Copyright 2009 - Hammer Motorsports Media
Richard showed up to Ventura Raceway this past Saturday determined to
find the sweet spot in the 71 machine and put on a strong showing.
Richard is not far from the 3rd spot in the VRA Championship standings
and he can taste his first win of the season coming real soon, Richard
finished 4th in his heat after getting slowed up by a tough battle between
John Nock and Slammin' Brandon for the 3rd spot. John Nock and
Richard came into turn 4 neck and neck but the 71 machine overcame the
83 to advance to the Main Event. Richard started 6th row outside for the
12th position, The track was good from top to bottom and every single car
was fast, not much passing but Richard battled to finish 8th and hold on
to the 4th spot in the standings. Below is some pictures of Richard
wearing the Leatt Brace, Richard feels that this is the next step to Sprint
Car safety and highly praises the comfort and economic value of the brace.
For more info check out Leatt-Brace.com
find the sweet spot in the 71 machine and put on a strong showing.
Richard is not far from the 3rd spot in the VRA Championship standings
and he can taste his first win of the season coming real soon, Richard
finished 4th in his heat after getting slowed up by a tough battle between
John Nock and Slammin' Brandon for the 3rd spot. John Nock and
Richard came into turn 4 neck and neck but the 71 machine overcame the
83 to advance to the Main Event. Richard started 6th row outside for the
12th position, The track was good from top to bottom and every single car
was fast, not much passing but Richard battled to finish 8th and hold on
to the 4th spot in the standings. Below is some pictures of Richard
wearing the Leatt Brace, Richard feels that this is the next step to Sprint
Car safety and highly praises the comfort and economic value of the brace.
For more info check out Leatt-Brace.com
Something to Prove...
Richard came to Ventura Raceway this Saturday with something to prove, and If
you weren't there to witness his performance....He proved it. Richard dominated
his heat race and won in convincing fashion, He looked very smooth and his car
was the fastest I have seen it all year. Now it was time to perform in the Main Event.
Richard started second row outside for the 4th position, A few laps in he fell back to
the 6th spot and was in a heated battle with the 09 car of Luis Espinoza, Richard
was clearly faster and was being held up, coming out of turn 4 Richard's front
bumper got caught up on Luis' rear bumper and Richard got a tow around the track
until Luis decided to pull off the track so crew members could detach the two cars.
Richard was pushed back on to the track but had to start dead last with 20 laps to
go, a few laps after the green Richard had passed three cars and was picking off guys
left and right. Fans in the stands started to take notice, you could here the whispers
of "keep your eye on the 71 car", with 10 laps to go Richard passed Steve Conrad,
Tony Dighera, and Chris Wakim as if they were idling around the track, his next
battle was with the very quick Clark Templeman III for the number 2 spot, just as
Richard dove down into turn 3 to make a pass on Clark, the Yellow flag waived. 8
laps to go and Richard is sitting pretty in the 3rd spot, green flag drops and its right
back on the gas, Richard makes the pass on Clark with 4 to go and is closing in fast
on Brian Camarillo. Richard gains in turns 3 and 4 but loses ground in 1 and 2
because they are both running the same line, with 2 laps to go Richard noses past
Brian exiting turn 4 but Brian grabs the lead back on the front stretch and holds on
for the win. WOW, is all you can say after witnessing the show the 71 machine put
on for us, finishing 2nd after starting from the back with 20 laps to go is quite
impressive. Richard is in the 4th spot in the standings but is only a few points back
of 3rd. Expect Richard to come out with the same intensity and determination this
weekend in Bakersfield and try to close the gap on points leader Kevin Kierce. A
Win for Richard this year is not a question of if, but when?
you weren't there to witness his performance....He proved it. Richard dominated
his heat race and won in convincing fashion, He looked very smooth and his car
was the fastest I have seen it all year. Now it was time to perform in the Main Event.
Richard started second row outside for the 4th position, A few laps in he fell back to
the 6th spot and was in a heated battle with the 09 car of Luis Espinoza, Richard
was clearly faster and was being held up, coming out of turn 4 Richard's front
bumper got caught up on Luis' rear bumper and Richard got a tow around the track
until Luis decided to pull off the track so crew members could detach the two cars.
Richard was pushed back on to the track but had to start dead last with 20 laps to
go, a few laps after the green Richard had passed three cars and was picking off guys
left and right. Fans in the stands started to take notice, you could here the whispers
of "keep your eye on the 71 car", with 10 laps to go Richard passed Steve Conrad,
Tony Dighera, and Chris Wakim as if they were idling around the track, his next
battle was with the very quick Clark Templeman III for the number 2 spot, just as
Richard dove down into turn 3 to make a pass on Clark, the Yellow flag waived. 8
laps to go and Richard is sitting pretty in the 3rd spot, green flag drops and its right
back on the gas, Richard makes the pass on Clark with 4 to go and is closing in fast
on Brian Camarillo. Richard gains in turns 3 and 4 but loses ground in 1 and 2
because they are both running the same line, with 2 laps to go Richard noses past
Brian exiting turn 4 but Brian grabs the lead back on the front stretch and holds on
for the win. WOW, is all you can say after witnessing the show the 71 machine put
on for us, finishing 2nd after starting from the back with 20 laps to go is quite
impressive. Richard is in the 4th spot in the standings but is only a few points back
of 3rd. Expect Richard to come out with the same intensity and determination this
weekend in Bakersfield and try to close the gap on points leader Kevin Kierce. A
Win for Richard this year is not a question of if, but when?
June 21, 2008
June 15, 2008
Determined...
Richard "Iron Man" McCormick made the press after this past Saturday's
performance. Check out the SurfnSprint article here....How sweet it is
performance. Check out the SurfnSprint article here....How sweet it is
Iron Man
June 26, 2008
Richard had some bad luck in Bakersfield
for the Bandit-VRA Grand Slam and didn't
make it to the Main Event. Every Racer
has a night like this and Richard is looking
to put it behind him with a great showing
July 12th in Ventura. Richard still
maintains the 4th spot in the VRA
Championship Standings.
Left: Richard and the 71 Crew repairing
the front end after a run in with Bruce
Douglas in the B-Main
for the Bandit-VRA Grand Slam and didn't
make it to the Main Event. Every Racer
has a night like this and Richard is looking
to put it behind him with a great showing
July 12th in Ventura. Richard still
maintains the 4th spot in the VRA
Championship Standings.
Left: Richard and the 71 Crew repairing
the front end after a run in with Bruce
Douglas in the B-Main
Breakersfield
July 1, 2008
Perseverance
July 14, 2008
Richard's bad luck continued early
Saturday night at Ventura Raceway, The
71 machine was on the track to mud pack
when it had a run in with a push truck.
Richard tried to avoid the collision to no
avail due to a slippery track, the end result
was both shock towers were sheared from
the car. Richard will not give up that easy,
car owner Steve Luport who is also a
fabricator jumped on the portable Lincoln
and welded the shock towers back on as if
it was new. Richard jumped back in the
car right on time for the first heat, He
finished 2nd and advanced to the show.
Richard found himself starting 1st row
Saturday night at Ventura Raceway, The
71 machine was on the track to mud pack
when it had a run in with a push truck.
Richard tried to avoid the collision to no
avail due to a slippery track, the end result
was both shock towers were sheared from
the car. Richard will not give up that easy,
car owner Steve Luport who is also a
fabricator jumped on the portable Lincoln
and welded the shock towers back on as if
it was new. Richard jumped back in the
car right on time for the first heat, He
finished 2nd and advanced to the show.
Richard found himself starting 1st row
outside and rocketed out to the lead before they hit turn 1, Richard was being chased
by the very fast Clark Templeman and he held him off for the first 18 laps. A yellow
flag broke up Richards momentum and Clark got by Richard with a slide job in turn
2 on the next green. Richard fought off Luis Espinoza, Troy Rutherford and Steve
Conrad to hold on to 2nd place. Richard is 10 points out of the 3rd spot in the
Standings and 1 win away from being on the doorstep of points leader Kevin Kierce.
Richards perseverance will get him a Victory this season, a well earned one. Come
out to Ventura Raceway and check out Richard this Saturday July 19th.
by the very fast Clark Templeman and he held him off for the first 18 laps. A yellow
flag broke up Richards momentum and Clark got by Richard with a slide job in turn
2 on the next green. Richard fought off Luis Espinoza, Troy Rutherford and Steve
Conrad to hold on to 2nd place. Richard is 10 points out of the 3rd spot in the
Standings and 1 win away from being on the doorstep of points leader Kevin Kierce.
Richards perseverance will get him a Victory this season, a well earned one. Come
out to Ventura Raceway and check out Richard this Saturday July 19th.
Richard and his crew showed up Saturday night to Ventura Raceway 10 points out of
the 3rd spot in the standings. VRA has a pretty competitive field and any one of the
top 4 racers could walk away with the 2008 Championship Trophy. Richard knows
that he must be consistent and try to finish on the podium from here on out. Richard
looked good in his heat, which looked more like a trophy dash with the likes of Greg
Taylor, Kevin Kierce, Dennis Rodriguez and young gun Guy Woodward. Richard out
lasted Guy in a long battle and finished 2nd. Richard would start 3rd row outside for
the 6th position in the Main Event. Richard was hot on the tail of Chris Wakim when
he got into the back of him resulting in a flat right front sending him across the track
into the infield nearly missing the sprinters behind him. Richard pulled off the track
and his crew sent him off with some new rubber in record time, Richard had to
re-start in the back of the pack on a very dry slick track. He managed to find a groove
and climbed up to finish 14th. Richard still holds on to the 4th spot in the standings.
He's looking to climb the standings this upcoming Saturday in Santa Maria for the
Bandit-VRA Grand Slam. Check out the message board for News, Info, and Results.
the 3rd spot in the standings. VRA has a pretty competitive field and any one of the
top 4 racers could walk away with the 2008 Championship Trophy. Richard knows
that he must be consistent and try to finish on the podium from here on out. Richard
looked good in his heat, which looked more like a trophy dash with the likes of Greg
Taylor, Kevin Kierce, Dennis Rodriguez and young gun Guy Woodward. Richard out
lasted Guy in a long battle and finished 2nd. Richard would start 3rd row outside for
the 6th position in the Main Event. Richard was hot on the tail of Chris Wakim when
he got into the back of him resulting in a flat right front sending him across the track
into the infield nearly missing the sprinters behind him. Richard pulled off the track
and his crew sent him off with some new rubber in record time, Richard had to
re-start in the back of the pack on a very dry slick track. He managed to find a groove
and climbed up to finish 14th. Richard still holds on to the 4th spot in the standings.
He's looking to climb the standings this upcoming Saturday in Santa Maria for the
Bandit-VRA Grand Slam. Check out the message board for News, Info, and Results.
Dry-Slick Setback
July 20, 2008
The Comeback
September 1, 2008
Richard and Crew showed up Saturday night at Ventura Raceway for the D' Angelos
Sprint Shootout 3rd in both the VRA Championship Standings and the D' Angelos
Shootout Standings. Richard began the night starting 2nd in the 4th Heat and
rocketing to the front where he never looked back, he lead all 10 laps and won. The
71 car started 4th in the Main Event, when the checkered flag dropped Richard found
himself in a 3 car battle for first with Johnathon Henry and Bobby Michnowicz. The
battle lasted a few laps when Richard bicycled the 71 Machine when he found a rut
between turns 3 & 4 which left him facing the wrong direction and he would have to
re-start from the rear of the field. Richard didn't give up and he passed car after car to
a strong 6th place finish. Richard still remains 3rd in the VRA Standings and closes
the gap on the 2nd place position of Clarke Templeman. Richard McCormick
Merchandise will be available this week, stay tuned.
Sprint Shootout 3rd in both the VRA Championship Standings and the D' Angelos
Shootout Standings. Richard began the night starting 2nd in the 4th Heat and
rocketing to the front where he never looked back, he lead all 10 laps and won. The
71 car started 4th in the Main Event, when the checkered flag dropped Richard found
himself in a 3 car battle for first with Johnathon Henry and Bobby Michnowicz. The
battle lasted a few laps when Richard bicycled the 71 Machine when he found a rut
between turns 3 & 4 which left him facing the wrong direction and he would have to
re-start from the rear of the field. Richard didn't give up and he passed car after car to
a strong 6th place finish. Richard still remains 3rd in the VRA Standings and closes
the gap on the 2nd place position of Clarke Templeman. Richard McCormick
Merchandise will be available this week, stay tuned.
Top 5 in VRA Points Standings
Kevin Kierce 3825
Clark Templeman III 3660
Richard McCormick 3395
Rick Hendrix 3255
Brandon Thomson 3190
Kevin Kierce 3825
Clark Templeman III 3660
Richard McCormick 3395
Rick Hendrix 3255
Brandon Thomson 3190
September
6 USAC/CRA Sprints, Senior Sprints,
Jr. Midgets… 18th Annual Wagsdash
2008
13 VRA Sprints, Dwarf Cars, IMCA
Modifieds, Sport Compacts, Jr. Midgets
& Mini Dwarfs
6 USAC/CRA Sprints, Senior Sprints,
Jr. Midgets… 18th Annual Wagsdash
2008
13 VRA Sprints, Dwarf Cars, IMCA
Modifieds, Sport Compacts, Jr. Midgets
& Mini Dwarfs
Photo Finish
September 13, 2008
29 Laps down, 1 to go.....Richard took the
white flag Saturday Night at Ventura Raceway
with the Points Leader Kevin Kierce hot on
his tail. Richard was squeezed coming out of
turn 4 of the final lap resulting in the 71 & K2
banging wheels down the straight away,
Kierce crossed the imaginary line first by a
front bumper. Richard was robbed and the 71
crew could do nothing about it, another tough
night for McCormick on what seemed to be
his night. Richard also won his heat race in
convincing fashion. Look for Richard and
crew to avenge this loss on October 4th at
Ventura Raceway. Richard is 3rd in the VRA
Standings
white flag Saturday Night at Ventura Raceway
with the Points Leader Kevin Kierce hot on
his tail. Richard was squeezed coming out of
turn 4 of the final lap resulting in the 71 & K2
banging wheels down the straight away,
Kierce crossed the imaginary line first by a
front bumper. Richard was robbed and the 71
crew could do nothing about it, another tough
night for McCormick on what seemed to be
his night. Richard also won his heat race in
convincing fashion. Look for Richard and
crew to avenge this loss on October 4th at
Ventura Raceway. Richard is 3rd in the VRA
Standings
VRA Standings - Top 5
1. Kevin Kierce 4085
2. Clark Templeman III 3830
3. Richard McCormick 3635
4. Rick Hendrix 3370
5. Brandon Thomson 3335
1. Kevin Kierce 4085
2. Clark Templeman III 3830
3. Richard McCormick 3635
4. Rick Hendrix 3370
5. Brandon Thomson 3335
Sat. night was more of a test night for the #71 sprint car. The heat race, we won. In
the main we started 6th. The start was a little on the wild side, the front row got
together and we had a restart. The restart was not great, the next lap the two front
cars locked wheels at the flag stand, so everyone checked up, I hit the car in front of
me and was hit in the bumper and pushed sideways. So the yellow flies and i end up
8th. The scorers did not go back to the last lap like the rules say. The car was as
good, it was almost perfect, i had the car a little loose, and we had a lot of yellows,
the track got slicker and slicker the top was not there and bottom was the best for
most of the race. So we ran in 2nd place for most of the race. About 3 laps to the end
the top was coming in but it was to late a car passed me and we were in traffic, then
to the top and the checker flag so out. I ended up in 3rd place. There were some bad
calls made up in the tower, I think they just don't care!!.
the main we started 6th. The start was a little on the wild side, the front row got
together and we had a restart. The restart was not great, the next lap the two front
cars locked wheels at the flag stand, so everyone checked up, I hit the car in front of
me and was hit in the bumper and pushed sideways. So the yellow flies and i end up
8th. The scorers did not go back to the last lap like the rules say. The car was as
good, it was almost perfect, i had the car a little loose, and we had a lot of yellows,
the track got slicker and slicker the top was not there and bottom was the best for
most of the race. So we ran in 2nd place for most of the race. About 3 laps to the end
the top was coming in but it was to late a car passed me and we were in traffic, then
to the top and the checker flag so out. I ended up in 3rd place. There were some bad
calls made up in the tower, I think they just don't care!!.
Richard's Race Recap
November 8, 2008
There were over 40 sprint cars there, There were 5 heat races and 2 B mains. I
was in the 2nd heat race, I finish 2nd . The main event I started in the 5th row
outside. The car was not perfect, But it was good. The start I was hit by the car
next to me, He put me into the back stretch wall, I fell back 5 spots. I came back
and passed a few more cars. There were a lot of yellow flags, You would get up to
speed and heat in your tires, Then there was another yellow, That went on and
on. Back to racing, my car did not have good forward bite, I had to make the best
with what I had. I passed a few more cars and ended up near the front, But I ran
out of laps, The checked flag was out, the race was over. A top 5 finish is the best
I could do that night. The #71 sprint car will be back next week to try to put it in
the winners circle. 'Till next week, see ya at the races. Thanks again to all of the
fans and the people that help me to race this awesome sprint car.
-Richard McCormick
was in the 2nd heat race, I finish 2nd . The main event I started in the 5th row
outside. The car was not perfect, But it was good. The start I was hit by the car
next to me, He put me into the back stretch wall, I fell back 5 spots. I came back
and passed a few more cars. There were a lot of yellow flags, You would get up to
speed and heat in your tires, Then there was another yellow, That went on and
on. Back to racing, my car did not have good forward bite, I had to make the best
with what I had. I passed a few more cars and ended up near the front, But I ran
out of laps, The checked flag was out, the race was over. A top 5 finish is the best
I could do that night. The #71 sprint car will be back next week to try to put it in
the winners circle. 'Till next week, see ya at the races. Thanks again to all of the
fans and the people that help me to race this awesome sprint car.
-Richard McCormick
Opening Night at Ventura Raceway
The Iron Man Report 3-14-2009
Results: 3-14-2009
1. Greg Alexander
2. Kevin Kierce
3. Greg Taylor
4. Steve Conrad
5. Richard McCormick
1. Greg Alexander
2. Kevin Kierce
3. Greg Taylor
4. Steve Conrad
5. Richard McCormick
Ventura Raceway, The night started
well, I was in the 3rd heat race, It was
a good test for the #71 Steve Luport
sprint car, I had clean air in front of
me and led all 10 laps to win. The main
event, I started in the 3rd row inside,
The car was good, I was in 5th and only
6 laps into it, A visitor from the
Bandits, (They use their bumper and
nerf bars to get past you), Put me into
the front wall coming out of turn 4,
and an other car, So sorry to say that
was the end of the night for me. Thanks
to my crew for giving me a great car all
night, I wish we had some more laps to
see how good the car was. I will have
better night next weekend. Until then
see ya at the races.
-Richard McCormick
well, I was in the 3rd heat race, It was
a good test for the #71 Steve Luport
sprint car, I had clean air in front of
me and led all 10 laps to win. The main
event, I started in the 3rd row inside,
The car was good, I was in 5th and only
6 laps into it, A visitor from the
Bandits, (They use their bumper and
nerf bars to get past you), Put me into
the front wall coming out of turn 4,
and an other car, So sorry to say that
was the end of the night for me. Thanks
to my crew for giving me a great car all
night, I wish we had some more laps to
see how good the car was. I will have
better night next weekend. Until then
see ya at the races.
-Richard McCormick
Bandit Bashing
The Iron Man Report 3-21-2009
Iron Man enjoys the California Sunset...Click on
Image for larger view
Image for larger view
Next Race: 3/28/2009 @ Ventura Raceway
The Iron Man Report 3-28-2009
Back in the Sprint Car
-Ventura Raceway. I was in the 1st heat of the night, The
track was tacky, the car was too tight for the condition of
the track (I was originally placed in the 4th heat but due
to a late comer all the Heats were re-aligned), But the car
was fast, we finished 1st. The main event came around and
the track was dry slick blue groove, we had the car set up
good for the beginning of the race, I knew the car was not
perfect, but it was good for the rest of the race, we finished
5th. We ran under green flag conditions for 15 or 20 laps,
It was a good test session for the #71 sprint car. Thanks
again to Steve Luport and my crew for the prep and setup
of the car, and thanks to all the fans. We will be back at
Ventura Raceway next week for the Grand Slam Race.
Until next week see you Back in the Sprint Car.
- Richard McCormick
track was tacky, the car was too tight for the condition of
the track (I was originally placed in the 4th heat but due
to a late comer all the Heats were re-aligned), But the car
was fast, we finished 1st. The main event came around and
the track was dry slick blue groove, we had the car set up
good for the beginning of the race, I knew the car was not
perfect, but it was good for the rest of the race, we finished
5th. We ran under green flag conditions for 15 or 20 laps,
It was a good test session for the #71 sprint car. Thanks
again to Steve Luport and my crew for the prep and setup
of the car, and thanks to all the fans. We will be back at
Ventura Raceway next week for the Grand Slam Race.
Until next week see you Back in the Sprint Car.
- Richard McCormick
Pos Driver Points
1 Kevin Kierce 735
2 Greg Taylor 650
3 Greg Alexander 630
4 Brian Camarillo 535
5 Richard McCormick 515
6 Chris Wakim 495
7 Rick Hendrix 475
8 Cody Kershaw 445
9 Steve Conrad 430
10 Luis Espinoza 425
1 Kevin Kierce 735
2 Greg Taylor 650
3 Greg Alexander 630
4 Brian Camarillo 535
5 Richard McCormick 515
6 Chris Wakim 495
7 Rick Hendrix 475
8 Cody Kershaw 445
9 Steve Conrad 430
10 Luis Espinoza 425
VRA STANDINGS
Next Race: 4/4/2009
@ Ventura Raceway
@ Ventura Raceway
Grand Slam #1
The Iron Man Report 4-4-2009
Back in the sprint car, Grand Slam race #1. Ventura
Raceway, Over 40 cars showed up, There were 5
heats and 2 Semi Mains. I was in the 5th heat race
of the night, I finished 1st, It was a good run for the
#71 sprint car. The main event was stacked with
some of best drivers around (not sure why they had
so much grip). The car was ok under green flag
conditions for 10 or more laps. The track was dry
slick again with no grip, The bottom was good but I
had the car set up tight, the top was ok, But the
dust was thick and was hard to see the track
conditions, during cautions I lost heat in the tires
and for some reason I didn't have any left rear bite
for the Main. Well, we have some work to due on the
car to make it better. The good news is...we have
next Sat. to fix it, Eventually we will get it fixed.
Thanks again to Steve Luport and the Crew for the
hard work on the car. Until next weekend, I will see
you......Back In The Sprint Car.
- Richard McCormick
Raceway, Over 40 cars showed up, There were 5
heats and 2 Semi Mains. I was in the 5th heat race
of the night, I finished 1st, It was a good run for the
#71 sprint car. The main event was stacked with
some of best drivers around (not sure why they had
so much grip). The car was ok under green flag
conditions for 10 or more laps. The track was dry
slick again with no grip, The bottom was good but I
had the car set up tight, the top was ok, But the
dust was thick and was hard to see the track
conditions, during cautions I lost heat in the tires
and for some reason I didn't have any left rear bite
for the Main. Well, we have some work to due on the
car to make it better. The good news is...we have
next Sat. to fix it, Eventually we will get it fixed.
Thanks again to Steve Luport and the Crew for the
hard work on the car. Until next weekend, I will see
you......Back In The Sprint Car.
- Richard McCormick
Richard flies out of turn 4, for the Heat
Race Win - Click Pic for Larger View
Race Win - Click Pic for Larger View
Next Race: 4/11/2009 @ Ventura Raceway
VRA STANDINGS
1. Kevin Kierce 905
2. Richard McCormick 695
3. Brian Camarillo 680
4. Greg Taylor 675
5. Rick Hendrix 630
2. Richard McCormick 695
3. Brian Camarillo 680
4. Greg Taylor 675
5. Rick Hendrix 630
Back In The Sprint Car.... Ventura Raceway 4-11-09. Heat race #1 of the night, The
track had good grip and was fast, I finished 2nd. The main event, I had a good
starting spot ( outside front row ) I jumped out front and into the lead, the car
was fast, but 5 or so laps in, there were 4 or 5 cars stopped in turn 3, caution came
out ( there go's my lead) we ran under the yellow for 10 laps or more, that killed
my car !!. The new track is a one line up high, off the wall to get foreword bite, or
cut someone off to get by them type of track. I am trying to make my car drive so I
do not have to depend on one line to go forward and faster. We will try to fix the
car or I will have to drive the car off the wall. At the end I finished in the top 10,
we had a left rear tire down so that did not help. Thanks again to everybody and
the fans for having patience with me, I will try to get to the winners circle soon. I
will be....... Back In The Sprint Car.
-Richard McCormick
track had good grip and was fast, I finished 2nd. The main event, I had a good
starting spot ( outside front row ) I jumped out front and into the lead, the car
was fast, but 5 or so laps in, there were 4 or 5 cars stopped in turn 3, caution came
out ( there go's my lead) we ran under the yellow for 10 laps or more, that killed
my car !!. The new track is a one line up high, off the wall to get foreword bite, or
cut someone off to get by them type of track. I am trying to make my car drive so I
do not have to depend on one line to go forward and faster. We will try to fix the
car or I will have to drive the car off the wall. At the end I finished in the top 10,
we had a left rear tire down so that did not help. Thanks again to everybody and
the fans for having patience with me, I will try to get to the winners circle soon. I
will be....... Back In The Sprint Car.
-Richard McCormick
Next Race: 4/25/2009 @ Bakersfield Raceway
One Line, Up High...
The Iron Man Report 4-11-2009
*STATS PAGE UPDATED*
Bakersfeild Speedway 4-25-09 ( Grand Slam #2 ). The car out of the trailer was
perfect. The heat race the first lap i was hit by a driver that was not looking far
enough in front of his front wheels to see that myself and a other car where
together and were slowing down, He hit me in the left side full throttle ( That
Hurt ). My crew and I started to fix the car and Danny Faria and his guys all
jumped in and helped, The car was ready just in time for the semi main. The
semi the car was awesome I finish 3rd. The main event I started 22nd, The track
was a dust bowl and in bad shape, But my car was a rocket, I was picking cars off
one by one, I drove my way up to 9th. The car was great, until I hit the cushion
out of turn 4, The right rear tire was flat ?, I could not tell if it was something
else that broke ?, whatever the right rear hit the wall and that was it for me.
Thanks to Steve Luport and his crew and to Danny Faria and his crew for the
hard work putting the car back on the track. I Hope we will have the car ready
for the next race.
-Richard McCormick
perfect. The heat race the first lap i was hit by a driver that was not looking far
enough in front of his front wheels to see that myself and a other car where
together and were slowing down, He hit me in the left side full throttle ( That
Hurt ). My crew and I started to fix the car and Danny Faria and his guys all
jumped in and helped, The car was ready just in time for the semi main. The
semi the car was awesome I finish 3rd. The main event I started 22nd, The track
was a dust bowl and in bad shape, But my car was a rocket, I was picking cars off
one by one, I drove my way up to 9th. The car was great, until I hit the cushion
out of turn 4, The right rear tire was flat ?, I could not tell if it was something
else that broke ?, whatever the right rear hit the wall and that was it for me.
Thanks to Steve Luport and his crew and to Danny Faria and his crew for the
hard work putting the car back on the track. I Hope we will have the car ready
for the next race.
-Richard McCormick
Race Day Camaraderie
The Iron Man Report 4-25-2009
Ventura Raceway ... 5-2-09....Well we did not have the # 71 Ellis sprint car ready
for this weekends race, so we had to go to the backup car ( TCR # 71 ), It has bin
2 years a go that we had that car on the race track. Heat race # 2 , This car is a
lot different from the Ellis, But the car was ok, I finished 1st. The main event I
started on the pole, the car was not great at first but it was ok, we had a red flag
and we worked on the car and the car was better, it was a good test run for
getting the car better for next weekend. I finish in the top 10 ( 7th place ).
Thanks to Steve Luport , he worked a ton of hours on the car all week to have it
ready to race. Next race we will have the TCR and after the break we will have the
Ellis back on the track. Thanks again to all the fans out there and to my crew,
great job !
- Richard McCormick
for this weekends race, so we had to go to the backup car ( TCR # 71 ), It has bin
2 years a go that we had that car on the race track. Heat race # 2 , This car is a
lot different from the Ellis, But the car was ok, I finished 1st. The main event I
started on the pole, the car was not great at first but it was ok, we had a red flag
and we worked on the car and the car was better, it was a good test run for
getting the car better for next weekend. I finish in the top 10 ( 7th place ).
Thanks to Steve Luport , he worked a ton of hours on the car all week to have it
ready to race. Next race we will have the TCR and after the break we will have the
Ellis back on the track. Thanks again to all the fans out there and to my crew,
great job !
- Richard McCormick
Ventura Raceway... 5-9-09 ...... Back In The (TCR ) Sprint Car, last week it was a
good test night in Steve Luport's #71 backup car, I was pretty sure the car was
going to be to tight for the heat race, so we loosened the car up, I should of left
the car the way it was. The car turned around on me and that sent me to the
semi main. The semi we tightened the car up and it was awesome, I won that
race and the car was ready for the main event. The main event I started 17th and
the car was going to the front, the car was as good or better. But a few laps into it
i was turned around by another car, I had to go to the back and start all over.
The restart I just clipped a slower car and it broke the tie rod mount on the right
front spindle, so that was the end of my night, that's racing !. Hopefully the Ellis
#71 sprint car will be ready for the next race. Thanks again To Steve Luport and
his awesome crew of guys that put up with me, I feel so bad for them, they work
so hard on that race car for me !. I will try my hardest to put that car in the
winners circle this year for them !. Are next race is on the 23rd, so we will have a
shot at a main event win, Back In The Sprint Car !!
- Richard McCormick
good test night in Steve Luport's #71 backup car, I was pretty sure the car was
going to be to tight for the heat race, so we loosened the car up, I should of left
the car the way it was. The car turned around on me and that sent me to the
semi main. The semi we tightened the car up and it was awesome, I won that
race and the car was ready for the main event. The main event I started 17th and
the car was going to the front, the car was as good or better. But a few laps into it
i was turned around by another car, I had to go to the back and start all over.
The restart I just clipped a slower car and it broke the tie rod mount on the right
front spindle, so that was the end of my night, that's racing !. Hopefully the Ellis
#71 sprint car will be ready for the next race. Thanks again To Steve Luport and
his awesome crew of guys that put up with me, I feel so bad for them, they work
so hard on that race car for me !. I will try my hardest to put that car in the
winners circle this year for them !. Are next race is on the 23rd, so we will have a
shot at a main event win, Back In The Sprint Car !!
- Richard McCormick
Ventura Raceway ...5-23-09...... Back In The (TCR) Back Up car again, I just can
not fine what that car and I like. The last weekend was a off night, so Steve
Luport had the time to freshin' up the engine in the TCR sprint car #71, It helped
the car out a little bit better, now it has power that you need to fix a car that is
hard to drive. Heat race #4, I had a good starting spot, But the track was dry
slick on bottom and the top was good, I lost two spots on the bottom, went to the
top and I was in 3rd and finish there. The Main Event, started in the 6th row, the
car was ok, I drove the car the best that I could, I just can not get that car to go
forward the way I would like It. I finished 9th. I think that the Ellis works better.
The Ellis is a race or two away from being ready to race. Thanks to Steve Luport
and his crew for the hard work on the race car. So until the next race I will see
you ..... Back In The Sprint Car !!
- Richard McCormick
not fine what that car and I like. The last weekend was a off night, so Steve
Luport had the time to freshin' up the engine in the TCR sprint car #71, It helped
the car out a little bit better, now it has power that you need to fix a car that is
hard to drive. Heat race #4, I had a good starting spot, But the track was dry
slick on bottom and the top was good, I lost two spots on the bottom, went to the
top and I was in 3rd and finish there. The Main Event, started in the 6th row, the
car was ok, I drove the car the best that I could, I just can not get that car to go
forward the way I would like It. I finished 9th. I think that the Ellis works better.
The Ellis is a race or two away from being ready to race. Thanks to Steve Luport
and his crew for the hard work on the race car. So until the next race I will see
you ..... Back In The Sprint Car !!
- Richard McCormick
The Iron Man Report 5-2-2009
The Iron Man Report 5-9-2009
The Iron Man Report 5-23-2009
TCR Time!
Tie Rod Blues
Where's my Ellis!
Ventura Raceway .... 6-27-09.... It was great to get Back In The Sprint Car again.
Steve Luport (the car owner) wanted to take a break from racing to catch up on
the race car and to get away from some of the problems at the track (that has not
changed). The track still has no grip and one line when its good !. Heat race #2, I
started inside last row (the pill pick was 63, not good) 7th and finished 5th. The
semi main, I had a front row outside spot, I ended up 2nd, the car was ok but had
no forward bite. The main event, again the track was dry slick, and starting in
the back was not good, everyone was going the same speed, and it was hard to
pass. But what I can't get is how some of the guys out front, on a no grip dry slick
track can pass guys out there with no problem ?, everyone has the VRA tire, and
the set-up can't be that much better that there passing cars like they have a RC3
or something to get more grip !. Well we have the next weekend off, so maybe we
can work on a better set-up or go back to the note's from last year to get the car
back out front. Thanks to Steve Luport and his great crew and to all of the fans
out there . Until the next race on 7-11, I will see you.... Back In The Sprint Car ! .
-Richard McCormick
Steve Luport (the car owner) wanted to take a break from racing to catch up on
the race car and to get away from some of the problems at the track (that has not
changed). The track still has no grip and one line when its good !. Heat race #2, I
started inside last row (the pill pick was 63, not good) 7th and finished 5th. The
semi main, I had a front row outside spot, I ended up 2nd, the car was ok but had
no forward bite. The main event, again the track was dry slick, and starting in
the back was not good, everyone was going the same speed, and it was hard to
pass. But what I can't get is how some of the guys out front, on a no grip dry slick
track can pass guys out there with no problem ?, everyone has the VRA tire, and
the set-up can't be that much better that there passing cars like they have a RC3
or something to get more grip !. Well we have the next weekend off, so maybe we
can work on a better set-up or go back to the note's from last year to get the car
back out front. Thanks to Steve Luport and his great crew and to all of the fans
out there . Until the next race on 7-11, I will see you.... Back In The Sprint Car ! .
-Richard McCormick
The Iron Man Report 6-27-2009
Back to Business
Ventura Raceway 7-11-09.....After a little break, again it was all about your pill
pick, track position, and starting spot in the heat races and the mains, our pill
pick was #65, so it put me in the 3rd heat race (it had all the fast guys in it) in the
8th starting position, I finished 5th, the track was one line on the top follow the
leader. The Semi Main: They worked on the track for the mains, the track was
the best it has been all year ( track prep is great when you make the time by
having less classes race in one night ) so that made it a lot more fun, I had a good
starting spot in the 2nd row inside, the car was almost perfect and I finished 1st.
The Main Event: The the track was pretty much used up by the Midget main and
the Senior sprint car main ( 50 laps ) on the race track. Starting in the back, 17th
on a slick track is a hard thing to do and to get to the front, cars are jockeying for
position while the guys that start up front have a jump on other cars ( track
position ) and the track had two racing lines making it hard to get going and up
to speed, this gives the cars up front a chance to catch up to the back of the pack
and it stayed green for all 30 laps. This week everyone was going almost the same
speed out there, passing was still hard to do unless you pushed them out of the
way or let them make a mistake or you had more grip in a place that no one else
had. Next week we race at Ventura Raceway again, hopefully we get a better pill
pick so we can have that track position that we all need so much at this
track!Thanks to Steve Luport and his great crew of guy's that hang in there each
week and the race fans that show up each and every Sat. Night to watch us race.
We are still trying to get the Ellis back up to speed from the Bakersfield crash,
there is a problem that we have with the car that we can't find!...till the next race.
I will see ya... Back In The Sprint Car.
-Richard McCormick
pick, track position, and starting spot in the heat races and the mains, our pill
pick was #65, so it put me in the 3rd heat race (it had all the fast guys in it) in the
8th starting position, I finished 5th, the track was one line on the top follow the
leader. The Semi Main: They worked on the track for the mains, the track was
the best it has been all year ( track prep is great when you make the time by
having less classes race in one night ) so that made it a lot more fun, I had a good
starting spot in the 2nd row inside, the car was almost perfect and I finished 1st.
The Main Event: The the track was pretty much used up by the Midget main and
the Senior sprint car main ( 50 laps ) on the race track. Starting in the back, 17th
on a slick track is a hard thing to do and to get to the front, cars are jockeying for
position while the guys that start up front have a jump on other cars ( track
position ) and the track had two racing lines making it hard to get going and up
to speed, this gives the cars up front a chance to catch up to the back of the pack
and it stayed green for all 30 laps. This week everyone was going almost the same
speed out there, passing was still hard to do unless you pushed them out of the
way or let them make a mistake or you had more grip in a place that no one else
had. Next week we race at Ventura Raceway again, hopefully we get a better pill
pick so we can have that track position that we all need so much at this
track!Thanks to Steve Luport and his great crew of guy's that hang in there each
week and the race fans that show up each and every Sat. Night to watch us race.
We are still trying to get the Ellis back up to speed from the Bakersfield crash,
there is a problem that we have with the car that we can't find!...till the next race.
I will see ya... Back In The Sprint Car.
-Richard McCormick
The Iron Man Report 7-11-2009
Track Position
The Iron Man Report 7-18-2009
The Pill Pick
It is so Important to pick a low number, again the number was 63. It started with a track
that had to much water on it, so the sprint cars had to wheel pack, but when you pick a high
number you have a better track to hot lap. It did not work out that way this time, the high
number put me on a track that was junk, so i was just wheel packing for all of the low
number guy's so they had a good track to hot lap( thats not a great way to start the night ).
Again i was in the first heat race starting last with the fast guy's on a track that was badly
rutted up and one line, I ended up in the 5th spot. On to the semi main, I had a problem
with the right rear tire, the car was a hand full to drive on a track that was rutted up and
the car wasn't good, I finish 4th, that put us in the last spot for the main. The Main Event,
Steve Luport tried out a new setup on the car and could feel right away that the car was
going to be good. The track was the roughest i had drove on at this track in a long time, it
tore up cars and drivers out there, we had a lot of cautions that helped me out to get by cars
on the restarts and it fixed some of the big ruts. The car was getting better by the lap, I
found places that did not work for other drivers to pass, at the end (the last 5 laps) I was
getting faster and faster, the car was back like it was at the start of the season. I need one
more race to make sure we have a handle on it. At the finish I ended up 6th from the 20th
starting spot, that makes up for all of the problems we had all night. Steve was still not to
happy about the way they (VRA) runs the show, but he has all week to think about it, and
how good the car was tonight! I want to thank Steve Luport for allowing me to drive his
#71 Ellis sprint car each weekend and to his great crew of guys. Thanks to all the fans, until
the next race .... see ya, Back In The Sprint Car!
-Richard McCormick
that had to much water on it, so the sprint cars had to wheel pack, but when you pick a high
number you have a better track to hot lap. It did not work out that way this time, the high
number put me on a track that was junk, so i was just wheel packing for all of the low
number guy's so they had a good track to hot lap( thats not a great way to start the night ).
Again i was in the first heat race starting last with the fast guy's on a track that was badly
rutted up and one line, I ended up in the 5th spot. On to the semi main, I had a problem
with the right rear tire, the car was a hand full to drive on a track that was rutted up and
the car wasn't good, I finish 4th, that put us in the last spot for the main. The Main Event,
Steve Luport tried out a new setup on the car and could feel right away that the car was
going to be good. The track was the roughest i had drove on at this track in a long time, it
tore up cars and drivers out there, we had a lot of cautions that helped me out to get by cars
on the restarts and it fixed some of the big ruts. The car was getting better by the lap, I
found places that did not work for other drivers to pass, at the end (the last 5 laps) I was
getting faster and faster, the car was back like it was at the start of the season. I need one
more race to make sure we have a handle on it. At the finish I ended up 6th from the 20th
starting spot, that makes up for all of the problems we had all night. Steve was still not to
happy about the way they (VRA) runs the show, but he has all week to think about it, and
how good the car was tonight! I want to thank Steve Luport for allowing me to drive his
#71 Ellis sprint car each weekend and to his great crew of guys. Thanks to all the fans, until
the next race .... see ya, Back In The Sprint Car!
-Richard McCormick
