5/20/2026
Redwood Acres Raceway
2026 Season Begins At Redwood Acres Raceway This Saturday
Stock car racing action returns to the 3/8-mile paved oval at Redwood Acres Raceway this Saturday for the first time in 2026. Nor-Cal Automotive presents the opening night event which will feature a full slate of races. The Mid-City Motor World Late Models will be joined by Legends, bombers, Jr. Legends, mini stocks and the Dirt 4 Bangers.
Brandon Barnwell earned his second championship in the Mid-City Motor World Late Model division in 2025, his second in the division and his fifth overall at Redwood Acres Raceway. Barnwell will be a heavy favorite for the track championship this season Scott Taylor earned the championship in the Legends last season and will hope to defend his title this season.
Young T.J. Sorrels from Ukiah was impressive in his 2026 championship campaign in the bombers but will have his hands full to try to repeat his success from last year. Garrett Wheeler was the 2025 mini stock champ and will look to repeat as well.
The Dirt 4 Banger division began in the middle of the 2025 season but quickly became a crowd pleaser. The class will be back in 2026 with more new cars and drivers expected to take to the temporary dirt track inside the paved oval.
This Saturday’s race 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 Redwood Acres Raceway on Saturday July 25 while Fan Appreciation Night will be Saturday August 15. The season rounds out with races on Saturday August 29 and the annual season-ending Fall Spectacular on Saturday September 26 which will see the Nor Cal Legends return.
An open practice for this weekend’s event is scheduled for this Friday from 5:00 PM to dark. Grandstands open Saturday at 3:30 PM with qualifying starting at 4:00 PM and racing starting at 5:00 PM. 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.
For more information, you can find Redwood Acres Raceway on Facebook and on Instagram.
Submitted By: Matthew Sullivan