Richards Leads Flag-to-Flag in First Race at Ogilvie Raceway
SHINNSTON, W.Va. (July 18, 2016) – For the second-consecutive race, Josh Richards was the class of the field, leading all 50 laps at Ogilvie (Minn.) Raceway on Wednesday to capture his 10th World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series win of the year and 16th dirt late model victory of the season.
Wednesday marked another new track on the World of Outlaws Series schedule as Richards and crew headed to Ogilvie Raceway for the first time. Though the track was new, it didn’t take long for the West Virginia native to figure things out, posting the third quickest lap overall in qualifying. Richards’ time-trial effort lined him up on the pole for Heat Race 3. At the drop of the green flag, the Rocket Chassis driver jumped out to a sizable lead and never looked back leading all 10 laps en route to the Heat Race victory. Richards’ heat win made him eligible for the redraw and he drew the first starting spot for the 50-lap Feature.
Starting on the pole for the A-Main, Richards dominated, leading by as much as eight seconds during one point of the event. Though three caution flags slowed the race, Richards remained in command of the field leading the Feature flag-to-flag to collect the victory. The win extended Richards’ World of Outlaws Series championship point lead to 224 markers over second-place Shane Clanton.
Richards was scheduled to compete at Hibbing (Minn.) Raceway on Thursday and River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., on Friday, but both races were cancelled due to inclement weather.
The Valvoline driver will take a short break from racing as the Series is off this weekend. Richards will return to action July 28 at Quincy (Ill.) Raceway and July 29-30 at Fairbury (Ill.) American Legion Speedway.
Wednesday Results
Qualifying – 3rd Heat Race – 1st Feature Start – 1st Feature Finish – 1st
JOSH RICHARDS QUOTE: "It’s always fun to go to a new track and Ogilvie Raceway was a beautiful facility. I’m glad they added it to the schedule this year. Our Valvoline machine was really fast and I was able to move around on the track to find grip and speed. It was great to get my 10th World of Outlaws (Craftsman Late Model Series) win of the year. We’ve had a phenomenal season. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of their help and support this year.”