{"id":23915,"date":"2016-08-03T16:27:57","date_gmt":"2016-08-03T16:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/?p=23915"},"modified":"2016-08-03T16:27:57","modified_gmt":"2016-08-03T16:27:57","slug":"richards-sweeps-prairie-dirt-classic-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/front-page-news\/richards-sweeps-prairie-dirt-classic-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Richards Sweeps Prairie Dirt Classic Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dennis Erb Jr. Rekindles a Past Battle Between the Two Late<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"073016_WOOL_FALS2\"FAIRBURY, Ill. \u2013 July 30, 2016 \u2013 Josh Richards completed the \u201cPrairie Dirt Classic\u201d sweep Saturday night in front of a packed house, winning the 100-lap finale at Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The victory was Richards\u2019 11th<\/sup> of the season and his 69th<\/sup> of his career in the series.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo win this race at Fairbury, it\u2019s one I\u2019ve always looked forward to,\u201d Richards said. \u201cIt\u2019s cool to finally get one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richards, starting 11th<\/sup> in the feature, worked his way to the top gradually. While he was in the pursuit of the podium, race leader Steve Casebolt \u2013 who led the field into the green flag \u2013 established himself on the top cushion of the 1\/4-mile oval.<\/p>\n

In the opening laps, Casebolt extended his lead to nearly four seconds, while the trio of drivers behind him spanned three-wide among the width of the track. On lap 15, Casebolt broke into lapped traffic \u2013 using the nose of his car to wedge himself through the field. Don O\u2019Neal capitalized on the three-way battle, side-skirting the completion into second position. O\u2019Neal used the bottom of the track for the majority of the race.<\/p>\n

Tim McCreadie, who was one of the players in the three-car shootout, was able to break away from the other two. He challenged O\u2019Neal for the runner-up spot. O\u2019Neal had nothing for McCreadie, losing the battle. All the while, Richards gained enough momentum to challenge a fading O\u2019Neal for the third spot; Richards eventually won the battle. Back-to-back cautions not only instantly diminished Casebolt\u2019s 3.664-second lead, but his car experienced mechanical problems prompting the second caution. It took him out of contention as he could not finish the race.<\/p>\n

Richards used the top groove as his route to the top, though in the process his No. 1 Valvoline\/ Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket car suffered some minor left-rear body damage. Illinois-native Bobby Pierce followed suit, riding the cushion with Richards. The nose of Pierce\u2019s car ended up pitching the car airborne, causing another caution to regroup the field.<\/p>\n

On the restart, Richards secured the top of the track, and McCreadie and O\u2019Neal soon revisited their battle below him. Shane Clanton and his No. 25 Weldbank Energy\/ Coopers Meat Packers Capital car entered the battle three laps into the halfway point of the race. Again, a three-way battle was to determine who would take second position. The battle lasted nearly 10 laps, but Clanton came out on top.<\/p>\n

Following the battle, McCreadie fell back into fourth position with Dennis Erb Jr.\u2019s No. 28E J.R. McBride Leasing\/ McBride Mack Black Diamond\u00a0nipping at his heels. With 40 laps remaining, Erb overtook McCreadie for third position; O\u2019Neal lost enough momentum battling Richards, which left the door open for Erb and Clanton to pass him from both sides of the track. Erb was next to challenge Richards following the race\u2019s final caution with 26 laps remaining, but he came up short.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just had one heck of a race at the end,\u201d Erb said. \u201cI have a lot of respect for [Josh] and these other guys out here. We all wanted to race hard, and we all want to win. But we have to go out there and respect each other, too. It could have went either way. We\u2019re just happy to come home with second.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richards relived a similar fight for first from earlier this season at \u201cThe Dream.\u201d Erb ended up passing Richards that night, winning the event. Richards evened-up the score at Fairbury.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you, [Dennis] is one of the best guys in the country with these long races,\u201d Richards said. \u201cHe paced himself around the bottom and I saw him a couple of times. The top was good early, and when you\u2019re leading you\u2019re sometimes a sitting duck. This track had not one preferred groove.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Richards did not build a comfort zone between Erb and Clanton for the next 30 laps, the closest the two ever got to him was 0.498 of a second. Erb and Clanton battled briefly for the second spot, but Erb was able to keep Clanton at bay. From there, the podium did not change.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe outside was treacherous,\u201d said Clanton, who could not overtake Erb in the final laps. \u201cIt was overall a good weekend. Hopefully we can keep running consistent top five finishes, and the wins will take care of themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jonathan Davenport, who won the non-qualifier, opted to forfeit the $2,000 purse to be added to the 100-lap feature. Dvenport finished 28th.<\/p>\n

Follow the World of Outlaws Craftsman\u00ae Late Model Series on Twitter at\u00a0Twitter.com\/WoOLateModels<\/a>, like it on Facebook at\u00a0Facebook.com\/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries<\/a>, or check out the latest videos on YouTube at\u00a0Youtube.com\/WorldofOutlaws<\/a>.<\/p>\n

World of Outlaws Craftsman\u00ae Late Model Series Statistical Report; July 30, 2016; Fairbury American Legion Speedway; Fairbury, Ill.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A-Main (25-laps):<\/strong>\u00a01. 1- Josh Richards [11] [$32,850]; 2. 28E- Dennis Erb Jr. [16] [$10,600]; 3. 25- Shane Clanton [5] [$7,300]; 4. 5- Don O\u2019Neal [8] [$5,500]; 5. 18b- Shannon Babb [9] [$4,050]; 6. 7- Rick Eckert [17] [$4,300]; 7. 39- Tim McCreadie [4] [$5,350]; 8. 3s- Brian Shirley [21] [$3,250]; 9. 18- Eric Wells [24] [$3,050]; 10. 99jr- Frank Heckenast Jr. [7] [$2,650]; 11.15L- Darrell Lanigan [15] [$2,050]; 12. 0- Jake O\u2019Neil [20] [$1,800]; 13. 15- Steve Francis [12] [$1,800]; 14. 14m- Morgan Bagley [27] [$700]; 15. 21JR- Billy Moyer Jr. [13] [$2,500]; 16. 15v- Kolby Vanderbergh [26] [$2,130]; 17. 76- Brandon Overton [25] [$2,110]; 18. B12- Kevin Weaver [10] [$2,040]; 19. 35- Derek Chandler [6] [$2,720]; 20. 1*- Chub Frank [19] [$2,050]; 21. Z- Joe Harlan [14] [$3,500]; 22. 99B- Boom Briggs [28] [$475]; 23. 32- Bobby Pierce [22] [$2,200]; 24. 6k- Michael Kloos [18] [$1,500]; 25. 83- Scott Bull [25] [$2,100]; 26. c9- Steve Casebolt [1] [$2,550]; 27. 89- Mike Spatola [2] [$2,400]; 28. 6- Jonathan Davenport [28] [$1,500]; 29. 10- Scott Schmitt [26] [$1,500]<\/p>\n

Prairie Dirt Shootout Non-Qualifiers’ Race (25 laps):<\/strong>\u00a01. 6- Jonathan Davenport, 2. 18c- Chase Junghans; 3. 21- Billy Moyer; 4. 1P- Earl Pearson Jr.; 5.77M- Jay Morris; 6. 2c- Joey Coulter; 7. 99B- Boom Briggs; 8. 4- Bob Gardner; 9. 7T- Steve Thorsten; 10. 33- Billy Hough; 11. 14- Glen Thompson; 12. 24- Ryan Unzicker; 13. 91- Tyler Erb; 14. 25F- Jason Feger; 15. 11- Austin Smith; 16. 12- Jason Jameson; 17. 25z- Mason Zeigler; 18. 9D- Daniel Flessner; 19. 98- Cole Swibold; 20. 45- Don Hammer<\/p>\n

Last-Chance Showdown No. 1 (20 laps – Top 1 Transfer):<\/strong>\u00a01. 1*- Chub Frank; 2. 3s- Brian Shirley; 3. 6- Jonathan Davenport; 4. 24- Ryan Unzicker; 5. 12- Jason Jameson; 6. 99B- Boom Briggs; 7. 91- Tyler Erb; 8. 77M- Jay Morris; 9. 25F- Jason Feger; 10. 18- Eric Wells; 11. 98- Cole Swibold; 12. 14m- Morgan Bagley; 13. 33- Billy Hough; 14. 14- Glen Thompson; 15. 9- Lyle Zanker; 17. 22- Chris Ferguson; 18. 10- Scott Schmitt; 19. 76-Brandon Overton (DNS)<\/p>\n

Last-Chance Showdown No. 2 (20 laps – Top 1 Transfer):<\/strong>\u00a01. 0- Jake O\u2019Neil; 2. 32- Bobby Pierce; 3. 1P- Earl Pearson Jr.; 4. 18c- Chase Junghans; 5. 11- Austin Smith; 6. 4- Bob Gardner; 7. 25z- Mason Zeigler; 8. 21- Billy Moyer Jr.; 9. 2c- Joey Coulter; 10. 9D- Daniel Flessner; 11. 45- Don Hammer; 12. 7T- Steve Thorsten; 13. 38c- John Gardner Jr.; 14. 11G- Gordy Gundaker; 15. 2M- Allen Murray; 16. 75- Gary Turpin; 17. D2- Snookie Dehm; 18. R1- Riley Hickman; 19. 83- Scott Bull<\/p>\n

World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners (awards presented to noted finisher\/qualifier or next highest displaying decal):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Comp Cams – $50 Product certificate: Josh Richards
\nMSD – $50 Cash: Josh Richards
\nQuarterMaster – $100 Product certificate: Dennis Erb Jr.
\nWrisco Aluminum – 3 Sheets of aluminum: Josh Richards
\nPenske Shocks – TBD Product certificate: Don O\u2019Neal
\nJE Pistons – $50 Cash: Shannon Babb
\nVP Racing Fuels – $50 Cash: Brian Shirley
\nEdelbrock – $50 Cash: Eric Wells
\nComp Cams – $50 Cash: Frank Heckenast Jr.
\nMorton Buildings – $50 Cash: Darrell Lanigan
\nCometic Gasket – $50 Cash: Morgan Bagley
\nJRI Shocks – $50 Cash: Billy Moyer Jr.
\nSuperFlow – $50 Cash: Billy Moyer Jr.
\nQuarterMaster – $25 Product certificate: Billy Moyer Jr.
\nJE Pistons – Set of rings: Kolby Vanderbergh
\nQuarterMaster – $50 Product certificate: Chub Frank
\nArizona Sport Shirts – $100 Product certificate: Bobby Pierce
\nJE Pistons – Set of rings: Boom Briggs
\nMSD – $25 Cash: Steve Casebolt
\nQA1 – $50 Cash: Kolby Vanderbergh
\nBonus Bucks – $500 Cash: Don O\u2019Neal
\nRookie Bonus – $250 Cash: Billy Moyer Jr.
\nCraftsman Bonus – $100 Cash: Dennis Erb Jr.
\nCraftsman Bonus – $200 Cash: Josh Richards
\nCraftsman Bonus – $200 Cash: Shane Clanton
\nCraftsman Bonus – $200 Cash: Rick Eckert
\nCraftsman Bonus – $200 Cash: Brian Shirley
\nCraftsman Bonus – $200 Cash: Eric Wells<\/p>\n

2016 World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 30 – 26 A-Mains completed (rank\/driver\/residence\/points\/deficit to leader):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Pos.<\/strong><\/td>\nCar #<\/strong><\/td>\nDriver<\/strong><\/td>\nResidence<\/strong><\/td>\nPoints<\/strong><\/td>\nTrail By<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/td>\n1<\/td>\nJosh Richards<\/td>\nShinnston, WV<\/td>\n3760<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\n25<\/td>\nShane Clanton<\/td>\nZebulon, GA<\/td>\n3546<\/td>\n214<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\n7<\/td>\nRick Eckert<\/td>\nYork, PA<\/td>\n3448<\/td>\n312<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\n3S<\/td>\nBrian Shirley<\/td>\nChatham, IL<\/td>\n3338<\/td>\n422<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\n76<\/td>\nBrandon Overton<\/td>\nEvans, GA<\/td>\n3314<\/td>\n446<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\nC9<\/td>\nSteve Casebolt<\/td>\nRichmond, IN<\/td>\n3238<\/td>\n522<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\n21JR<\/td>\nBilly Moyer Jr.<\/td>\nBatesville, AR<\/td>\n3230<\/td>\n530<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\n99JR<\/td>\nFrank Heckenast Jr.<\/td>\nFrankfort, IL<\/td>\n3210<\/td>\n550<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\n1*<\/td>\nChub Frank<\/td>\nBear Lake, PA<\/td>\n3204<\/td>\n556<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>\n18<\/td>\nEric Wells<\/td>\nHazard, KY<\/td>\n3170<\/td>\n590<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/td>\n14M<\/td>\nMorgan Bagley<\/td>\nGladewater, TX<\/td>\n3148<\/td>\n612<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12<\/td>\n18C<\/td>\nChase Junghans<\/td>\nManhattan, KS<\/td>\n3038<\/td>\n722<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13<\/td>\n91<\/td>\nTyler Erb<\/td>\nNew Waverly, TX<\/td>\n2794<\/td>\n966<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14<\/td>\n2C<\/td>\nJoey Coulter<\/td>\nUnion Grove, NC<\/td>\n2666<\/td>\n1094<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15<\/td>\n99B<\/td>\nBoom Briggs<\/td>\nBear Lake, PA<\/td>\n2476<\/td>\n1284<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16<\/td>\n77<\/td>\nJordan Yaggy<\/td>\nRochester, MN<\/td>\n1416<\/td>\n2344<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17<\/td>\n11<\/td>\nAustin Smith<\/td>\nCedartown, GA<\/td>\n1368<\/td>\n2392<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
18<\/td>\n0<\/td>\nScott Bloomquist<\/td>\nMooresburg, TN<\/td>\n1116<\/td>\n2644<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
19<\/td>\n6<\/td>\nJonathan Davenport<\/td>\nBlairsville, GA<\/td>\n1100<\/td>\n2660<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20<\/td>\n17M<\/td>\nDale McDowell<\/td>\nChickamauga, GA<\/td>\n1088<\/td>\n2672<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

The World of Outlaws Craftsman\u00ae Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Bad Boy Off Road (Official Side-by-Side Vehicle), Craftsman (Official Tool), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), Morton Buildings (Official Building), Sears (Official Home Store), The Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience (Official Racing Experience, VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel) and DirtonDirt.com (Hard Charger Award); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, MSD, Penske Shocks, QA1, QuarterMaster, Superflow Dynos and Wrisco Aluminum; along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, Integra Shocks, Impact Racing Products, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Rocket Chassis and TNT Rescue.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dennis Erb Jr. Rekindles a Past Battle Between the Two Late FAIRBURY, Ill. \u2013 July 30, 2016 \u2013 Josh Richards completed the \u201cPrairie Dirt Classic\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"publish_to_discourse":"","publish_post_category":"","wpdc_auto_publish_overridden":"","wpdc_topic_tags":"","wpdc_pin_topic":"","wpdc_pin_until":"","discourse_post_id":"","discourse_permalink":"","wpdc_publishing_response":"","wpdc_publishing_error":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-front-page-news","category-late-models"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23915","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23915"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23915\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23918,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23915\/revisions\/23918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karnac.com\/flanews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}