News Releases
| LEFT COAST RACE SCENE: RICKY JAMES DOMINATES WEST COAST PRO TRUCK ACTION AT IRWINDALE AGAIN |
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Release Date: 4/7/2008
by Dave Grayson
photo provided by FMCM
Murietta-California’s Ricky James scored his second consecutive West Coast Pro Truck Series, WCPTS, 30 lap feature, April 5th, at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale. Christian Copley led the 15 starters under the initial green flag and paced the field for the first 20 laps before James caught up with him. Copley’s truck bobbled just a little coming off of turn three and James dived to the low groove to make the race winning pass. From that point James just checked out on his competition and compiled an impressive race winning margin of 2.6 seconds. Ronnie Davis Jr was third while Takuma Koga and Jeff Williams completed the top five.
 But to fully understand the significance of Ricky James’ effort at Irwindale you’ve got to be aware of what he had to endure to get to the Toyota Speedway’s victory lane. James is a paraplegic who drives his WCPTS race truck with the use of specially installed hand controls.
Like so many drivers in these modern times James began his racing career at an early age. He was riding small dirt bikes by the age of five and by age 13 he was competing in sanctioned motocross events. As his natural riding talent began to develop he was eventually offered a sponsorship deal with Honda to ride in the AMA National Amateur Series in the spring of 2005. While preparing for a race in Lake Whitney-Texas, he suffered a terrible crash that crushed his T7 vertebrae. The accident left him paralyzed from the sternum down. This was followed by a lengthy period of rehab that taught him how to cope with life in a wheelchair.
While the accident crushed his body it could not crush the spirit and determination of Ricky James. He vowed to ride again and amazed everyone by making that dream come true in 2007. Climbing aboard a specially modified bike to suit his special needs, James entered one of the most rugged off road racing events ever devised: the SCORE Baja 500 where he finished a very credible 13th among 22 teams. Later that same year he amazed everyone again by performing a "X Games" style exhibition back flip on that same motorcycle.
At age 19 he has now turned his attention to a potential NASCAR career. He’s laying the groundwork with his participation in the WCPTS under the supervision of crew chief Dean Kuhn who has enjoyed driving success in this regional touring series. The team has now won two consecutive races in very convincing fashion and left Irwindale as the series points leader.
Ricky James lives his life with a one word motto: PERSEVERANCE. In addition to his racing activities he’s also very busy with a new found love of motivational speaking engagements. He especially enjoys speaking at local high schools where he shares his personal story and tell kids how personal determination can change their lives. He’s a shining example that says anyone, with a lot of personal belief and hard work, can overcome anything that life presents.
He also one very talented driver. Ricky James’ goal in the WCPTS this year was to win the series Rookie Of The Year award. As it stands right now he’s has an excellent chance of winning the rookie title and the series championship all in the same year. |
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| Tickets |
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| General Admission |
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Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $12.00
Students: $7.50
Kids 12 & under: Free |
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| Reserved Seats |
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$25.00 |
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| Special Events |
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TBD |
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| Parking |
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$5.00 |
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| RV's |
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$20.00 |
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Follow TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale on
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