Richards Captures ARCA Racing Series Pole at Chicagoland Speedway

In only his seventh start in the series, Josh Richards has captured the pole for today's ARCA Racing Series event at Chicagoland Speedway. The 23-year-old driver will make his first pavement start in 2011 this afternoon piloting the No. 25 Kentucky Fuel/Texas Corral/Joy Mining Machinery Toyota fielded by Venturini Motorsports.

"I couldn't be happier with earning the pole award today. The Venturini guys have given me a really good racecar and I think we're going to be really competitive in today's race. I'm excited to get another pavement race under my belt, and really looking forward to getting a good finish today for Venturini Motorsports, Kentucky Fuel, Texas Corral and Joy Mining Machinery," said Richards.

Richards, a two time World of Outlaws Late Model Series (WoO LMS) champion, is making select starts with the Venturini Motorsports organization in the ARCA Racing Series this season, while still running a full season on dirt. Richards recently announced his entry into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) with Kyle Busch Motorsports. The young racer will make his first truck series start on July 7 at Kentucky Speedway in a Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota Tundra. Richards' current sponsor in the WoO LMS, Kentucky Fuel, is sponsoring his ARCA Racing Series car for today's race along with partner Joy Mining Machinery, who announced just two weeks ago will be on board with Richards and Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NCWTS.

The Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 at Chicagoland Speedway begins at 6 p.m. ET with live timing and scoring available on ARCARacing.com. SPEED will air a same-day tape delayed broadcast at 11 p.m. ET.