Photo by Sherie Bialous

The 2022 Redwood Acres Raceway season is heating up, with the second race night scheduled for Saturday night.

And early indications are that many of the classes will be competitive and wide open this season.

Dane Nissen won the inaugural Rhododendron 100 in the late models division on opening night 10 days ago, with local favorite David Henderson also getting the new season off to an impressive start with a second-place finish.

The 2020 champion, Dustin Walters, will also be considered one of the favorites this year despite placing 13th on opening night after tire issues knocked him out of the 100-lap race early.

The Legends class, meanwhile, could be one of the most open divisions this year.

Jeremy Doss dominated the season-opening event but his lead in the division standings will end after Saturday, with his focus returning to his SRL late model program. 

Tyler Avelar, Tyler Krupa and Jordon Paiment will all be expected to compete for the title.

The bomber division also appears to be wide open this season, with several drivers likely to be in contention.

Sam Brown dominated opening night until late in the feature race, with Krupa finishing strong for the win.

Ryan Walters is always fast in the division, while former champ Raquel Krupa set fast time on opening night on the way to a top-five finish. 

Brett Murrell is a rookie in the division but looked confident and capable in his first go around in the heavier cars.

In the mini stocks, Gannon Cyphers has to be considered the early season favorite after winning both the heat race and main event on opening night.

However, expect the likes of Jarrett Mayo, Brian Murrell, Jr. and Gary Klinetobe to push for the title as well

In the roadrunners division, sophomore racer Tanisha Ratzlaff got the season off to a flying start with her first-ever main event win after also setting fast time and winning her heat.

Jeremiah Martin was the only driver who was able to keep pace with Ratzlaff on opening night and he will be looking to finish one spot better this weekend.

Tickets for this Saturday’s races, which will be presented by Cook’s BBQ, can be purchased for $10 online at RacinTheAcres.com, or at Automasters and Don’s Rent-All in Eureka, McKinleyville Barbershop or JC Auto in Fortuna. Tickets will also be at the gate on race day. 

The races will be streamed live on RacinTheAcres.tv and SpeedSport.TV for $15.

Grandstands open at 4 p.m. with racing starting at 5:30 p.m.