Sullivan driver thrives as points leader at two tracks

Speedweay 95 report

Trying to win a championship at one track is tough, but trying to win two championships at two different tracks is even tougher.

Just ask Richard Burrill. The Sullivan driver is points leader in Wacky Wednesday’s Little Enduro division at Speedway 95 in Hermon and the points leader in Thursday Thunder’s Men’s Peanut division at Unity Raceway.

“We have a good shot [to win the championship] at Unity and I’m pretty close at Speedway 95,” said Burrill.

He has finished second in Little Enduro points for the last two years, but he wouldn’t be upset if he had to settle for a third runner-up trophy.

“I’d like to win the championships. If we do, it’s great, if not, that’s great, too. We’ve had a great year and it’s been a lot of fun. Most important thing is to have fun,” said Burrill.

Racing can be a lot of fun when you enjoy the success that Burrill has. He has finished third or better in 15 of 25 races at the two tracks, including two wins at Speedway 95.

The competition has tightened up this year in the Little Enduro division, and Burrill is really enjoying it.

“[Speedway 95] gave us a three-quarter inch of tilt in the front wheels and some cars are running a lot better this year. I’m a little bit better because of it, but it hasn’t helped me as much as some guys,” said Burrill.

Burrill, 37, has raced a little bit on dirt tracks, but this is only his third full season of racing. He is glad he picked the Little Enduros to begin with.

“The Little Enduros are definitely a great class to get started in, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, and it doesn’t take too much to be competitive,” said Burrill. “I’ve had the same car for all three years and we’ve gotten a little bit better every year.”

A lot of drivers can win on a Wednesday night, but there are few still in the hunt for the championship.

“Artie Maguire is probably the toughest to beat. Darrin Durrell and Bob Merchant are tough, too, but both of them have had some bad races to knock them back in points,” said Burrill.

Avoiding the wall and spinning cars is always a challenge.

“I haven’t gotten into any wrecks at Speedway yet, so that’s helped to keep us up in points. If you can come home and not have to do any body work, you’ve had a good night,” Burrill said with a laugh.

Burrill has enjoyed his time in the Little Enduro class, but he says he’s ready to move up.

“I’m working toward getting a Super Street car. It’ll probably be cheaper to get a car that’s already running. It’s getting toward the end of the season and some guys will have their cars for sale,” said Burrill. “I want to get some experience with the Super Street and learn how to drive a rear-wheel drive car.”

“Eventually, I’d like to race Pro Stocks or even drive one of the Legends cars. They look like a lot of fun and are very fast. I’d be interested in doing a traveling circuit, too, if a good sponsorship came along,” said Burrill.