Josh Richards Cleared to Return to Racing
Defending-champion plans to be behind the wheel this weekend at Eldora
SHINNSTON, W. Va. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Three-time World of Outlaws Late Model Series Champion Josh Richards announced today that doctors have cleared him to return to racing after medical issues have kept him out of the car this season. Richards plans to be back behind the wheel of his Mark Richards Racing owned, Valvoline/Seubert Calf Ranches sponsored machine this Saturday at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, for the UMP DIRTcar Fall Nationals.
Richards has been sidelined since learning of medical issues during the off-season. After extensive testing it was determined that he suffered nerve damage to his hands due to past racing injuries. Though Richards has been cleared by doctors to race, he will be periodically monitored to make sure there is no further progression with his injury.
“I have the best sponsors, race team and fans in the sport,” said Richards. “I want to thank them for their patience and continued support while I worked though my medical issues. I’m also grateful to Brandon Sheppard and Rick Eckert for filling in during my absence.
“I’m excited to get back in the car Saturday at Eldora Speedway. It’s been really hard to sit out this season and have to watch from the sidelines. I’m ready to get back behind the wheel of the Valvoline/Seubert Calf Ranches car and make some laps at one of my favorite tracks this weekend.”
In addition to Saturday’s UMP DIRTCar Fall Nationals at Eldora Speedway, Richards also plans to compete in the Dirt Track World Championship, Oct. 17-18 at Portsmouth (Ohio) Raceway Park and the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals, Nov. 6-8 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (N.C.).
Richards will have teammates for the final two races of the season. Brandon Sheppard will drive a second house-car for Mark Richards Racing at Portsmouth Raceway Park in hopes of defending his title from the 2013 Dirt Track World Championship. Rick Eckert, who’s been filling in for Richards is competing for points in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and will run a second house-car in the World of Outlaws World Finals.
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.
