Published: June 21, 2008 12:31 am            

Adams dominant in modified class

Joe Adams is one of the most successful drivers in the history of Enid Speedway Park. Competition is so fierce on the Garfield County Fairgrounds dirt track, it frequently takes stock car racers several years to put a notch on their belt for a coveted “A” feature win. Over the past nine years, Adams has made his way to victory lane more than 40 times, racing in almost every division, from mini stocks to modifieds.

Adams is a dominant force as he embarks on his second season in the track’s premier modified division. He has made his way to victory lane three times this year and currently heads up the points chase.

“Gene and Linda Richardson bought me a brand-new car this year and it has made a world of difference,” said Adams.

Even though he has been successful, Adams said setting up a modified car is challenging.

“You’ve really got to be on top of a modified to set it up,” said Adams. “Tyson Kraft phones me several times a week and it has really helped. I spent over two hours today getting the car set up. Sometimes it seems like a modified has over 10 million adjustments on them, but it is worth it. Driving a modified is a lot more fun than the other classes. I like to go fast.”

Racing is a family affair for Adams. His father, Willis, raced and owned cars for racing legends Kenny Root, Tim Gardner and Kenny Morris.

“My dad was racing the night I was born and my family has been racing ever since,” said Adams. “I love racing, especially the adrenaline rush, hanging out with my buddies and having bragging rights for winning races.”

Adams drives the fast No. K6 car owned by Gene and Linda Richardson.

It is a 2008 Kraft Race Car powered by a Dunsworth Machine motor. Sponsors include Platinum Motorsports and Platinum Tire Service.

“If it weren’t for Gene and Linda, I wouldn’t be running a modified,” said Adams. “They not only provide me with everything I need but they make sure it is the best of everything.”

Pit crew members include his brothers, Willis and Kenny Adams, along with Mark and Michael Smith, Troy Daniels, Dustin Schoonover and Justin Scott.

“They all do a good job and they are there when I need them,” said Adams. “When I get my driver’s suit on I really hate to work on the car and they always pitch in and do whatever I need. It is really important with a modified, it seems like there are always several adjustments that need to be made every time I get off the track.”

Adams is chasing points this year for the first time in his racing career. Though he has been in a position to take the crown numerous times, this is the first season he has seriously set his sights on a championship.

“I want to win both the overall and first half championship,” said Adams. “I’m in a good position now and I just want to win as many races as possible. I go out on the track and try to win every week.”



Licklider is the motor sports writer for the News & Eagle.