Photo by Sherie Bialous

Better late than never.

It was a longer offseason than expected for local racing fans and drivers, but the 2024 Redwood Acres Raceway season finally gets under way this weekend.

Mid-City Motor World will be presenting a full night of racing, with the late models, Legends and mini stocks all scheduled to take the track.

In addition, local bomber drivers will be competing against some of the top racers in the region in the Upstate Bomber Series, while the Upstate Modified Series should have a strong field of contenders as well to round out a busy night of racing action at the local track.

The season delay was in part due to new leadership of the raceway. 

David Furia, who has a long history in racing both as a driver and as a promoter at Ukiah Speedway, has taken over duties as promoter of Redwood Acres Raceway for 2024 and beyond.

Defending champions at Redwood Acres Raceway include Brandon Barnwell in the late models, Tyler Krupa in the Legends, Doug Way in the bombers and Gary Klinetobe in the mini stocks.

While Saturday will be the first racing of the season for most local drivers, others have already got a head start, specifically in the bombers division.

Jordan Krupa and Kadence Toland participated in the Upstate Bomber Series’ opener at Ukiah Speedway last month, with Krupa placing third in the feature and Toland finishing seventh. 

Terry Pittman from Redwood Valley currently leads the series standings by 16 points over Bob Mook of Santa Rosa, with Krupa in third and 18 points behind Pittman.

Saturday will also be the second race of the season for the Upstate Modified Series.

Lakeport’s Sierra Furia took the checkered flag in the opening race and holds a 10-point lead over Nice’s Trystan Mucci in the points standings. 

Sal Martinez of Kelseyville is third, an additional 10 points behind Mucci.

Tickets for Saturday’s race are $10 and can be purchased at the front gate on race day.

Grandstands open at 4 p.m., with racing set to begin at 5. 

An open practice is scheduled for Friday from 5 p.m. to dark.