Photo by Matthew J. Sullivan – Brandon Barnwell is the two-time defending track champion in the Late Models.

Stock car racing returns to the Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday as the 2026 season gets under way.

Nor-Cal Automotive presents the opening night, which will feature a full slate of races, including the Mid-City Motor World Late Models, the Legends, bombers, Jr. Legends, mini stocks and the Dirt 4 Bangers.

The highly-anticipated Late Models will feature two-time defending champion Brandon Barnwell, who will be looking to make it three straight season titles in the division and six in total at the Redwood Acres this summer.

Barnwell will be a heavy favorite for the track championship, while Scott Taylor will also be looking to successfully defend the title he won in the Legends in 2025.

Young T.J. Sorrels from Ukiah was impressive in his 2026 championship campaign in the bombers, but he will have his hands full to try to repeat his success from last year in what is expected to be a competitive division, while Garrett Wheeler also will be looking to successfully defend the mini stocks title he won in 2025.

The 2026 Redwood Acres season also sees the return of the fan-favorite Dirt 4 Banger division, which began competing at RAR in the middle of the 2025 season.

The class is back for 2026 with more new cars and drivers expected to take to the temporary dirt track inside the paved oval.

This Saturday’s night of racing is the first of seven events on the 2026 calendar for Redwood Acres Raceway. 

Additional events include races during the annual Redwood Acres Fair on Saturday June 21, followed by a special event on Sunday June 21 featuring the popular boat races. 

The Nor Cal Legends visit the Redwood Acres Raceway on July 25 while Fan Appreciation Night will be held on August 15, before the season rounds out with races on August 29 and the annual season-ending Fall Spectacular on September 26.

An open practice for this weekend’s event is scheduled for Friday from 5 p.m. to dark. 

Grandstands open on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., with qualifying starting at 4 and racing starting at 5. 

Pre-sale tickets for Saturday are available online at RacinTheAcres.com as well as Don’s Rent-All in Eureka, JC Auto in Fortuna and McKinleyville Barbershop in McKinleyville.