5/1/2019
Redwood Acres Raceway
Miller Holds Off Henderson In Epic Late Model Duel
Eureka, CA (May 1, 2019) – The 2019 season for Redwood Acres Raceway kicked off this past Saturday, April 27. Mid-City Motor World helped present the evening’s events which provided some great moments that will be remembered at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, the Anderson Logging Bandoleros were not in action for the night however the Compass Community Credit Union mini stocks were. Brett Murrell took the trophy dash victory with Nick Ford and Rick Estes took the wins in the heat races. The first ten laps of the feature saw a fantastic duel between Brett Murrell and Jarett Mayo. The two raced clean until Mayo was able to make a move under Murrell for the lead.
The next lap, the throttle stuck on Murrell’s car going into the third turn resulting in a very hard hit in the wall. Thankfully Murrell was able to walk out of his car unharmed. Mayo had his hands full with Estes the rest of the event but was able to hold the challenge off. At the finish it was Mayo winning over Estes, Gary Klinetobe, Tim Abeyta and Ford.
The Four-Star Realty bomber trophy dash went to Mike Sullivan. Sullivan followed up with a victory in the heat race. The bomber feature was now different as Sullivan maneuvered to the race lead early and never lost the position. Sullivan was able to take the win followed by Tyler Avaler, Sam Brown, Doug Way and Raquel Krupa.
Derek Copeland was victorious in the North Coast Lighting & Electric Legends division. In the heat race, it was Copeland again taking the win. Copeland was able to slice his way to the front quickly at the start of the main event as he led a majority of the laps. Chris Lawrence didn’t make Copeland’s race easy as he was on the leader’s bumper all race long. It appeared that Lawrence had the chance to maneuver under Copeland but it didn’t work out. Copeland fought off Lawrence to win. Leonard Ward placed third.
The first heat for the Mid-City Motor World late models was won by Keith Nelson. Marty Walsh won the second heat which gave him pole position in the main event. Lap one in the feature proved to be a disaster for several drivers. Coming off the second turn, several drivers slid in fluid that came from Shawn Andrews’ car. Luke Hall and Dennis DelBiaggio hit the wall and both suffered severe damage which ended their race prematurely. Mic Moulton also had major damage on the left side of his car but he was able to continue.
Several cautions slowed the first 2/3 of the main event. Walsh looked to have the car to beat but he was forced to the pits under the caution flag which essentially ended his race. The last 1/3 of the race was clean to the finish. David Henderson led David Miller as the race restarted. Miller took to the high side of Henderson and the two ran side-by-side for several laps. Miller was able to get the upper hand but wasn’t able to pull away from Henderson.
With the laps ticking off and the tires warmed, it was clear that Miller’s handling was going away while Henderson’s car was dialed in. As the finish loomed, Miller did all he could to hold off Henderson while Henderson did all he could to find a way under Miller. Henderson was driving his car in the high line going into the third turn while coming off turn four at the bottom. At several points it looked as if Henderson was going to get the run he needed to pass Miller. Unfortunately for Henderson, time ran out. At the checkered flag it was Miller taking the victory over Henderson. Dustin Walters, Chris Sarvinski and Nelson rounded out the top five.
The next race on the docket is Saturday May 11. The late models will not be in action but the highly competitive North State Modified Series will be visiting for the first time of three this season. The Upstate Bomber Series will also be in action for its debut. The event will be a non-points race for the local bombers. All other local divisions will be in action as well.
Submitted By: Matthew Sullivan