SHINNSTON, W. Va. – Oct. 14, 2011 – Josh Richards was understandably proud of all the accolades that came with registering a record-tying victory in Wednesday night’s World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C.
But what mattered most to the 23-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., was the fact that he was able to score a big win in memory of his late uncle, Roger Richards, who passed away on Oct. 3 at the age of 68.
“This win goes to my Uncle Roger,” Richards said of his father Mark’s older brother, who had been battling health problems for several years. “He was a huge fan and a huge supporter of our racing. He really meant a lot to our family and of course our racing. That’s what he lived for, and I’m sure he’s still watching.
“We knew his health wasn’t going really great, but you’re still not ready to lose him. It makes you look back and wish you could’ve spent more time with him. We’ll all miss him, so it’s cool to win this race for him.”
The manner Josh won Charlotte’s mid-week 50-lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series special for the second consecutive year would’ve made his uncle proud. He dominated the night, setting fast time (his second such honor of 2011), winning his heat race and roaring off the outside of the front row to lead the entire A-Main distance without receiving a single significant challenge. Richards crossed the finish line 4.362 seconds – about a full straightaway on the four-tenths-mile oval – ahead of fellow West Virginian Steve Shaver.
“The car was awesome and this Roush-Yates engine is awesome,” Richards said about the combination employed by his Kentucky Fuel Corporation/Seubert Calf Ranches team. “I was able to get out front right at the start, keep the car in clean air and run the line I wanted to.”
The triumph, was Richards’ ninth of the 2011 WoO LMS campaign, matching the national tour’s single-season win record established by Scott Bloomquist in 2004. It also was his 37th overall World of Outlaws A-Main checkered flag, moving him into a tie with Billy Moyer atop the circuit’s all-time win list (1988-89, 2004-present).
In addition, the win pushed Richards within 14 points of leader Rick Eckert (fourth place on Wednesday night) in the series standings. Richards is seeking his unprecedented third consecutive tour championship.
Three races remain on the 2011 WoO LMS schedule. The series will visit Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga., on Nov. 2 before closing the season back at The Dirt Track at Charlotte with the World Finals doubleheader on Nov. 3-5.
Richards will be action this weekend at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio, where he will enter the prestigious Dirt Track World Championship. He has finished as high as second in the 100-lap event, which is sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
For more information on Josh Richards, visit www.joshrichards.com and follow him on Twitter at @Josh_Richards1.