MEDIA CONTACT: Lyndal Scranton (Lscranton755@gmail.com)
Wheatland, MO (January 6, 2016) – It only took a couple of laps around Lucas Oil Speedway and Chip Shaddox was hooked. That was eight years ago.
A friend in his hometown of Wheatland had asked Shaddox to take a few practice laps in a Factory Stock that he was looking to sell.
“I never really had thought about racing, other than watching some NASCAR on TV,” Shaddox said. “I had a friend who lived by me who had the car he wanted to sell and he said, ‘Why don’t you come up and practice it and see what you think.’
“I ended up buying it. I think anybody who’s raced will probably tell you that once it gets in your blood, you can’t stop.”
Shaddox has been a fixture in the division ever since and enjoyed his best year so far in 2015, finishing second to Kenny Carroll in the Lucas Oil Speedway Carson’s Corner NAPA Factory Stock points chase.
For Shaddox, 38, consistency stood out.
“I didn’t win a race, but we finished top-five all but one time,” he said. “We didn’t have any major problems and that really helped in the points. It’s a really good, competitive class.”
It’s one that seems to be a perfect fit for Shaddox, a prototypical weekend racing enthusiast who balances a busy life with climbing behind the wheel of his race car.
Crew chief Lacy Demier oversees the car and Jake Truelove is the motor specialist. Sponsors are Alps Grocery in Pittsburg, Missouri along with Ron Jenkins Financial and Tax in Hermitage, Hermitage Lumber and Rains Ice in Wheatland.
Others see the division as a springboard to Modifieds or Late Models. Not Shaddox, who owns and operates two convenience stores near Pomme de Terre Lake and is married with two kids.
“You don’t have all the extra things that are required (with a Modified or Late Model),” he said. “You might play with a spring here or with air pressure there, but otherwise there’s not as much that goes into it.
“Well,” he continued, “maybe there will be a little more this year.”
A new rules package in 2016 sees the division being called Carson’s Corner NAPA Street Stock, a move by track officials to make it more uniform with other regional speedways.
Shaddox said that will make it easier for drivers to travel and race multiple nights per week, if they choose. He sees that as a positive, but wonders if it means a shakeup in the standings is in the offing.
Making the right adjustments early in the season will be critical to contending for a championship.
“That’s always been my goal,” Shaddox said of winning a title at his hometown track. “Every year, the goal is to be as consistent as I can.
“The goal used to be to win a race. I achieved that (in 2014) and it was the most awesome feeling ever. But a championship definitely is my goal.”
After finishing a career-best second in 2015, Wheatland’s Chip Shaddox has a goal of winning his first Street Stock championship.
Photos courtesy of CB Race Photos.
Please visit www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for the most up to date information about “America’s New Motorsports Destination”, Lucas Oil Speedway.
Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, MO. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it’s entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.
Click www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.
In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking “Like” at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway.