Josh Richards a native of Shinnston, W.Va., started his racing career at age 15 in a super dirt late model. Since he has amassed over 160 Feature wins and collected five national championships, including four World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Championships (2009, 2011, 2013, 2016) and one Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series Championship (2017).

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As a young child driving pack cars at his local dirt track and working at his family-owned race shop, Richards dreamt of one day driving his own dirt late model and someday winning a championship. Josh grew up going to church with his family and believed in God. He knew there was a greater purpose in his life, but his dream of racing became a reality and his hectic schedule often times prevented him from attending church. As Richards' career flourished he still felt a continuous void in his life and knew the only way to fulfill that emptiness was to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. 

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"Constantly being around the racing environment can make it hard to stay focused  as a Christian. I've made mistakes over the years that I regret, but I've tried to live my life pleasing to God. I want to be a light in our dark world and show what a difference having a relationship with Jesus can make in our lives.

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"As a Christian in the racing industry, I struggled to find others with my same beliefs, but in 2012 I met my future wife Andrea and my walk with Jesus became easier. I had someone who shared my faith in God and could help hold me accountable."

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2013 was full of excitement for Richards as he captured his third World of Outlaws Championship, but that excitement was short lived. Just a couple of months after winning the title, Richards announced he would be sidelined in 2014 due to health issues. 

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"It was devastating to find out I couldn't race. That is all I had ever known. After I got over the initial shock of realizing I may never race again, I gave it to God and knew everything would be okay because my Savior would provide no matter what."

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Though 2014 brought heartache it also brought happiness as Richards married his wife Andrea.

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"I believe God brought my wife into my life and she was handpicked for me. We have centered our marriage around Him and it has helped us grow closer together and closer to God."

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As 2015 rolled around, God showed his faithfulness and Richards was cleared by his doctors to go back to full-time racing competition. 

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"At the track it seems like there are a lot of silent Christians. It's hard to step out in that environment, but my advice is don't be afraid. You learn that the only thing that matters is loving God. Without Him it's impossible for worldly things to fill you up. It never works."

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Matthew 19:26  - Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."