At A Glance: Four on the Floor

At A Glance: Four on the Floor

Richards Continues Hot Streak; Outlaws visit four tracks in four days

CONCORD, N.C. – August 10, 2016 – Some World of Outlaw Craftsman® Late Model Series drivers will put the nix on the notion that they are a modern-day Jesse James, but there is one Outlaw cashing-in on the season’s largest purses. Three-time series champion Josh Richards is today’s James.

In less than a two-week stretch (six races), Richards compiled $97,150 in winnings, a mark that exceeds all but one driver in total earnings for the season. In that time, the No. 1 Valvoline/ Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket car has rolled into victory lane for two top-dollar events. The Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury American Legion Speedway (Ill.) and USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway (Wisc.) accounted for $89,450 of his winnings.

Richards will look to finish strong in the final four races of a three-week tour. The Outlaws will string together Delaware International Speedway (Del.), Potomac Speedway (Md.), Winchester Speedway (Va.) and Eriez Speedway (Pa.). The series has had previous tours through Pennsylvania but will break ground in the other three states for the first time in 2016.

“We prepare for every race the same, but when there’s that much on the line I guess you can put a little more pressure on yourself,” Richards said. “But as long as I give it 100 percent. That’s the toughest thing more than anything is that you don’t want to beat yourself. As long as you did what you can do.”

The Prairie Dirt Classic weekend consisted of two intense features quartered-in on a 1/4 mile course. Richards won the non-sanctioned preliminary show Friday night, seeking to complete the sweep the following day by winning the 30-lapper. Richards started outside of the top ten, but steadily climbed the treacherous field of stout drivers to the top. He said his car was easy to maneuver throughout the track; contrarily when it was all said and done, he could not grasp the fact he even won it over the other 58 cars.

“It was a little unexpected not that I expect any other ones,” Richards said. “Going into that weekend, it’s a really tough crowd and you have a lot of stiff cars. The regional guys are so strong. So I completely did not know what to expect.”

Nor did he expect to cash-in on Cedar Lake Speedway’s $50,000-to-win extravaganza. USA Nationals was the calling card for the best cast of late model drivers in the country. With a field of about 50 drivers, Richards was presented with a weekend-long challenge on the 3/8-mile oval. But, it was the nostalgia of the speedway that kept him fixed on capturing his second Eagle. He did just that, leading the majority of the 100-lap feature for his second USA Nationals title since 2011.

“I’ve been going to Cedar Lake since I was a kid, watching that race for many years before I ever raced,” said Richards, reminiscing. “So to go back there and win it for a second time was incredible.”

The season Richards is having is not an outlier in his 12 years with the series. Rather, it is a progression. To that point, Richards said the main difference this season is that he and his crew are working toward the same goal – winning races and championships. Before this season, Richards took a hiatus in 2014 and spent the following year experimenting with different setups.

”It’s not that we didn’t have a direction, but we just went way out of our way with some things – between our car, our engines, our shop and the whole deal,” Richards said. ”We were trying everything to see what worked and what didn’t.  I feel the difference is at the end of last year we had a direction going into this year, and we put everything together heading in one direction. It’s working out.”

The comfort of having set goals was new for Richards this season. He could focus on running a more consistent season – uncharacteristic to last season in his eyes. He has finished in the top ten in all but one feature event so far and has a season-high 13 wins. He is on pace to challenge not only Darrell Lanigan’s record for most wins in a season (17), but also for most career wins in the series (72). Richards won No. 71 at the USA Nationals finale.

“[Consistency is] what it takes to be able to put yourself in the position to win championships,” Richards said. “Last season, we didn’t have that consistency. Once you get behind, it’s really hard to make it up – especially when a guy like Shane [Clanton] is running up-front every time. So, it was hard to make-up that points spread. This year, we started off well and carried it through this season.”

Richards finds himself in another battle with Clanton, the defending series champion. However, the tables have turned. Rather than Clanton having a points cushion, it is Richards by more than 200 points. Like Richards, Clanton also won two points races in the two-week stretch. Richards admitted that the cushion does calm his nerves a little, but it does not change his approach for the remaining races.

“It definitely helps for sure,” Richards said. “It’s better than if it were 20 points, but it really doesn’t change my mindset. Shane is an awesome competitor along with the rest of the guys, and he knows what it takes to win.”

With eight more stops left in the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series schedule this season, the series will tackle half the remaining schedule in the four-day stretch from August 11-14. Last season, Richards won three of the four events; he has yet to win a series race at Winchester Speedway since 2011.

“[The World of Outlaws] is an all-in or all-out lifestyle,” Richards said. ”It’s not something you can half-way do. You have to give it your all. It’s definitely cool to say you’re an Outlaw. We put together races that have the highest purses and the ones that are maybe a little more prestigious.”

ABOUT THE TRACKS

DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY is a 1/2-mile oval. For more information, visit delawareracing.com.

Previous A-Feature winners:
2015- Josh Richards (on August 13)
2014- Gregg Satterlee (on August 14)

POTOMAC SPEEDWAY is a semi-banked clay 3/8-mile oval. For more information, visit potomacspeedway.com.

Previous A-Feature winners:
2015- Josh Richards (on August 14)
2014- Austin Hubbard (on August 15)

WINCHESTER SPEEDWAY, known as the “The Action Track,” is a 1/2-mile. For more information, visit winchestervaspeedway.com.

Previous A-Feature winners:
2015- Rick Eckert (on August 15)
2014- Darrell Lanigan (on August 16)
2013- Dale Hollidge (on August 24)
2011- Josh Richards (on June 18)

ERIEZ SPEEDWAY is a 3/8-mile oval. For more information, visit eriez-speedway.com.

Previous A-Feature winners:
2015- Josh Richards (on August 21)
2012- Darrell Lanigan (on June 17)
2011- Darrell Lanigan (on July 31)
2010- Josh Richards (on August 1)
2009- Rick Eckert (on September 9)
2008- Steve Francis (on July 27)
2007- Josh Richards (on July 22)

DRIVER INFO
The following World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series drivers maintain websites:

Morgan Bagley – morganbagley.com
Boom Briggs – boombriggs.com
Steve Casebolt – stevecasebolt.com
Shane Clanton – shaneclanton25.com
Joey Coulter – joeycoulter.com
Rick Eckert – rickeckertracing.com
Tyler Erb – tylererb.com
Chub Frank – chubfrank.com
Frank Heckenast Jr. – frankjr99.com
Chase Junghans – chasejunghans.com
Billy Moyer Jr. – billymoyerjr.com
Josh Richards – joshrichards.com
Brian Shirley – brianshirley.com
Eric Wells – ericwells18.com

SEASON WINNERS: Josh Richards – 13 (Volusia Speedway Park on Jan. 18,19, Farmer City Raceway on April 3,4, Carolina Speedway on April 29, Tyler County Speedway on May 28, Weedsport Speedway on June 21, Lernerville Speedway on June 24; Deer Creek Speedway on July 9; Ogilvie Raceway on July 13; Fairbury American Legion Speedway on July 30, Cedar Lake Speedway on August 4; Cedar Lake Speedway on August 6); Shane Clanton – 7 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 20, Screven Motor Speedway on Feb. 12, Ponderosa Speedway on May 6, Moler Raceway Park on May 27, Mason City Motor Speedway on July 8; Quincy Raceways on July 28; Shawano Speedway on August 2); Brian Shirley – 3 (Fayetteville Motor Speedway on April 30, Rockford Speedway on June 30, Hamilton County Speedway on July 7); Scott Bloomquist – 2 (Smoky Mountain Speedway on May 7, Lernerville Speedway on June 25); Rick Eckert – 1 (Screven Motor Speedway on Feb. 13); Dale McDowell – 1 (Duck River Raceway Park on April 8); Tim Dohm – 1 (Tyler County Speedway on May 29); Brandon Overton – 1 (Lernerville Speedway on June 25)

LIVE ONLINE UPDATES: Listen to LIVE event coverage of all three race on the DIRTVision Radio Network at DIRTVision.com.

GET SOCIAL: Follow the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series on Twitter at Twitter.com/WoOLateModels, like it on Facebook at Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries, or check out the latest videos on YouTube at Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws.

COMING UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series will invade Merritt Speedway (Mich.) Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 for the Keyser Manufacturing 100 weekend.

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series Championship Standings

 2016 STAT ATTACK

There have been 29 World of Outlaws Late Model Series features this season.

Winners (8 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Wins
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, W.V. – 13
2. – SHANE CLANTON, Zebulon, Ga. – 7
3. – BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 3
4. – SCOTT BLOOMQUIST, Mooresburg, Tenn. – 2
5. – RICK ECKERT, York, Penn. – 1
– DALE MCDOWELL, Chickamaugua, Ga. – 1
– TIM DOHM, Cross Lanes, W.V. – 1
– BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Va. – 1

Pole Positions (16 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Poles
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, WV. – 6
2. – SHANE CLANTON, Zebulon, Ga. – 4
– BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Ga. – 3
4. – RICK ECKERT, York, Penn. – 2
– FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – 2
6. – JASON COVERT, York Haven, Pa. – 1
– WILLIE MILLIKEN, Roanoke Rapids, N.C. – 1
– GREGG SATTERLEE, Indiana, Pa. – 1
– CASEY ROBERTS, Toccoa, Ga.– 1
– MASON ZEIGLER, Chalk Hill, Pa. – 1-
– SCOTT BLOOMQUIST, Mooresburg, Tenn. – 1
– DALE MCDOWELL, Chichamaugua, Ga. – 1
– BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 1
– BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, Ark. – 1
– STEVE CASEBOLT, Richmond, Ind. – 1
– JIMMY MARS, Menomonie, Wisc. – 1

Time Trial leaders (19 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Quick Times
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, WV. – 5
2. – BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 3
3. – BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, Ark. – 2
– FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – 2
– BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Ga. – 2
6. – JASON COVERT, York Haven, Pa. – 1
– GREGG SATTERLEE, Indiana, Pa. – 1
– SCOTT BLOOMQUIST, Mooresburg, Tenn. – 1
– STEVE CASEBOLT, Richmond, Ind. – 1
– SHANE CLANTON – Zebulon, Ga. – 1
– CHRIS FERGUSON, Mooresville, N.C. – 1
– WILLIE MILLIKEN, Roanoke Rapids, N.C. – 1
– CHRIS MADDEN, Gaffney, S.C. – 1
– BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 1
– DALE MCDOWELL, Chickamaugua, Ga. – 1
– DAVE HESS, Waterford, Pa. – 1
– CHAD SIMPSON, Mount Vernon, Iowa – 1
– KEVIN WEAVER, Gibson City, Ill. – 1
– ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky. – 1

Podium Finishes (31 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Finishes in the Top-Three
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, W.V. – 21
2. – SHANE CLANTON, Zebulon, Ga. – 12
3. – BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 5
4. – SCOTT BLOOMQUIST, Mooresburg, Tenn. – 4
– RICK ECKERT, York, Pa. – 4
– JONATHAN DAVENPORT, Blairsville, Ga. – 4
7. – DALE MCDOWELL, Chickamaugua, Ga. – 3
8. – CHRIS MADDEN, Gaffney, S.C. – 2
– STEVE CASEBOLT, Richmond, Ind. – 2
– ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky. – 2
11. – BOOM BRIGGS, Bear Lake, Pa. – 1
– JASON COVERT, York Haven, Pa. – 1
– IVEDENT LLOYD, JR., Ocala, Fla. – 1
– RYAN UNZICKER, El Paso, Ill. – 1
– BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, Ark. – 1
– BOBBY PIERCE, Oakwood, Ill. – 1
– DARRELL LANIGAN, Union, Ky. – 1
– CHUB FRANK, Bear Lake, Pa. – 1
– WILLIE MILLIKEN, Roanoke Rapids, N.C. – 1
– GREGG SATTERLEE, Indiana, Pa. – 1
– EDDIE CARRIER JR., Salt Rock, W.V. – 1
– DEREK DOLL, Greenwood, W.V. – 1
– TIM DOHM, Cross Lanes, W.V. – 1
– MORGAN BAGLEY, Longview, Tex.– 1
– FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – 1
– BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Ga. – 1
– TYLER ERB, New Waverly, Tex. – 1
– JIMMY MARS, Menomonie, WI – 1
– CHAD SIMPSON, Mount Vernon, Iowa – 1
– DENNIS ERB JR., Carpentersville, Ill. – 1
– EARL PEARSON JR., Callahan, Fla. – 1

Heat Race Winners (45 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Win
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, W.V. – 19
2. – SHANE CLANTON, Zebulon, Ga. – 9
– BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, Ark. – 8
4. – BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – 7
5. – SCOTT BLOOMQUIST, Mooresburg, Tenn. – 6
– RICK ECKERT, York, Pa. – 6
– BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Ga. – 6
8. – FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – 3
– ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky. – 3
– STEVE CASEBOLT, Richmond, Ind. – 3
– JONATHAN DAVENPORT, Blairsville, Ga. – 3
12. – JARED LANDERS, Batesville, Ariz. – 2
– DALE MCDOWELL, Chickamaugua, Ga. – 2
– CHUB FRANK, Bear Lake, Pa. – 2
– CHRIS FERGUSON, Mooresville, N.C. –2
– BOBBY PIERCE, Oakwood, Ill. – 2
– TIM MCCREADIE, Watertown, N.Y. – 2
– MASON ZEIGLER, Chalk Hill, Pa. – 2
19. – RYAN UNZICKER, El Paso, Ill. – 1
– FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – 1
– CHASE JUNGHANS, Manhattan, Kan. – 1
– JOEY COULTER, Mooresville, N.C. – 1
– AUSTIN SMITH, Cedartown, Ga. – 1
– GREGG SATTERLEE, Indiana, Pa. – 1
– JASON COVERT, York Haven, Pa. – 1
– SCOTT SCHMITT, Tonica, Ill. – 1
– WILLIE MILLIKEN, Roanoke Rapids, N.C. – 1
– EARL PEARSON JR., Callahan, Fla. – 1
– JOHNNY PURSLEY, Clover, S.C. – 1
– DON O’NEAL, Martinsville, Ind. – 1
– DUSTIN LINVILLE, Landcaster, Ky. – 1
– CHRIS MADDEN, Gaffney, S.C. – 1
– DEVIN GILPIN, Columbus, Ind. – 1
– DEREK DOLL, Greenwood, W.V. – 1
– RUSS KING, Bristolville, Ohio – 1
– KOLBY VANDERBERGH, Ashland, Ill. – 1
– MIKE SPATOLA, Manhattan, Ill. – 1
– DEREK CHANDLER, Pontiac, Ill. – 1
– TYLER ERB, New Waverly, Tex. – 1
– BOOM BRIGGS, Bear Lake, Pa. – 1
– CHAD SIMPSON, Mount Vernon, Iowa – 1
– CHRIS SIMPSON, Mount Vernon, Iowa – 1
– JIMMY MARS, Menomonie, WI – 1
– LANCE MATTHEES, Winona, Minn. – 1
– ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky.– 1

Last Chance Showdown Winners (29 Different Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Wins
1. – BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, Ark. – 5
2. – CHASE JUNGHANS, Manhattan, Kan. – 4
– CHUB FRANK, Bear Lake, Pa. – 4
4. – FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Pa. – 3
– BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill.– 3
6. – JORDAN YAGGY, Rochester, Minn. – 2
– ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky.– 2
– DON O’NEAL, Martinsville, Ind. – 2
9. – MORGAN BAGLEY, Longview, Tex.– 1
– CASEY ROBERTS, Toccoa, Ga.– 1
– RICK ECKERT, York, Pa. – 1
– MASON ZEIGLER, Chalk Hill, Pa. – 1
– MARK WHITENER, Middleburg, Fla. – 1
– KYLE BRONSON, Brandon, Fla. – 1
– DENNIS FRANKLIN, Gaffney, S.C. – 1
– BILLY OGLE, JR., Knoxville, Tenn. – 1
– STEVE FRANCIS, Bowling Green, Ky. – 1
– R.J. CONLEY, Wheelersburg, Ohio – 1
– KYLE THOMAS, Pennsboro, W.V. – 1
– MIKE BENEDUM, Salem, W.V. – 1
– DAVID ZONA, Montrose, Pa. – 1
– TYLER ERB, New Waverly, Tex. – 1
– JARED MILEY, Pittsburg, Pa. – 1
– DARRELL LANIGAN, Union, Ky. – 1
– MIKE BENEDUM, Salem, W.V. – 1
– GARY HUNT, Franklin Grove, Ill. – 1
– TYLER BRUENING, Decorah, Iowa – 1
– JAKE O’NEIL, Tucson, Ariz. – 1
– MIKE MULLEN, Seymour, Wisc. – 1

Feature Winnings (Full Time Drivers)
Rank Driver, Hometown – Winnings
1. – JOSH RICHARDS, Shinnston, W.V. – $259,425
2. – SHANE CLANTON, Zebulon, Ga. – $137,600
3. – BRIAN SHIRLEY, Chatham, Ill. – $80,980
4. – RICK ECKERT, York, Pa. – $77,625
5. – BRANDON OVERTON, Evans, Ga. – $57,545
6. – BILLY MOYER JR., Batesville, AR – $51,225
7. – CHUB FRANK, Bear Lake, Pa. – $50,540
8. – ERIC WELLS, Hazard, Ky. – $52,745
9.  – STEVE CASEBOLT, Richmond, Ind. – $49,520
10. – FRANK HECKENAST JR., Frankfort, Ill. – $45,960
11. – MORGAN BAGLEY, Longview, Tex. – $39,590
12. – CHASE JUNGHANS, Manhattan, Kan. – $34,975
13. – TYLER ERB, New Waverly, Tex. – $29,880
14. – BOOM BRIGGS, Bear Lake, Pa. – $20,320
15. – JOEY COULTER, Moorseville, N.C. – $17,000

2016 World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series Schedule & Winners
No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Number of Wins in 2016)
1. Fri., Feb. 12 / Screven Motor Speedway / Sylvania, Ga. / Shane Clanton (1)
2. Sat., Feb. 13 / Screven Motor Speedway / Sylvania, Ga. / Rick Eckert (1)
3. Thurs., Feb. 18 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barbersville, Fla. / Josh Richards (1)
4. Fri., Feb. 19 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barbersville, Fla. / Josh Richards (2)
5. Sat., Feb. 20 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barbersville, Fla. / Shane Clanton (2)
6. Sat., April 2 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, Ill. / Josh Richards (3)
7. Sun., April 3 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, Ill. / Josh Richards (4)
8. Fri., April 8 / Duck River Raceway Park / Wheel, Tenn. / Dale McDowell (1)
9. Fri., April 29 / Carolina Speedway / Gastonia, N.C. / Josh Richards (5)
10. Sat., April 30 / Fayetteville Motor Speedway / Fayetteville, N.C. / Brian Shirley (1)
11. Fri., May 6 / Ponderosa Speedway / Junction City, Ky. / Shane Clanton (3)
12. Sat., May 7 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, Tenn. / Scott Bloomquist (1)
13. Fri., May 27 / Moler Raceway Park / Williamsburg, Ohio / Shane Clanton (4)
14. Sat., May 28 / Tyler County Speedway / Middlebourne, W.V. / Josh Richards (6)
15. Sun., May 29 / Tyler County Speedway / Middlebourne, W.V. / Tim Dohm (1)
16. Tues., June 21 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, N.Y. / Josh Richards (7)
17. Fri., June 23 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, Pa. / Josh Richards (8)
18. Sat., June 25 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, Pa. / Brandon Overton (1)
19. Sat., June 25 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, Pa. / Scott Bloomquist (2)
20. Thurs., June 30 / Rockford Speedway / Loves Park, Ill. / Brian Shirley (2)
21. Wed., July 7 / Hamilton County Speedway / Webster City, Iowa / Brian Shirley (3)
22. Thurs., July 8 / Mason City Motor Speedway / Mason City, Iowa / Shane Clanton (5)
23. Fri., July 9 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, Minn. / Josh Richards (9)
24. Wed., July 13 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, Minn. / Josh Richards (10)
25. Thurs., July 28 / Quincy Raceways / Quincy, Ill. / Shane Clanton (6)
26. Sat., July 30 / Fairbury American Legion Speedway / Fairbury, Ill. / Josh Richards (11)
27. Tues., August 2 / Shawano Speedway / Shawano, Wisc. / Shane Clanton (7)
28. Thurs., August 4 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, Wisc. / Josh Richards (12)
29 Sat., August 6 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, Wisc. / Josh Richards (13)

The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Bad Boy Off Road (Official Side-by-Side Vehicle), Craftsman (Official Tool), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), Morton Buildings (Official Building), Sears (Official Home Store), The Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience (Official Racing Experience, VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel) and DirtonDirt.com (Hard Charger Award); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, MSD, Penske Shocks, QA1, QuarterMaster, Superflow Dynos and Wrisco Aluminum; along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, Integra Shocks, Impact Racing Products, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Rocket Chassis and TNT Rescue.