for Saturday June 25th. Friday August 11th and Saturday August 12 will be the annual monster truck show in the Acres infield. The 2017 season concludes with the Fall Spectacular and the crowning of champions in roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends, Thunder Roadsters and late models.

It should be another fantastic season of racing at the Acres in 2017. For more information, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com.

Doss bags $2,000 Fall Spectacular Win

By Matthew J. Sullivan

For the first time since 2013, Redwood Acres Raceway played host to the Fall Spectacular this past weekend. It was the 24th annual running of the event which first started in 1990. Seven divisions partook in the two-day event which was capped off with a 100-lap late model race.

The California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners were one of the two divisions that raced a full schedule on both Saturday and Sunday. Dave Rogers from Ukiah, California paced qualifying on Saturday with a 20.385 lap. Rogers took the trophy dash win as well as a win in the fast heat while Bob Ratzlaff won the slower heat. Dominic Vogelsang led the opening five laps of the 20-lap main but Rogers had the better car as he took the lead on lap six. Rogers would go on to cruise to the win over James Nichols, Vogelsang, Jordon Paiment and Nick Ford.

Sunday’s roadrunner qualifying was again paced by Rogers with a 20.246. The trophy dash win went to Nichols while the heats were taken by Vogelsang and Rogers. The 20-lap main was similar to the previous night as led the opening portion of the event, this time for eight circuits. As with the night before, it was Rogers who had the stronger car as he maneuvered to the lead on lap nine and held on from there. At the finish it was Rogers sweeping both feature events. Vogelsang placed second while Nichols, Ford and Paiment rounded out the top five.

The Thunder Roadsters were the other division that raced both days. Ronnie O’Neil set fast time on day one with a 17.333 qualifying lap. Aaron Byers claimed the trophy dash win while O’Neil took the heat race. Byers led the opening 1/3 of the 30 lap main before giving way to O’Neil who was able to lead the rest of the way to take the feature win. Byers held off Tommy Payne for second followed by Chris Lawrence and Dax Kinsey.

O’Neil was again fast time on Sunday with a bit of a faster time, a 17.317. Chris Sarvinski took the trophy dash win while O’Neil won the heat. Sarvinski dominated the 30-lap main as he was able to get past Donnie Brown on lap three. Sarvinski pulled out to a substantial margin as Brown tried to fight off the faster competitors for second. At the finish it was Sarvinski taking the win followed by O’Neil, Byers, Lawrence and Payne.

2015 and 2016 North State Modified Series champion, Darrin Knight paced the modifieds with a 16.422. Veteran Willie Thompson won the trophy dash and heat races. Thompson led the opening nine of the 30 lap main but it was Knight who proved to be superior as he took the lead. Knight went on to win over Thompson, Sierra Furia and Orion Mosher.

Derek Copeland substituted for Brian Kamisky on Saturday and he set quick time for the Legends cars with a 17.975. Copeland went on to win the trophy dash and heat races. Kamisky hopped into his car on Sunday for the 50-lap main event. The feature was slowed at the halfway point when Tyler Peach and Anissa Curtice had a meeting in turn two with Curtice hitting the tire barrier. Fortunately she was okay. Nobody could keep pace with Kamisky who started from the back and took the lead on lap seven. At the finish it was Kamisky getting the $500 victory. Brad Curtice placed second followed by Buddy Cox, Brent Mack and Daniel Whitley.

Qualifying for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stocks was paced by Rick Estes with an 18.956. Jarrett Mayo won the trophy dash as well as the heat which awarded him the pole for Sunday’s 40-lap main. The two strongest drivers in the feature were Mayo and Estes. The two traded the lead on lap 15 but contact on lap 16 sent both to the rear giving Brian Murrell, Sr. the lead. Mayo regained the lead from Murrell on lap 31 and was able to take the win over Murrell, Sam Brown, Estes and Nick Ford.

The Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division had a stellar field for the weekend with 20 cars showing up to race. Terry Pittman set the pace in qualifying with a 18.229. Kolby Jackson took the trophy dash win. Richard Knight won the first heat which awarded him the 11th starting position for Sunday’s first main event. Sacramento racer, Erick Ray took the second heat win which gave him the pole position.

The first main event was dominated by Ray. The best fight was for second place as Brian King, Ryan Walters and Pittman battled for the second position. Ray led all 50 laps taking the $1,000 win in what proved to be a rough first main event. Walters beat King for second while Pittman and Corey James rounded out the top five. Ray drew the six pill for the invert which gave Wyatt Roach the pole for the second feature.

Due to his win in the first main, Ray had the opportunity to take $4,000 home. Besides earning $1,000 for winning the first main, he could earn $1,000 for winning the second main, $1,000 for sweeping both mains and an additional $1,000 for having the highest finish between the two main events.

Roach led the opening lap of the second feature before Pittman was able to take the lead. Pittman held on until lap 14 when Ray was able to get to the lead. The first half of the main was much cleaner than the first race was until a rather scary incident involving Kimberly Sorrels, Matt Simon and David Jones in turn four brought out the red flag. Thankfully all three drivers were okay. Ray looked to have the race in hand until a broken axle on lap 24 dashed his hopes. Pittman took the lead back and never lost it again. At the finish it was Pittman taking the $1,000 win over Walters, Brian King, Kolby Jackson and Wyatt Roach. Walters was awarded $1,000 for having the best overall finish in the two races.

Qualifying for the Fall Spectacular 100 late model race was paced by hometown favorite, Brandon White with a 15.900 with 21 drivers in all timing in. Three drivers who did not qualify were Jeremy Doss, Randy Houston and Scott Baker. Doss missed qualifying but was able to race in the slower heat while Houston and Baker had issues in practice which knocked them out of the weekend’s action. Marty Walsh took the win in the first heat which awarded him the 11th starting spot for Sunday’s 100-lap affair while Brandon Ash took the second heat win and pole position for Sunday.

Ash led the first four circuits which were slowed twice by caution flags. On the lap five restart, David Miller took the lead. Junior Roddy got past Ash for second on lap 18 and began a serious bid for the top position. By lap 24, Doss had maneuvered to third after starting 14th. On lap 26, fan favorite Jim Walker fell out. Another caution bunched the field and on the restart Miller and Roddy fought hard for the lead. The two got together and slowed off turn two on lap 29 which allowed Doss to make a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead.

Doss appeared to have the race well in hand by the halfway point while second place Miller appeared to have his hands full with his car. Roddy was able to take second on lap 52 and Miller began to fall out of the top five as White, Eric Gannon, Derek Copeland, Ash and David Henderson were all able to get past. Ash fell out of the race on lap 65.

The race was slowed several times in the final 30 laps which allowed Roddy and the rest of the field to close on Doss. Each restart however, Doss was able to retain his lead. The yellow flags helped Miller regain the handling in his car as he was able to get back to fourth on lap 76. At one point in the final stages, Roddy was able to get right to Doss’ rear bumper but Doss was able to withstand Roddy’s challenge. At the finish it was Doss taking the $2,000 victory, his second Fall Spectacular win. Roddy took second followed by White, Miller and Henderson. Doss’ margin of victory over Roddy was 0.771 seconds.

For full race results and main event videos from the Fall Spectacular weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

The Fall Spectacular returns to Redwood Acres Raceway this weekend

By Matthew J. Sullivan

After a two year hiatus, the Fall Spectacular is set to return this weekend October 7th, 8th, and 9th at Redwood Acres Raceway. It is sure to be a fun-filled weekend as seven divisions will partake in the racing action on the 3/8-mile paved oval. It will be the 24th running of the event which originated in 1990.

Two of the divisions will be racing full programs on both nights, the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunners and the Thunder Roadsters. Of the 11 roadrunner point races in 2016, there were nine different winners. The feature events for both Saturday and Sunday should be wide-open. The Thunder Roadster division featured some of the tightest racing at the Acres in 2016 and it should be no different as 2016 track champion, Tommy Payne will be among the favorites to win on both nights.

The Legends cars will also be in action after what’s been a successful first season of action for the division at RAR. The winner’s share for the Sunday race is $500 with a minimum of $100 just to start the feature. 2016 champ, Robert Miller and championship runner-up, Brad Curtice will be the local favorites for the event.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stocks will have a 40-lap feature on Sunday. $500 dollars is on the line for the race winner and it is anyone guess as to who will be the winner when the checkered flag falls. With 2016 mini stock champ, Gary Klinetobe announcing his retirement at the end of the final point race on September 24th, the door opens for his closest challengers in Eugene Palmer and Jarrett Mayo being the favorites for Sunday. Another driver who will be a contender is Rick Estes who won four main events during the season.

The Fortuna Wheel and Brake bombers will have two main 50-lap events on Sunday. $1,000 will be awarded to the winner of each race. In addition, another $1,000 will be awarded to the driver who has the best average finish between the two races and an additional $1,000 will be awarded if a driver sweeps both feature events. The top bomber drivers in the region are expected to show for the event while local drivers like Ryan Walters and John Lally among the locals hoping to defend their home turf.

Modifieds will take to the Acres for the third time in 2016. The prior two races were North State Challenge Series events which were swept by Darrin Knight. The 60-lap feature pays $1,500 to win with a minimum of $200 being paid for starting the feature. Fast time for the division will earn a driver $100 while winning in one of the qualifying heats will fetch a driver $75.

Over 20 drivers have pre-entered for the 100-lap feature event for the late model cars. Several past winners of the race are expected to show including 4-time winner, Mike Sackett, 2-time winner, David Miller and 2012 champion, Jeremy Doss. Others who have entered include Randy Houston, Eric Gannon, Allen Cress and racing legend, Jim Walker. One driver who will not be racing is 2016 Mid City Motor World late model champ, Mic Moulton who is still recovering from injuries. Driving his car will be Acres veteran, David Henderson. The feature pays $2,000 to win with a $500 minimum payout for starting. Like the modifieds, fast time will be awarded $100 while the qualifying heat winners will earn $100.

Redwood Acres Raceway will be hosting an open practice on Friday October 7th starting at 2:00 PM. Saturday, grandstands open at 4:00 PM with racing starting at 6:00 PM. Sunday grandstands open at 11:00 AM with racing beginning at noon. For more information on this weekend’s Fall Spectacular please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com

Late Model Pre-Entry List
3 – Allen Cress
8 – Kenny Demello
9 – Randy Houston
10 – David Henderson
12 – Marty Walsh
15 – Richard Knight
19 – Brandon White
22 – David Miller
24 – Derek Copeland
24 – Ryun Leazer
26 – Robbie Nelson
27 – Sheyne Demello
28 – Tim Crenshaw
28 – Wade Kohns
34 – Corey James
36 – Luke Hall
41 – Junior Roddy
44 – James Jones
48 – Jim Walker
57 – Ryan Walters
75 – Jeremy Doss
75E – Eric Gannon
83 – Douglas Atkins
91 – Brandon Williams
99 – Mike Sackett

Track champions crowned at Redwood Acres Raceway

By Matthew J. Sullivan

The final points race of the 2016 season at Redwood Acres Raceway took place this past Saturday night. In addition to champions being decided, the Acres played host to the second boat race of 2016. All in all, it was another exciting and fantastic night at the Acres thanks in part to Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles who sponsored this weekend’s action.

Bethany Rapp paced the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner qualifying field with a 20.590 lap. Dominic Vogelsang continued his late season surge in the trophy dash by taking the win. Jennifer Murrell won the first heat race while Vogelsang took the second. The 20-lap feature saw the lead change hands in each of the first three laps as Bob Ratzloff, Patrick Sproul and James Nichols traded the top position.

Nichols dominated the event, even when the field was turned around at halfway to go around the track in the opposite direction. With just five laps remaining, Vogelsang began his assault on the lead. On lap 16, Vogelsang maneuvered past Nichols to take the lead. Vogelsang would go on to lead the rest of the way, taking the victory. Nichols held on to second over Rapp, Troy Taylor and Sproul.

The 2016 roadrunner champion was Tyler Peach. Peach spent much of the night staying out of traffic in hopes of avoiding major catastrophe in order to claim the title. In the end he was able to do it driving Daniel Buell’s car.

The track championship in the Fortuna Wheel and Brake bomber division was already decided before the night started. James Moore had enough of a cushion over second place that he didn’t need to start the season finale. In fact, Moore was unable to compete on the night due to a back injury. Driving his car in his stead was Acres veteran, Ryan Walters.

Walters was fastest in qualifying with a 18.139. Kolby Jackson took the trophy dash win as well as the victory in the heat race. Shane Toole led the opening lap of the 25-lap main event. Jimmy Sorrels led the next three laps before Toole regained the lead. On lap six, Walters moved his way into the lead and never looked back. At the finish it was Walters taking the victory by nearly four seconds over second place, Corey James. Sorrels placed third while Toole and Ryan Ahrens rounded out the top five finishers.

The Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock division title was up in the air with Gary Klinetobe, Jarrett Mayo and Eugene Palmer vying for their first championship in the division. In qualifying, Brett Murrell was fastest with an 18.700 driving his father, Brian Murrell, Sr’s car. Murrell was the trophy dash winner while heat race victors were Nick Ford and Palmer.

The opening two laps of the 25-lap main were led by Palmer. On lap three, Mayo took the lead. Murrell was clearly the fastest car on the track and on lap six, he moved by Mayo for the top spot. Murrell ran away from the pack as the three title contenders of Mayo, Klinetobe and Palmer fought it out for second. At the finish it was Murrell taking the win over Mayo, Klinetobe, Palmer and Sam Brown. Klinetobe was declared the champion, having beat Palmer by only seven points. After the event, Klinetobe announced his retirement from racing at the Acres.

In the Thunder Roadster division, two men were fighting for the track championship in Tommy Payne and Ronnie O’Neil. In qualifying O’Neil set fast time with a 17.142. Aaron Byers took the wins in both the trophy dash and the heat races but had an unfortunate accident at the start of the 30-lap main which also collected Dax Kinsey. O’Neil moved to the race lead on lap six and dominated the feature event while Payne had his hands full racing Donnie Brown. At the finish it was O’Neil taking the win over Payne, Brown, Jett Taylor and Byers. Payne was crowned track champion in the division by only four points over O’Neil. Following the race, both drivers shook hands and congratulated each other on what was a thrilling season of racing in the Thunder Roadster division.

Brad Curtice set fast time in the Legends division with a 18.083. Robert Miller went into the night with a comfortable lead and only needed to start the feature to complete his championship run. He helped his effort with a win in the trophy dash while Curtice took the heat win. Curtice dominated the 25-lap main event as he led from the drop of the green flag to the drop of the checkered. Miller secured his title with a second place effort. M’Kinzy Uselton finished third while Anissa Curtice was fourth.

The night finished off with another captivating boat race with Maxwell’s Custom Automobiles putting up the purse for the event. For the second time in 2016, fans were thrilled as over ten boat racers took to the track in a night of nautical destruction. In the end, the winner was determined by the loudness of the crowd. Acres fans declared Chris Garth the winner with second place being awarded to Tim Roscoe.

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. Saturday gates open at 4:00 PM while racing begins at 6:00 PM. On Sunday, gates open at 11:00 AM and racing begins at noon. For more information about the Fall Spectacular including entry forms and purse payout please visit Redwood Acres Raceway’s official website, www.racingtheacres.com