FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2010

Tough Break in USA Nationals Dampens Otherwise Solid Trip to Wisconsin for Josh Richards

SHINNSTON, W. Va. - Aug. 9, 2010 - Misfortune in Saturday night's 23rd annual USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., dampened what was shaping up as a memorable trip to the Badger State for Josh Richards.

After scoring a fourth place finish in the 50 lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series event on Wednesday night (Aug. 4) at Shawano Speedway and a bridesmaid outing in the 40 lap UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned feature on Thursday night (Aug. 5) at Cedar Lake, Richards appeared primed for a run at a $50,000 crown-jewel victory.

But Lady Luck had other ideas for the 22-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va. Rare mechanical woes struck his Mark Richards Racing Enterprises/Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket No. 1 as he ran in second place early in Cedar Lake's 100 lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series extravaganza, forcing him to retire after only 19 laps and leaving him with a disappointing 23rd place finish.

"We just threw the belts off and the engine overheated," said Richards, who started from the outside pole and was running behind early leader Don O'Neal when his machine began to fall off the pace."

Richards felt he was in position to bid for his coveted first-ever triumph in a 100 lap dirt Late Model event. Staying out of trouble was difficult on an unruly Cedar Lake surface that produced heavy attrition (only five cars would finish on the lead lap and eight were still on the track at the checkered flag), but Richards was doing his best to keep his car under him for the entire distance.

"We had a really good car," said Richards, who made his first appearance at Cedar Lake since 2005. "I don't know if we could've won, but we would've been okay. As it turned out all you had to do was finish to have a chance and I was trying stay out of trouble the best I could.

"We just didn't have luck on our side. Everybody did a great job all weekend and we gave it everything we had, but you'll have nights like this. Fortunately we haven't had many like this the last few years."

Richards showed he was capable of contending for a win at Cedar Lake with his performance in Thursday night's UMP DIRTcar tune-up. He advanced from the sixth starting spot to finish second behind winner Tim McCreadie in a 40-lap main event that had the fans buzzing. At one point Richards was part of an intense five car battle for the lead.

"We were trying hard - that was one heck of a race," said Richards. "I had a lot of fun racing with Darrell (Lanigan), Timmy (McCreadie), (Jimmy) Mars and Austin (Hubbard). The fans saw a great race, that's about as good as it gets I think."

Richards was also strong in Friday night's USA Nationals qualifying program, timing fifth fastest in the 51 car field and winning a heat race. He finished second in the five lap dash for heat winners to earn the outside pole starting slot.

The USA Nationals offered only show-up points toward the WoO LMS championship, so Richards maintained his points lead despite his bad luck. His strong effort at Shawano pumped his edge up to 36 points over Lanigan and 48 over McCreadie.

Richards' Mark Richards Racing Enterprises team will take a break from competition until the WoO LMS returns to action on Aug. 18 at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa. - an event that kicks off a critical stretch of five races over a seven day period in the Northeast.

For more information on Josh Richards, visit www.joshrichards.com and follow him on Twitter at @Josh_Richards1.

Josh Richards' No. 1 team carries support from Rocket Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ernie D's Enterprises, ACE Metal Works, Petroff Towing, Tony Stewart Racing, Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tires, Integra Shocks, Slavic Custom Decals, Valvoline, AEM, AFCO, ATL Fuel Cells, Aurora Bearing Company, Autolite, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Systems, Beyea Performance, Brinn Transmissions, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Braswell Carburetion, Butlerbuilt Seat Systems, CV Products, Dohm Cycles, Dyer's Top Rods, Fram Filters, Frankland Rearends, Howe Racing, Kwik Change Product, LSI, Mason Racin', MSD Ignition, Outerwears, Performance Bodies, Performance Friction Brakes, Performance Rod & Custom, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Simpson Race Products, Sweet Manufacturing, Tel Tech, TWM Racing Products, Trick Carbon Fiber Driveshafts, Jones Racing Products, TurboStart Racing Batteries, US Brake, Weld Racing Wheels, Wehr's Machine, Wilwood and Wrisco Aluminum.