Josh Richards is on FIRE

Richards win again at East Bay

Josh Richards in absolutely on fire. Anytime you can win on consecutive days, you feel bullet proof. Now if you can win three features in those two days, and $25,000 to go with it...you're living right. In the 33 year history of the DART Winternationals, NO ONE has ever won three in a row, until Friday. Richards picked up the make up feature in the afternoon and then pickeup up the night cap to make it three in a row. Only the night race was in doubt as Richards right rear tire was going away in the final laps, eventually going flat on the cool down lap. Friday was also a historic day for Dan Schlieper as he lowered the track record with a quick lap of 14.136. Richards looks to extend history during tonights action at East Bay

Friday Night Feature

1. Josh Richards

2. Billy Moyer

3. Matt Miller

4. Tim Fuller

5. Clint Smith

6. Dale McDowell

7. Terry Casey (pole winner 14.434)

8 Rick Eckert

9. Tim Isenberg

10. Eric Jacobsen

Top 10 Friday Afternoons make up race

1. Josh Richards

2. Rick Eckert

3. Dennis Erb Jr.

4. Billy Moyer

5. Steve Francis

6. Brady Smith

7. Dan Stone

8. Ray Cook

9. Scott James

10. Tim Fuller

Josh Richards runs over the field at East Bay

Josh Richards spins out Terry Casey (42) at East Bay

Josh Richards picked up the win Thursday Night at East Bay Speedway in one of the most dominant performances of the 2009 season. Winning by over a quarter lap in the Ernie Davis owned number 25. The win did bring back the thought that Richards can be a bit of a rough driver though, as Richards made contact with leader Terry Casey (see photo above) to take the lead. Once in the lead though, Richards would run away from the field. Richards was very apologetic in Victory Lane, but most of the fans at East Bay would have none of it as he was met with merciless boos from the grandstand. Casey was parked by Lucas Oil Officials after making contact with Richards during the lap 16 caution. Casey is also very unhappy with the Officials stance of the "no judgement rule" which does not place blame for a caution on any driver, and only penalizes drivers who stop on the speedway. (Search any dirt late model outlet for Scott Bloomquist and Dixie Speedway for another example of this rule going awry) Casey summed up his thoughts with this gem: "Pretty much spin to win, I guess thats what it is."

Top 10 Finishers 02/05/09

1. Josh Richards

2. Billy Moyer

3. Matt Miller

4. Dennis Erb Jr.

5. Mike Marlar

6. Rick Eckert

7. Dan Schlieper

8. Terry English

9. Ricky Arms

10. Clint Smith

And yes hopefully someday I'll figure out this whole single spaced double spaced fiasco with these blogs

Big Flippin Post today!!

A young looking Billy Moyer in Victory Lane at East Bay

Moyer Back in Victory Lane

Last year Billy Moyer went on a tear at East Bay and reminded anyone who had forgotten that he is one of the best dirt late model drivers of all time. Could it be happening again?? Last night Moyer was able to hold of Jimmy Owens to pick up yet another win at East Bay. Moyer was able to fend off late race challenges from Owens as well as Terry Casey to pick up the win on a by Florida Standards cold night of racing. With the win, Moyer extends his Winternationals wins record.

The Top 10 Wednesday Feb. 4, 2009
1.Billy Moyer
2.Jimmy Owens
3.Terry Casey (pole winner 14.427)
4. Rick Eckert
5. Donnie Moran
6. Steve Francis
7. Dale McDowell
8. Tim Dohm
9. Josh Richards
10. Josh McGuire

Also, I came across this on the USMTS myspace page, and found it to be great news. A big tip of the cap to the Staleys and the folks running the USMTS. I have NEVER had a bad time at a USMTS race, and things like this are why. Kudos to the USMTS for taking proactive steps to ensure, as much as possible, success in 2009 while facing tough economic times. Read on...

USMTS implements stimulus package

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (Feb. 4) – During his famous inauguration speech in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt told a nation in the depths of the depression that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

For racecar drivers, the list may be a bit longer. Volatile fuel prices and the escalating costs associated with parts and repairs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the material needs of today's competitors. From the most well-funded teams in NASCAR to the pure stock driver from Anytown, USA, the rising cost of racing is enough to strike fear in anybody's checkbook.

"Obviously there's an uneasiness about the economy right now," said USMTS president Todd Staley. "Everybody from sponsors and team owners to track operators and race fans are tightening their belts and watching their balance sheets closer than ever. We've been extremely blessed with enormous support from sponsors, drivers and fans during these past ten years, so we wanted to add some stimulus of our own to the extended USMTS family.

"The USMTS offers one of the best values in all of motorsports. For that reason, we feel that the fans will continue to include USMTS events as part of their entertainment budget so long as the product on the racetrack continues to be the best of the best."

More than 800 different drivers from 23 different States took part in USMTS events in 2008 as the rugged road warriors staged nearly 80 events at 45 unique venues in 14 different States throughout America’s heartland.

Therefore, by unanimous bipartisan consent of the congress of the United States Modified Touring Series, the following stimulus package shall be immediately implemented for the 2009 racing season:

ARTICLE I: For the third straight year, the USMTS is holding the line on ticket prices for fans attending USMTS National Tour and USMTS Southern Series events. For most shows, the recommended adult ticket price will remain $15, with discounts for kids and free admission for young children. Furthermore, the USMTS will be offering new ways for fans to get discounts on tickets, contests to earn season passes and more.

ARTICLE II: Drivers will see no increase in 2009 for the cost of entry fees or a USMTS license. There is no requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. Benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at http://www.usmts.com/

ARTICLE III: However, drivers will see an increase when they visit the pay window after each event. For instance, fourth place was $800 and will now be $900 for licensed drivers, while seventh through tenth in each USMTS National Tour main event will also see an increase in prize money. All licensed drivers that qualify for the Holley "A" Main will be guaranteed at least $300, up from $250 last season.

ARTICLE IV: The 2009 race season will see two track provisionals at all USMTS races during the 2009 season. On nights when there are 40 or fewer cars entered, 20 will qualify through the heat races and Real Racing Wheels "B" Mains. Two USMTS provisionals will be awarded, along with two track provisionals to create a 24-car Holley "A" Main starting field. On nights when 41 or more cars check in, 22 qualifiers will be joined by two USMTS provisionals and two track provisionals to make up a 26-car starting field. Track provisionals will generally be awarded based on track points, but drawings or other means may be used at the discretion of the promoter.

ARTICLE V: The Top Dog bonus will remain in effect for both the USMTS National Tour and USMTS Southern Series in 2009. Beginning with the third event in each region of the USMTS National Tour, drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $400 at each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points for that region. USMTS Southern Series drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $300 at each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points, while drivers ranked 11th through 15th will earn a minimum of $200.

ARTICLE VI: Finally, for the fourth straight season, the Casey's General Stores Hunt for the USMTS National Championship will crown the USMTS National Champion. Eighteen events make up The Hunt for 2009, with all single-day events paying $3,000 to win. The Sept. 18-19 doubleheader at the North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minn., will pay $2,000 to win on Friday and $3,000 to win on Saturday. The 11th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree is set for Sept. 24-26, with $2,000 going to the winner on Thursday, $4,000 on Friday and $6,000 on Saturday.

God bless America.

Beginning its 11th season in 2009, the USMTS is the ultimate playground for America’s hottest Modified drivers. To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit http://www.usmts.com/ online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

Ah yes...we've got CONTROVERSY

Matt Miller (7) races around Steve Francis at East Bay

So lets see, it took the dirt late model world all of four races for a little controversy. Matt Miller picked up the win Tuesday Night at the Winternationals at Easy Bay Speedway. Miller had a harder tire on than Tim Dohm who won the pole, his heat, and led the first 22 laps of the race. What happens next depends on who you talk to. Miller says Dohm slid up. Dohn says Miller punted him. Third running Billy Moyer says "it happens sometimes." Who to believe?? It's probably somewhere there in the middle.

Top 10, night one Winternationals

1. Matt Miller

2. Billy Moyer

3. Scott James

4. Jimmy Owens

5. Steve Francis

6. Dan Schlieper

7. Wayne Chinn

8. Jeep Van Wormer

9. Eric Jacobsen

10. Rick Eckert

photo and info from dirtondirt.com used in this post

East Bay Practice Photos

I firmly believe Rick Schwallie is the best photographer in the business, and he has some practice photos up from Sunday night at East Bay. Monday's night number one was a rain out, but check out the pictures with the new look of Jeep Van Wormer, Dale McDowell, Shannon Buckingham and many more!! Check them out!!

Rick Schwallie Photography

Chupp and Owens take the Checkers at GIS

Randall Chupp waves from Victory Lane

Randall Chupp continued his hot start to the 2009 season by making an impressive run through the field for the finale of the Super Bowl of Racing at Golden Isle Speedway. Chupp started at the rear of the field and took the lead on lap 37 and ran away from the field. With finishes of second, second, and first, Chupp is off to a great start for 2009. One driver that, according to reports, is not so lucky is Chris Madden. Madden was involved in an incident with leader Scott Bloomquist which damaged both cars, and Madden may have broken his wrist. The top ten looked like this:
1. Randle Chupp
2. John Blankenship
3. Matt Miller
4. Kelly Boen
5. Josh Richards
6. Dan Schlieper
7. Scott Bloomquist
8. Steve Francis
9. Rick Eckert
10. Tim Fuller

In other on track action, Jimmy Owens picked up his second straight SuperBowl Championship (yeah I don't know how that worked) by picking up a shootout race with the other top 10 in points from the week. Also, a tip of the cap to the fans at GIS who donated over $3000.00 to the Tim McCreadie support fund. McCreadie was injured in a wreck at the Chili Bowl, and has a severe back injury but according to doctors should make a full recovery.

We now have a couple of nights off until Easy Bay kicks off on Tuesday. Go CARDINALS!!!!