NCTS RACE RECAP: RICHMOND RACEWAY
Event: Black’s Tire 250 Presented By BTS Rewards (250 laps / 187.5 miles)
Round: 17 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Richmond Raceway
Location: Richmond, VA
Date & Time: Saturday, August 15 | 12:00 PM ET
No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Landen Lewis | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Start: 24th | Stage 1: 16th | Stage 2: 15th
Finish: 14th | Driver Points: 22nd | Owner Points: 8th
Read Landen’s Bio
- Key Takeaway: Landen Lewis and the J.F. Electric team earned a top-15 finish at Richmond Raceway. After slipping up on his qualifying lap and having to start 24th, Lewis gained track position in the first stage. Noting that his truck was tight, the No. 45 team made several changes to shift the balance more to Lewis’ liking. He made up ground in the final stage, charging to 14th-place in the final run to the checkered flag.
- Landen Lewis’ Post-Race Thoughts: “Our short-run speed was really good at the end of the race. In the first stage, our short-run speed was good, but I was way too tight through the center of the corner. We tried to free it up, but that hurt our long-run speed. We paid for it at the end of the run for sure, but it was still a solid day. It’s not what we want by any means, but we have an idea of what we need to do for New Hampshire, and we’re going to change directions and to make a swing at it. I’m proud that we continue to fight every single week on our J.F. Electric team. I need to work on some qualifying efforts and I think we’ll be okay. Starting in the back taught me a lot about my race craft and I picked up on things I need to do when racing around other guys.”
About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.
No. 42 Vetted Ventures Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Parker Eatmon | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski
Start: 6th | Stage 1: 13th | Stage 2: 16th
Finish: 16th | Driver Points: 32nd | Owner Points: 23rd
Read Parker’s Bio
- Key Takeaway: Parker Eatmon and the Vetted Ventures team ran consistently throughout the 250-lap event in Richmond. Eatmon nabbed his best-career qualifying effort with a sixth-place starting position. In the first stage, the No. 42 team lost track position but held serve around the top-15. The rookie managed a solid pace and remained on the lead lap all race long. Eatmon crossed the finish line in 16th-place.
- Parker Eatmon’s Post-Race Thoughts: “We had a decent day today, but I just feel like I didn’t fire off as well as everybody else. I think that’s just experience, but once I got settled in, we were running some decent lap times and were able to keep up in stage one and stage two. The final stage was a little difficult with the handling on our Vetted Ventures Chevy with no grip on the rear tires. Overall, it wasn’t a bad day. It wasn’t a great one, but we’ll keep fighting onto Loudon next week.”
About Vetted Ventures: Vetted Ventures is a pioneer in revolutionizing private sales and acquisitions management through an ecosystem of exclusive clients with the ability to be represented by one company across different industries. We aim to provide our clients with the opportunities they seek backed by the service they deserve. To learn more about the company, please visit www.Vetted-Ventures.com.
No. 44 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andrés Perez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Start: 8th | Stage 1: 22nd | Stage 2: 26th
Finish: 23rd | Driver Points: 15th | Owner Points: 20th
Read Andrés’ Bio
- Key Takeaway: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the DQS Solutions & Staffing team had a hard-fought day in Richmond. Pérez de Lara qualified inside the top-10 in eighth-place, but lacked long-run pace and slid down the running order early on. The driver reported that his truck was free on entry and tight in the center, which prompted adjustments after going a lap down. Though the team worked hard to shift the balance, Pérez de Lara was unable to make up the lost ground. He was credited with a 23rd-place finish.
- Andrés Pérez de Lara’s Post-Race Thoughts: “It was a tough day at the office with our DQS Chevy today. We struggled a lot with balance, and we knew we were going to have a difficult time with our long-runs based off yesterday’s practice. We tried to fix it, but could never figure out the best setup today. It was a frustrating day, but we have our eyes on New Hampshire where we had a good result last year, so we will hopefully go back next week and have a good race.”
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.
No. 4 TowneBank / Breeden Concrete Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Connor Hall | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
Start: 31st | Stage 1: 20th | Stage 2: 25th
Finish: 28th | Driver Points: 52nd | Owner Points: 32nd
Read Connor’s Bio
- Key Takeaway: Connor Hall and the TowneBank / Breeden Concrete team battled adverse conditions at Richmond Raceway. Hall started towards the rear of the field in 31st, but passed several trucks in the opening stage. With a blistering pace set by the leaders, the No. 4 truck fell a lap down and was unable to contend for the free pass. Hall and the No. 4 team struggled with the balance during the opening two stages, leading the team to make major adjustments. Unfortunately, the Virginian did not get the result he hoped for, finishing the race in 28th-place.
- Connor Hall’s Post-Race Thoughts: “It was a long race for us today in Richmond. I wish we could have ran a little bit better for the hometown crowd, but I am still very thankful for the opportunity. Mike Shiplett and the boys did a good job making changes throughout the race to get our TowneBank / Breeden Concrete Silverado handling better, but we were already trapped down a couple laps and it made it difficult to make any ground up. We all have some things to work on before the next race, but I appreciate everyone’s efforts today.”
About TowneBank: TowneBank started in 1999, based on the idea of strong relationships, excellent service, and the most respected and experienced bankers in each market we serve. Building on the idea of serving others and enriching lives, we now provide a full range of banking and other financial services. Dedicated to a culture of caring, we value each employee and member by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.
Today, TowneBank operates nearly 70 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads, Central Virginia, and Northeastern and Central North Carolina. As a practical expression of its mission, TowneBank is intentional about being a local leader in each community—actively promoting social, cultural, and economic growth.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
