4/21/2023
Redwood Acres Raceway
Nissen To Defend Rhody Crown
The countdown for the season opening Rhododendron 100 at Redwood Acres Raceway is now in the single digits as the big race is a little over one week away. Late model drivers will be fighting for the $3,000 winner’s share of the purse.
One driver who will be looking to win the second running of the race will be Dane Nissen. The Williams, California driver was the winner of last season’s inaugural running of the event and would like for nothing more to remain the sole name attached to winning the Rhododendron 100.
Last year’s victory was the biggest in Nissen’s career which is surprising considering the talent and speed he has displayed throughout the years. Nissen was a regular contender when it came to late model touring series races in the late 90s though the 2000s. Among the touring series he raced in were the Nor-Cal Best In The West Late Model tour, the Tri-State Challenge Series and the North State Challenge Series.
Nissen scaled back his efforts behind the wheel until six years ago when he returned to racing. Nissen was a participant in the Super 6 Late Model Challenge Series in 2018 and came close to winning five of his six starts. Nissen placed second three times and third twice with his worst finish being seventh. His victory in last season’s Rhody 100 was not just a culmination of a fast race car and a talented driver but also some good luck which seemed to elude Nissen so often in late model competition.
Tickets for the Rhododendron 100 are $10 and can be purchased at Automasters in Eureka, Don’s Rent-All in Eureka, McKinleyville Barbershop and JC Auto in Fortuna. Tickets can also be purchased on RacinTheAcres.com or at the gate on race day. Grandstands open at 4:00 while racing will begin at 5:30. The event will also be live streamed on RacinTheAcres.tv and Speedsport.tv.
Submitted By: Matthew Sullivan