The Series Returns to Action on Saturday at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55
BROWNSTOWN, Ill. – July 1, 2016 – Josh Richards battled Brian Shirley to score his first-career Summer Nationals victory on Friday night at Fayette County Speedway in Brownstown, Ill.
Richards took the the quick time award earlier in the night and started the feature in third. Polesitter, Tyler Erb, coming off a career-best World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series finish at Rockford Speedway, came into the night with momentum.
Erb led the field early, but it was Shirley and Richards who battled forward, both drivers swapping the lead on several occasions. Richards though edged past Shirley on lap 35 for the final time and built an insurmountable lead down the stretch.
“It feels really good,” Richards said. “These guys are extremely tough in this area and we’re kind of outsiders coming in… It was fun to go out there and race side-by-side with Shirley.”
Series points leader Bobby Pierce rounded out the night in 14th.
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals continues to roll Saturday night at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo.
Follow the Summer Nationals and Summit Modified Nationals on Twitter at Twitter.com/SummerNationals or on Facebook at Facebook.com/SummerNationals. Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the series throughout the lead up and the summer on the series’ websites at TheHellTour.com and ModifiedNationals.com.
DIRTcar Summer Nationals Statistical Report; Fayette County Speedway; Brownstown, Ill.
A-Main: 1. Josh Richards (Shinnston, WV), 2. Brian Shirley (Chatham, IL), 3. Frank Heckenast Jr (Frankfort, IL), 4. Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR), 5. Jason Feger (Bloomington, IL), 6. Steve Casebolt (Richmond, TN), 7. Tyler Erb (New Waverly, TX), 8. Chase Junghans (Manhattan, KS), 9. Tanner English (Benton, KY), 10. Ryan Unzicker (El Paso, IL), 11. Timothy Culp (Sheridan, AR), 12. Brandon Overton (Evans, GA), 13. Bob Gardner (East Peoria, IL), 14. Bobby Pierce (Oakwood, IL), 15. Gordy Gundaker (St Charles, MO), 16. Michael Kloos (Trenton, IL), 17. Tim Manville (Troy, IL), 18. Shane Clanton (Fayetteville, GA), 19. Rusty Griffaw (Festus, MO), 20. Shannon Babb (Moweaqua, IL), 21. Rodney Melvin (Benton, IL), 22. Billy Moyer Jr (Batesville, AR). Hard Charger: Jason Feger.
2016 DIRTcar Summer Nationals Schedule
| Date | Day | Track | Winners |
| Northern Kickoff | |||
| June 15 | Wednesday | Brownstown Speedway | Rain/Cancelled |
| June 16 | Thursday | Kankakee Co. Speedway | Bobby Pierce |
| June 17 | Friday | Cedar Lake Speedway | Billy Moyer |
| June 18 | Saturday | Cedar Lake Speedway | Billy Moyer (2) |
| June 19 | Sunday | Wilmot Speedway | Bobby Pierce (2) |
| Heartland Tour | |||
| June 20 | Monday | OFF | |
| June 21 | Tuesday | Jacksonville Speedway | Bobby Pierce (3) |
| June 22 | Wednesday | Farley Speedway | Rain/Cancelled |
| June 23 | Thursday | Spoon River Speedway | Dennis Erb Jr. |
| June 24 | Friday | Tri-City Speedway | Bobby Pierce (4) |
| June 25 | Saturday | Fairbury Speedway | Brandon Sheppard |
| June 26 | Sunday | Tri-State Speedway | Bobby Pierce (5) |
| Southern Tour | |||
| June 27 | Monday | OFF | |
| June 28 | Tuesday | Clarksville Speedway | Ryan Unzicker |
| June 29 | Wednesday | Belle-Clair Speedway | Bobby Pierce (6) |
| June 30 | Thursday | Springfield Raceway | Rain/PPD |
| July 1 | Friday | Fayette Co. Speedway | Josh Richards |
| July 2 | Saturday | Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 | |
| July 3 | Sunday | Lincoln Speedway | |
| Independence Week | |||
| July 4 | Monday | LaSalle Speedway | |
| July 5 | Tuesday | Daugherty Speedway | |
| July 6 | Wednesday | Peoria Speedway | |
| July 7 | Thursday | Macon Speedway | |
| July 8 | Friday | Farmer City Speedway | |
| July 9 | Saturday | Highland Speedway | |
| July 10 | Sunday | Quincy Raceways | |
| Champions Week | |||
| July 11 | Monday | OFF | |
| July 12 | Tuesday | Plymouth Speedway | |
| July 13 | Wednesday | Shadyhill Speedway | |
| July 14 | Thursday | Merritt Speedway | |
| July 15 | Friday | Oakshade Raceway | |
| July 16 | Saturday | Oakshade Raceway |
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” is brought to fans across the country by many important partners including: Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Racing Electronics (Official Communication), VP Racing Fuel (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to these fine Contingency Partners: Beyea Headers, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Fox Shocks, JE Pistons, MSD, Impact Race Products, Quartermaster, Superflow Dynos, Summit Racing Equipment and Wrisco Aluminum; Promotional Partners include: Chevy Performance Parts, Indiana Decal, Intercomp and Petroff Towing.