FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2011
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Richards Dedicates Record-Tying World of Outlaws Victory at Charlotte to His Late UncleSHINNSTON, W. Va. - Oct. 17, 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.
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, Roush Yates Engines, Cornett Racing Engines, Seubert Calf Ranches, Kentucky Fuel Corporation, 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.
Honey Elizabeth Rentz
Rising Star Management Group
hrentz@risingstarmg.com
(704) 658-7650