The transport truck is loaded, the crew is ready to climb aboard, and Josh Richards is stoked. He is just days away from Florida in February, a magic combination that fills the heart with excitement and promise. | Speedweeks preview index

Richards, who will celebrate his 25th birthday in March, is eager to get back to his Dirt Late Model roots. After a 2012 season that saw him divide his time between NASCAR opportunities and short track racing, Richards is looking at a full-time and focused MORE

“OK, get ready! I’m gonna plug it in!” The man carefully slid the green plug into the outlet, turning to marvel at the lights as they glistened on the Christmas tree. A boy of about 8 stood across the room, staring at the tree. He slowly nodded and then pointed.

“Some lights out at the top, dad…the white lights.” The man fiddled with the string for a moment when the lights blinked to life. He stepped away, tiptoeing past the boxes and ornaments scattered across the floor. He eased MORE

NASCAR trucks at Eldora? The world of short track racing seems to be divided on this blockbuster development.

To be sure, this is news. Like it or not, NASCAR is a magnet for media coverage and public interest. This race — schedule for Wednesday night, July 24 — will bring an enormous amount of attention to Eldora. It isn’t a stretch to predict that the TV audience for this event will be the largest in recent history for the Camping World Truck series.

But what does this mean for Dirt Late MORE