SHINNSTON, W. Va (October 1, 2013) – Josh Richards came oh-so-close to pulling off a very ware sweep of the Lucas Oil Knoxville Late Model Nationals.
After scoring back-to-back triumphs in 25-lap preliminary feature events last Thursday and Friday night at the famed Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway, the 25-year-old driver from Shinnston, W.Va., made a serious bid for victory in Saturday night’s 100-lap finale before earning his third career runner-up finish in the Nationals.
“We still had a phenomenal weekend and our guys did a great job,” Richards said during Saturday’s post-race press conference. “I’m just very competitive…and anytime you feel like you should’ve done something different to win the race, that’s just part of it. I try to hide (the emotions) as much as I can, but it’s still frustrating.”
Richards started second in the 100-lapper behind the wheel of his Valvoline-sponsored Rocket Chassis house car and led 18 of the first 19 laps before ceding the top spot. He rallied to regain command on lap 84, but a red flag on lap 94 for a multi-car accident produced a restart that saw Richards lose the lead and cross the finish line a few car lengths from the P1 spot.
Richards, whose preliminary feature wins pushed his overall 2013 win total to 15, was bidding to become just the second driver to sweep all three races that comprise the Lucas Oil Knoxville Late Model Nationals, joining Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Billy Moyer, who accomplished the feat in 2010.
For more information on Josh Richards, visit www.joshrichards.com and follow him on Twitter at @Josh_Richards1 and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JoshRichardsRacing.
Josh Richards’ No. 1 team carries support from Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ernie D’s, Ace Welding, Petroff Towing, Sallack Well Service, Tony Stewart Racing, Rocket Chassis, Roush Yates 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, Turbo Start Batteries, Brinn Transmissions, Eagle One, Car Brite, ATL Fuel Cells, Dohm’s Cycles, Weld Wheels, Barnes Oil Systems, Tel-Tac, MSD Ignitions.