SHINNSTON, W. Va. (Feb. 10, 2015) – Josh Richards started the 2015 season off in winning form, capturing a victory in his first race of the year at Screven Motorsports Complex. The win came Thursday night in an unsanctioned late model event prior to the season-opening World of Outlaws Late Model Series races Friday and Saturday night at the three-eights-mile clay oval.
Richards began the weekend in dramatic fashion by toping the field in qualifying for Thursday night’s $5,000-to-win unsanctioned event. With the top-six cars locked into the A-Main, the West Virginia native did not have to participate in a heat race. Starting on the pole for the 40-lap feature, Richards led every lap en route to his first victory of the season.
Friday night at Screven Motorsports Complex marked the official start to the World of Outlaws Late Model Series season. Richards started the evening off by qualifying in the second spot in Group A. His qualifying effort lined him up in the pole position for Heat Race 2. The 26-year-old driver led all 10 laps uncontested. With the top-two drivers of each heat race having to draw for their starting positions, Richards drew the fourth starting spot for the night’s main event. When the green flag flew, Richards quickly jumped to the third spot, where he remained for the majority of the 50-lap event. Challenging the lead cars on several occasions, the No. 1 Valvoline driver crossed the finish line fourth after getting caught in lapped traffic in the final three circuits.
The Rocket house car driver started Saturday evening off by qualifying sixth in Group A and starting Heat Race 2 in the third spot. Richards maintained his position for the 10-lap event, finishing third. He lined up for the feature in 10th and quickly jumped to the sixth spot by Lap 8, where he remained until he was spun out by another competitor on Lap 41. The No. 1 machine restarted at the tail end of the field with just nine laps remaining in the 50-lap event. Richards gained several positions in the closing circuits, ultimately finishing 15th in the final night at Screven Motorsports Complex.
Richards returns to World of Outlaws Series action at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla., on Feb 14-15, but the No. 1 Valvoline team plans to run select Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series races at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla. this week.
Thursday Results
Qualifying – 1st Heat Race – NA Feature Start – 1st Feature Finish – 1st
Friday Results
Qualifying – 2nd Heat Race -1st Feature Start -4th Feature Finish -4th
Saturday Results
Qualifying -6th Heat Race -3rd Feature Start -10th Feature Finish -15th
JOSH RICHARDS QUOTE:
“Overall it was a good weekend for the No. 1 Valvoline team at Screven Motorsports Complex. It was great to start the season off with a win. It definitely felt good to get back to Victory Lane. We had a great car all weekend, and we learned a lot in our first three races out that we can apply during the rest of Speedweeks. It’s unfortunate that another drivers’ actions took us out of contention for a solid points finish on Saturday evening, but it’s a great feeling to get back in the car and be able to start the season healthy.”
For additional information please contact Andrea Cleveland-Richards at 704-575-2296 or via e-mail at andrea@joshrichards.com.
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.