Josh Richards Rockets to Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at East Bay Raceway Park

TAMPA, FL (February 11, 2015) – Josh Richards took the lead from Billy Moyer on lap 17 and raced on to take the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win Wednesday Night at East Bay Raceway Park. It was Richards’ fourth career win at “The Clay by the Bay.” Florida native Mark Whitener had his best career LOLMDS finish by taking second ahead of 25th starting, Steve Francis, Don O’Neal, and Billy Moyer.

Richards started third and rocketed to the lead on the opening lap of the 35-lap event. He led until Moyer passed him for the top spot on lap eight. Moyer then held the advantage over Richards for several laps as the two drivers swapped the lead. Richards retook the lead with 19 laps remaining and never looked back.

“We had a really good car all night. It was tough sitting out most of last year; it makes you appreciate this sport even more. We have always run well here at East Bay. I want to thank all of my crew, my dad, and Steve Baker as well. I also have to thank our sponsors Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Ernie D’s, Petroff Towing, Durham Racing Engines, and of course Rocket Chassis.”

“The track was weird like last night. The heats and B-mains were really good. Our car ran better up top in three and four and we had to get down low going into one. These hard tires take some time getting used to. You have to have momentum and be smooth on them. I think the track did a great job with the track.”

Whitener was extremely happy with his runner-up finish. “To run second in a Lucas Oil race is just terrific, these guys are the best-of-the-best. I don’t really have a whole lot of experience on open motor racing, but we proved as a team we have what it takes to run up front. I have to thank Dave’s Towing, Miller Lite, and Barry Wright Race Cars.”

Francis broke a rocker arm before his heat race and took a fast time provisional starting spot. Francis would roar from the last row to finish third. “Our car has been fast the last two times out. If we can beat the gremlins, we are going to win some races here soon. I want to thank Clint Bowyer, Georgia Boot and Crawford Supply, and all of our other sponsors for their help.”

Completing the top ten were Brandon Sheppard, Tim Dohm, Devin Moran, Earl Pearson Jr., and Jason Papich.

In preliminary action, Tim Dohm set the overall Miller Welders Fast Time (Group A) amongst the 43 entrants, with a lap of 14.663 seconds. Steve Francis set the fastest time in Group B with a time of 14.844 seconds. Billy Moyer, Dennis Erb Jr., Devin Moran and Josh Richards won their respective heat races. Jason Papich and Don O’Neal won their respective B-Mains. Dan Stone won the DirtonDirt.com Strawberry Dash.

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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Race Summary
Wednesday, February 11th, 2015
39th Annual Winternationals
East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa, FL

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Tim Dohm / 14.663 seconds

Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Steve Francis / 14.844 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Billy Moyer, Tim Dohm, Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Dennis Franklin, Jason Papich, Bob Gardner, Chris Brown, John Gardner, Dustin Mitchell, Dan Schlieper

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Dennis Erb, Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Mason Zeigler, Stormy Scott, Davey Johnson, Terry English, Allen Murray, Charlie LaPlant, Nick Davis, James O’Hara

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Devin Moran, Mark Whitener, Jared Landers, Ricky Weiss, Bobby Pierce, Kenny PettyJohn, Brandon Sheppard, Chad Hollenbeck, Doug Blashe, Gregg Hill, Steve Francis

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Josh Richards, Earl Pearson, Jr., Kyle Bronson, Billy Moyer, Jr., Don O’Neal, Dan Stone, Gregg Satterlee, David Fieber, Mike Benedum, Gavin Landers

Fast Shafts B-Main #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Jason Papich, Stormy Scott, Chris Brown, Terry English, Dennis Franklin, Allen Murray, Davey Johnson, John Gardner, Dan Schlieper, Dustin Mitchell, Bob Gardner, James O’Hara, Nick Davis, Charlie LaPlant

Keyser MFG B-Main #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Don O’Neal, Bobby Pierce, Brandon Sheppard, Gregg Satterlee, Dan Stone, David Fieber, Doug Blashe, Mike Benedum, Kenny PettyJohn, Chad Hollenbeck, Gregg Hill, Gavin Landers, Steve Francis

DirtonDirt.com Strawberry Dash Finish: Dan Stone, Allen Murray, Davey Johnson, Mike Benedum, Dustin Mitchell, Dan Schlieper, Doug Blashe, David Fieber, James O’Hara, Kenny PettyJohn

Feature Finish (35 Laps):

Race Statistics

Entrants: 43

Lap Leaders: Josh Richards (Lap 1); Billy Moyer (Lap 2); Josh Richards (Laps 3 – 7); Billy Moyer (Laps 8 – 16); Josh Richards (Laps 17 – 35)
Cautions: Kyle Bronson (Lap 7); Debris (Lap 20)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: n/a
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: n/a
Miller Welders Fast Time Provisional: Steve Francis
DirtonDirt.com Strawberry Dash Provisional: Dan Stone
Wrisco Feature Winner: Josh Richards
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Steve Francis (Started: 25th; Finished: 3rd; Advanced 22 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Earl Pearson Jr.
Allstar Performer of the Race: Mark Whitener

Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Josh Richards

Rookie of the Race: N/A
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Racing Engines

Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Danny White (Josh Richards)

CV Products Fastest Lap of the Race: Billy Moyer (Lap #2; 16.855 sec)
Hot Rod Processing Most Laps Led: Josh Richards (25 Laps)
PFC Brakes Tough Break Award: Kyle Bronson

Time of Race: 17 minutes 21 seconds
 

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:
 

*Points are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesdayfollowing Race Day*