Richards Captures Second Win of the Season at East Bay Raceway Park
SHINNSTON, W. Va. (Feb. 12, 2015) – Josh Richards scored his second victory of the season Wednesday night at East Bay Raceway Park in dramatic fashion. After swapping for the lead multiple times with Billy Moyer, Richards emerged as the victor in the $7,000-to-win Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race.
After arriving on Sunday to run some practice laps, Richards participated in Tuesday night’s Lucas Oil Late Model race. The 26-year-old driver started the night by qualifying in the ninth spot, which lined him up fifth for his heat race. With the top-four drivers transferring, Richards’ fourth-place heat race finish locked him into the main event. Starting 13th in the feature, The Valvoline driver made his way to ninth by Lap 5. Heavy rain the day before made for poor passing conditions and Richards was unable to gain much ground in the 30-lap caution-filled event. When the dust settled, the No. 1 machine ultimately finished seventh.
Knowing Tuesday night was his last chance to bring home a victory at one of his favorite tracks, Richards was on a mission. His qualifying effort of eighth, lined him up fourth to start the 10-lap heat race. The West Virginia native didn’t waste any time making his way to front on Lap 1. He never looked back, bringing home a first-place finish in his heat. After starting fourth in the feature, Richards again quickly made his way to the point position, leading the initial lap of the 35-lap event. This time it wasn’t as easy, as multiple lead changes between Richards and Moyer ensued in the following circuits. On Lap 17, the Rocket house car driver took command of the race for the final time, leading the remaining 19 laps en route to his fourth-career East Bay Raceway Park Winternationals victory.
Richards returns to World of Outlaws Series action at Bubba Raceway Park (BRP) in Ocala, Fla., on Feb. 14-15, but the No. 1 Valvoline team plans to run the UMP DIRTcar late model race at BRP on Feb. 13.
Tuesday Results
Qualifying – 9th Heat Race –4th Feature Start –13th Feature Finish –7th
Wednesday Results
Qualifying – 8th Heat Race –1st Feature Start –4th Feature Finish – 1st
JOSH RICHARDS QUOTE: “I really enjoy going to East Bay Raceway Park. It’s one of my favorite places to race, and the track has been good to me over the years. I’m glad I could get a win Wednesday night before we had to head out to Ocala (Bubba Raceway Park). I had a really good car both night’s, but the track was really weird. I struggled a little on Tuesday, but Wednesday the heats and B-Mains were really good. Our Valvoline car ran better up top in Turns 3 and 4 and we had to get down low going into Turn 1. These hard tires take some getting used to. You have to have momentum and be smooth on them. I’m excited to have two wins under my belt going into this weekend, I just need to get some World of Outlaws Late Model Series wins now.”
Josh Richards’ No. 1 team carries support from Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Joy Global, Ace Welding, Petroff Towing, Sallack Well Service, Rocket Chassis, Durham Engines, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Racing Fuels, Keyser Manufacturing, Integra Shocks, Sweet Manufacturing, Slavic Custom Tee Shirts And Graphics, Brown and Miller, Brazwell Carburetors, Bazell Racing Fuels, ButlerBuilt Seat, Beyea Headers, Performance Rod and Custom, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Frankland Rear Ends, Simpson Safety Equipment, J E Pistons, Strange Oval, Wrisco Aluminum, R2C Filters, Aurora Rod Ends, Snap On Tools, Scott Wires, Trick Carbon Fiber Drive Shafts, Five Star Bodies, Jones Racing Products, Howe Racing, Performance Bodies, Lithionics Batteries, Brinn Transmissions, Eagle One, Car Brite, ATL Fuel Cells, Dohm’s Cycles, Weld Wheels, Barnes Oil Systems, Tel-Tac, MSD Ignitions.
