Hey everybody. Sorry for not posting more but it has been a hectic second half of the season with the World of Outlaws, chasing rain & some pavement events. Here we are in the homestretch and getting ready for Lowe's. Rain keeps canceling the races that we needed to try and regain the point lead over Steve Francis so it will be a stressful week.
The 'Topless Shootout' was rescheduled for this Wednesday and then Thursday is qualifying day for the final two races of the 'World Finals' on Friday and Saturday. All that we can do is give it our best effort and hope that we don't have mechanical problems or any racing problems. The best finish for drivers and fans is to have it all come down to competition rather than bad luck. It would be great for all of our sponsors who have continued to support us though if we can be the one celebrating in the end.
The race will be covered on SPEED along with the sprint cars. We were also approached by the show 'Three Wide Life' to do some interviews and filming for a feature they will do. It will be a crazy week! More posts will follow during the off season.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
From the Wild West
Hey everyone!
Sorry for not posting more. I keep meaning to but it has been hectic on the road and then it seems there's no cell reception when we do have free time. We have had a strong season so far in 2009 and already matched our World of Outlaws win total of 2008. The new car is doing really well so I hope to keep the momentum going.
As you know from the web site - we're on the Wild West Tour right now. I've also been busy testing at Kentucky Speedway and doing a lot of media interviews. This is always one of my favorite parts of the season because the lifestyle out west kind of reminds me of West Virginia. People are friendly, very welcoming, wide open spaces & a lot of mines. LOL They have more buffalo though. I would have hoped for a better finish at Deer Creek but we put the #1 Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket back in Victory Lane at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. With cancellations we've had time off until today where we'll race in Gillette, WY. We then go to Huron, SD on Thursday and my dad and I will fly out for Cincinnati for the ARCA race at Kentucky Speedway while the guys take the truck back home.
I am excited about the opportunity to finally do a speedway race but we've had to get our feet wet at smaller tracks and testing. I will be driving the Venturini Motorsports #25 for this race and they have been super to work with. Seubert Calf Ranches, Petroff Towing, Ernie D's Enterprises & ACE Metal Works from our dirt program will be associate sponsors and I'm super lucky that Valvoline has come on board for this race as the primary sponsor. A lot can happen in those long races and leave you behind the 8 ball trying to catch up but I'm going to give it my best effort and just log laps. But gotta focus on these two WoO races first and with a tight points battle that will go all of the way til the end, every race is important.
I will try to post something from Kentucky but sorry if I get side tracked. That's all I have for now.
Thanks!
-Josh
Sights of the road:
Funny Door
Where the buffalo roam
River Cities Speedway win - OrnessCreations.com
Devil's Tower
Welcome Sign
Mines are all over near Gillette - reminds me of home
Sorry for not posting more. I keep meaning to but it has been hectic on the road and then it seems there's no cell reception when we do have free time. We have had a strong season so far in 2009 and already matched our World of Outlaws win total of 2008. The new car is doing really well so I hope to keep the momentum going.
As you know from the web site - we're on the Wild West Tour right now. I've also been busy testing at Kentucky Speedway and doing a lot of media interviews. This is always one of my favorite parts of the season because the lifestyle out west kind of reminds me of West Virginia. People are friendly, very welcoming, wide open spaces & a lot of mines. LOL They have more buffalo though. I would have hoped for a better finish at Deer Creek but we put the #1 Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket back in Victory Lane at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. With cancellations we've had time off until today where we'll race in Gillette, WY. We then go to Huron, SD on Thursday and my dad and I will fly out for Cincinnati for the ARCA race at Kentucky Speedway while the guys take the truck back home.
I am excited about the opportunity to finally do a speedway race but we've had to get our feet wet at smaller tracks and testing. I will be driving the Venturini Motorsports #25 for this race and they have been super to work with. Seubert Calf Ranches, Petroff Towing, Ernie D's Enterprises & ACE Metal Works from our dirt program will be associate sponsors and I'm super lucky that Valvoline has come on board for this race as the primary sponsor. A lot can happen in those long races and leave you behind the 8 ball trying to catch up but I'm going to give it my best effort and just log laps. But gotta focus on these two WoO races first and with a tight points battle that will go all of the way til the end, every race is important.
I will try to post something from Kentucky but sorry if I get side tracked. That's all I have for now.
Thanks!
-Josh
Sights of the road:
Funny Door
Where the buffalo roam
River Cities Speedway win - OrnessCreations.com
Devil's Tower
Welcome Sign
Mines are all over near Gillette - reminds me of homeWednesday, April 22, 2009
Busy week.
Hey Everyone!
Although we had a tough weekend this past week, I'm not gonna let that get to me and focus on the up and coming races.
Last Friday we raced in Fayetteville,NC. I'll keep it short and sweet. Basically, The track rubbered hard and was ripping off tires. I was running 3rd coming for the white flag. The leader (Vic Coffey) blew out. Jeff Smith passed Vic for the lead going up the front straightaway. So, I followed Jeff's line (Bottom in the rubber) and got under Vic (for 2nd). Vic slowed down and tried to stay in the rubber and finish the final circuit. The result was He and I got hooked together and I ended up 23rd. Im not blaming Vic or myself. It was just a bad racing deal for both of us. Vic was gonna win his first WoO race and I was gonna have a good points night. So, that was that.
Saturday was at Virginia Motor Speedway. I qualified 18.0 and started 8th in my heat. 17.8 would've started me at least 3rd. (car was just a little too free qualifying). This put us behind all night. The track was very fast and hard to pass in the heat. I had to use a provisional (only 2nd one in 3 years) to start the feature. I started 23rd and ended up 13th. It wasn't a great finish but at least we managed to pass as many cars as we did. So, this definetly wasn't the best of weekends but it could've been worse I suppose.
This coming weekend I'll be driving the 25 machine (owned by Ernie Davis) at Bedford,PA and Hagerstown,MD for the Lucas Oil races. But until then, Matt (crew cheif), Dad, and I still have alot of work to do this week to prepare for K-C and Lernerville the following week.
Thats's all I have.
Thanks!
-Josh
Although we had a tough weekend this past week, I'm not gonna let that get to me and focus on the up and coming races.
Last Friday we raced in Fayetteville,NC. I'll keep it short and sweet. Basically, The track rubbered hard and was ripping off tires. I was running 3rd coming for the white flag. The leader (Vic Coffey) blew out. Jeff Smith passed Vic for the lead going up the front straightaway. So, I followed Jeff's line (Bottom in the rubber) and got under Vic (for 2nd). Vic slowed down and tried to stay in the rubber and finish the final circuit. The result was He and I got hooked together and I ended up 23rd. Im not blaming Vic or myself. It was just a bad racing deal for both of us. Vic was gonna win his first WoO race and I was gonna have a good points night. So, that was that.
Saturday was at Virginia Motor Speedway. I qualified 18.0 and started 8th in my heat. 17.8 would've started me at least 3rd. (car was just a little too free qualifying). This put us behind all night. The track was very fast and hard to pass in the heat. I had to use a provisional (only 2nd one in 3 years) to start the feature. I started 23rd and ended up 13th. It wasn't a great finish but at least we managed to pass as many cars as we did. So, this definetly wasn't the best of weekends but it could've been worse I suppose.
This coming weekend I'll be driving the 25 machine (owned by Ernie Davis) at Bedford,PA and Hagerstown,MD for the Lucas Oil races. But until then, Matt (crew cheif), Dad, and I still have alot of work to do this week to prepare for K-C and Lernerville the following week.
Thats's all I have.
Thanks!
-Josh
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thoughts from Greenville Pickens
Hi Everyone!
When I first arrived at the track, I have to admit that I was a little intimidated. There were so many good cars and drivers. I had no idea what to expect. It was almost like going to my first dirt race.
1:00-3:00 was practice. The track was slicker than I intended but It helped me get into my comfort zone much quicker. The car overall was descent but we fought it being a little tight. After practice was over, we had to make our final set-up decisions for the night.
6:00 was qualifying. I was one of the last cars to go out which made me even more nervous lol. Fast time at the time was almost a second quicker than we had practiced. I made my first lap and the car shoved very bad. The second lap I thought would be better but it was still too tight. I ended up 17th. This race was an impound race so we were stuck with what we had. At this point I wasn't feeling very confident but I knew I had 150 laps to get to the front.
7:00 was an autograph session. A few dirt fans actually came out to watch me race. I appreciate that greatly. I got to meet a whole different atmosphere of people but they were still die hard race fans.
8:00 racetime. Once we fired the engines up, all nervousness was gone and I was ready to race. Lap 1, The pole sitter missed a shift and everyone got bottled up behind him. My RF fender got bent into the tire so I had to pit. I figured it was going to be a long night.
Restart (26th) after we ran a few laps the car felt very well. It was actually a little on the free side but I was comfortable with that. I started racing and next thing I knew By around lap 50 we had a caution and I was up to 11th. I was just hoping for a top 10 and I'd be happy. We ran a few more laps and I got to 7th. At this point I figured I'd let off and try to save my tires so we could maintain at the end. The next thing I knew it was within 5 to go and we restarted in 5th. I had the preferrred line for the restart and was able to get to 4th. The checkered came out and I still couldn't believe we had made it that far. I couldn't believe we ran a top 5. It was awesome. I owe everything to Mike Fritts and crew for being confident in me and giving me a great car.
Overall I had a blast and I hope to do it again sometime.
Signing a few autographs before the race.
Mike Fritts was my crew cheif. He and I worked well together and had a great time.
The Seubert Calf Ranches, Petroff Towing, Ken Schrader Racing No. 52
I had to attend a "rookie" meeting which was a little awkward lol.
Well, That was my experince at Greenville Pickens and I hope you guys enjoyed! Now it's time for me to get my cars ready for Fayetteville and Virginia Motor Speedway.
When I first arrived at the track, I have to admit that I was a little intimidated. There were so many good cars and drivers. I had no idea what to expect. It was almost like going to my first dirt race.
1:00-3:00 was practice. The track was slicker than I intended but It helped me get into my comfort zone much quicker. The car overall was descent but we fought it being a little tight. After practice was over, we had to make our final set-up decisions for the night.
6:00 was qualifying. I was one of the last cars to go out which made me even more nervous lol. Fast time at the time was almost a second quicker than we had practiced. I made my first lap and the car shoved very bad. The second lap I thought would be better but it was still too tight. I ended up 17th. This race was an impound race so we were stuck with what we had. At this point I wasn't feeling very confident but I knew I had 150 laps to get to the front.
7:00 was an autograph session. A few dirt fans actually came out to watch me race. I appreciate that greatly. I got to meet a whole different atmosphere of people but they were still die hard race fans.
8:00 racetime. Once we fired the engines up, all nervousness was gone and I was ready to race. Lap 1, The pole sitter missed a shift and everyone got bottled up behind him. My RF fender got bent into the tire so I had to pit. I figured it was going to be a long night.
Restart (26th) after we ran a few laps the car felt very well. It was actually a little on the free side but I was comfortable with that. I started racing and next thing I knew By around lap 50 we had a caution and I was up to 11th. I was just hoping for a top 10 and I'd be happy. We ran a few more laps and I got to 7th. At this point I figured I'd let off and try to save my tires so we could maintain at the end. The next thing I knew it was within 5 to go and we restarted in 5th. I had the preferrred line for the restart and was able to get to 4th. The checkered came out and I still couldn't believe we had made it that far. I couldn't believe we ran a top 5. It was awesome. I owe everything to Mike Fritts and crew for being confident in me and giving me a great car.
Overall I had a blast and I hope to do it again sometime.
Signing a few autographs before the race.
Mike Fritts was my crew cheif. He and I worked well together and had a great time.
The Seubert Calf Ranches, Petroff Towing, Ken Schrader Racing No. 52
I had to attend a "rookie" meeting which was a little awkward lol.
Well, That was my experince at Greenville Pickens and I hope you guys enjoyed! Now it's time for me to get my cars ready for Fayetteville and Virginia Motor Speedway.
-Josh
Monday, April 13, 2009
Greenville Pickens
Well, it was an eventful weekend! After much anticipation, the first NASCAR Camping World East Series' event is now completed. We all converged at the historic Greenville Pickens Speedway for the series opening "NASCAR Home Tracks 150". Josh did a phenomenal job behind the wheel of Ken Schrader's No. 52 Chevy Monte Carlo SS.
I posted the post-race release on the new JoshRichards.com as well as video in the A/V section and a few photos (see the main photo page and then the Ken Schrader Collection). Josh is working on a blog following the race but also prepping for this weekend's WoOLMS return
I posted the post-race release on the new JoshRichards.com as well as video in the A/V section and a few photos (see the main photo page and then the Ken Schrader Collection). Josh is working on a blog following the race but also prepping for this weekend's WoOLMS return
Monday, April 6, 2009
Josh Has a Blog!
For the last few years, I have tried to nudge any and all of my drivers to create a blog to share what life is really like for them, their experiences, hobbies, etc. Either it is something they are not at all interested in or just don't feel there is much they have to contribute. Used to the "nah" response, when I mentioned it to Josh as we were planning some marketing and promotional work, he was eager to agree and seemed pumped up about it.
Knowing this kid (I know he's not a kid but if I've known you since before you had a driver's license, you're a kid), he will do a great job at this! As my blog following knows, I have my own share of haters so there will always be a few of those but I think as many get to know him they will be surprised. Around the track, he is pretty quiet thanks to his determination and low-key personality but he has some pretty ecclectic interests and is a down to earth person who just happens to spend more time traveling down highways across the country and going fast.
Stay tuned, I have the feeling this is going to be something new on the scene and he's going to make it worthwhile. Enjoy!
~Michelle
Knowing this kid (I know he's not a kid but if I've known you since before you had a driver's license, you're a kid), he will do a great job at this! As my blog following knows, I have my own share of haters so there will always be a few of those but I think as many get to know him they will be surprised. Around the track, he is pretty quiet thanks to his determination and low-key personality but he has some pretty ecclectic interests and is a down to earth person who just happens to spend more time traveling down highways across the country and going fast.
Stay tuned, I have the feeling this is going to be something new on the scene and he's going to make it worthwhile. Enjoy!
~Michelle
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