Rick Ekert in 2019

[TJHTA42]

Has anyone heard what his plans are for 2019?

[racer41]

heard no world of out laws heard driving for self don't no if its so or not

[Pennsboro23]

heard no world of out laws heard driving for self don't no if its so or not

.....................What?

[bleedblue55]

.....................What?

Believe that means he hasn't a clue.

[Josh Bayko]

.....................What?

I believe he’s trying to say that Eckert will be in his own ride running regionally instead of the Wo0.

[Jking24]

Has anyone heard what his plans are for 2019?Rick owns the truck and trailer the shop and the large majority of the equipment. But the cars wheels and motors were all owned by crowl.i was told he was talking with a few different people but nothing had been solidified yet. But that was a few weeks ago. If Rick could partner with someone that could get him a crew cheif he could win some races it's too hard now days to make all the calls from the seat.

[zyoung25]

He still has backing from Drydene. I would think he would still try the outlaws if he can take together another sponsor or two.

[ironboss]

How about getting into the Barry Wright house car ride?

[Tireguy17]

Rick couldn't win in the Rocket House car X years ago. Always been a fan of Scrub but there are better options than him for a WoO ride.

[GEAR_HEAD]

He'd be better off running regionally like Chub and Boom did this year.

[MI Dirt Fan]

Those were the only two races he won this year. Regional.

[CageFaraday]

How about getting into the Barry Wright house car ride?

I personally think that Rick & Barry would be an awesome match, but I saw somewhere a guy named "Hardy" was the new BWRC wheelman, but I don't have confirmation.


Rick couldn't win in the Rocket House car X years ago. Always been a fan of Scrub but there are better options than him for a WoO ride.
So if you don't win in Rocket's you just aren't any good? Bollocks.

[MI Dirt Fan]

I don't think think Kyle Hardy is in the house car

[Pennsboro23]

I personally think that Rick & Barry would be an awesome match, but I saw somewhere a guy named "Hardy" was the new BWRC wheelman, but I don't have confirmation.


So if you don't win in Rocket's you just aren't any good? Bollocks.

1.) Kyle Hardy is not in the house car.

2.) If you can't win in Rocket1, you probably won't win in much else either.

[BTExpress]

Scrub is still way too young to retire, but it takes a ton of cash to run a National series. Hopefully he can put something together and run regionally and maybe hit a few of the bigger races or at least hit the Ultimate Northeast races. Still one of my all time favorite drivers!

[SLIDING SIDEWAYS]

I don't think think Kyle Hardy is in the house car

Your right he is not. He is getting support from bwrc.

[MI Dirt Fan]

Must be rocket car #5000 didn't have any "magic" in it.

[Jking24]

1.) Kyle Hardy is not in the house car.2.) If you can't win in Rocket1, you probably won't win in much else either.I don't think these are fair assessments.1. Rick did win in rocket1 2 he only drove it for the later part of one season even when sheppard got in it it took a little while for mark to figure out what he needed

[HoosierDirtFan]

Hope he finds a ride for next year. Rick's a good dude and great to talk to after the races. It would odd not seeing him on tour after all these years of racing. He's been around for a long time like some others have (Bloomquist, Lanigan, O'Neal, Eckert, Mars). Rick's one of them guys I've always rooted for.

[MI Dirt Fan]

I thought Eckert was in it for a full season.

[Zonks32x]

I thought Eckert was in it for a full season.

He took over mid-year in June of '14

His 1st win was at Cedar Lake in S/N race and then went back to back at Wilmot two nights later.

I was at that Wilmot race and Eckert was clearly the class of the field.

http://www.thehelltour.com/news-sp-498349790/170-eckert-dominates-wilmot

[rdcllk]

Is he the last of the dirty dozen?

[HoosierDirtFan]

Is he the last of the dirty dozen?

If I remember correctly yes.

[wfofan]

He's the next Birky...

[zyoung25]

I don't think these are fair assessments.1. Rick did win in rocket1 2 he only drove it for the later part of one season even when sheppard got in it it took a little while for mark to figure out what he needed

He drove it the whole 2014 season on the outlaw tour, except GA/FLA speedweeks. He did not win on WoO tour. He won a couple smaller shows in crowls car that year, and 2 SN races in rocket1.

I think a longhorn fits his style a little more than the xr1 does.

[MI Dirt Fan]

He drove it the whole 2014 season on the outlaw tour, except GA/FLA speedweeks. He did not win on WoO tour.

That's what I thought. Thanks.

When he won the championship in 11' I think he only had 3 series wins and 4 overall.

[zyoung25]

That's what I thought. Thanks.

When he won the championship in 11' I think he only had 3 series wins and 4 overall.

He won that because Richards had a flat with just a little bit over a lap or so to go at Charlotte. Josh was running like 4th and Rick was about 7th on one laned race track. Not taking anything from Eckert at all, I like him. But luck was on his side that night.

[dirtMAN007]

Hope he finds a ride for next year. Rick's a good dude and great to talk to after the races. It would odd not seeing him on tour after all these years of racing. He's been around for a long time like some others have (Bloomquist, Lanigan, O'Neal, Eckert, Mars). Rick's one of them guys I've always rooted for.

You only know one side of him ................there is a few more !But hey we all have our bad days and do and say things we may wish we had not ! Probably see him regionally this year and years to come .

[Highwayman]

...2.) If you can't win in Rocket1, you probably won't win in much else either.

Pure manure. EPJ did'nt do much in a Longhorn, now look at him and he actually did get some time in a Rumley designed Longhorn, so that's no excuse. Some cars fit some people, some don't. Lacking success in Rocket1 is not the end-all be-all of skill/talent measurement.

[Pennsboro23]

Pure manure. EPJ did'nt do much in a Longhorn, now look at him and he actually did get some time in a Rumley designed Longhorn, so that's no excuse. Some cars fit some people, some don't. Lacking success in Rocket1 is not the end-all be-all of skill/talent measurement.

Eckert has been in 3 different chassis in the past few years and hasn't set the world on fire in any of them. (Rocket, Longhorn, Bloomquist). The rocket team is the best DLM team there is, they would make almost every driver better.

[Zonks32x]

To correct my earlier post, b/c some of us are old and our memories run together. I was off by 5-6 weeks.

Rick Eckert took over driving duties of Rocket 1 at the end of April of '14 (Illini 100) not mid-June.

http://www.woolms.com/component/content/article/82-frontpage-featured-tabs/1378-rocket-team-presses-on

Brandon Sheppard started the year behind the wheel of Rocket 1 and stepped down mid-April when his son was born. He was 2nd in points at the time behind Lanigan.

https://www.onedirt.com/news/rick-eckert-moving-into-rocket-house-car/

This article was released on 4/18/14. Eckert drove Rocket 1 the next weekend at Farmer City.

Now that we all have our $#!@ together, myself included....carry on.

[Highwayman]

Nah, too much elitism here sucking up all the oxygen. Best of luck to Rick Eckert in future, no matter what you do because your record speaks for itself.


· 2011 World of Outlaws Late Model Series National Champion
· 2010 Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Points Champion
· 2001 & 2002 Xtreme DirtCar Series National Points Champion
· 37 Career World of Outlaws Late Model Series Wins
· 18 Career Xtreme DIRTcar (Hav-A-Tampa) Series Wins
· 11 Career Renegade STARS Series Wins
· 3 Career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Wins

· 5th Place in 2017 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 3rd Place in 2016 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 4th Place in 2015 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 2nd Place in 2014 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 4th Place in 2013 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 2nd Place in 2012 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 5th Place in 2010 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 5th Place in 2009 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 7th Place in 2008 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 5th Place in 2007 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 7th Place in 2006 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 4th Place in 2005 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 3rd Place in 2004 World of Outlaws Championship Standings
· 4th Place in 2003 Xtreme Championship Standings
· 4th Place in 2000 Xtreme Championship Standings

· 5 Wins, 21 Top 5s, and 35 Top 10s in 2017
· 2 Wins, 22 Top 5s, and 38 Top 10s in 2016
· 5 Wins, 14 Top 5s, and 33 Top 10s in 2015
· 5 Wins, 41 Top 5s, and 61 Top 10s in 2014
· 8 Wins, 37 Top 5s, and 53 Top 10s in 2013
· 7 Wins, 31 Top 5s, and 48 Top 10s in 2012
· 4 Wins, 26 Top 5s, and 42 Top 10s in 2011
· 3 Wins, 18 Top 5s, and 40 Top 10s in 2010
· 5 Wins, 31 Top 5s, and 55 Top 10s in 2009
· 3 Wins, 22 Top 5s, and 43 Top 10s in 2008
· 2 Wins, 20 Top 5s, and 43 Top 10s in 2007
· 11 Wins, 33 Top 5s, and 46 Top 10s in 2006
· 11 Wins, 41 Top 5s, and 61 Top 10s in 2005
· 9 Wins, 31 Top 5s, and 54 Top 10s in 2004
· 3 Wins, 12 Top 5s, 23 Top 10s, and 2 Poles in 2003
· 6 Wins, 23 Top 5s, 34 Top 10s, and 7 Poles in 2002

· 2017 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Shawano (WI) Speedway
· 2017 Lucas Oil Series ($10,000) Winner at the Port Royal (PA) Speedway
· 2017 World of Outlaws Series ($8,000) at the Screven (GA) Motor Speedway
· 2017 Appalachian Mtn. Speedweek ($4,000) Winner at the Hagerstown (MD) Speedway
· 2017 Appalachian Mtn. Speedweek ($4,000) Winner at the Williams Grove (PA) Speedway
· 2016 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Screven (GA) Motor Speedway
· 2016 World of Outlaws Series ($2,500) Prelim Winner at the Lernerville (PA) Speedway
· 2015 Firecracker 100 ($30,000) Winner at the Lernerville (PA) Speedway
· 2015 Down & Dirty 60 ($12,000) Winner at the Berlin (MI) Raceway
· 2015 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Winchester (VA) Speedway
· 2015 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Ponderosa (KY) Speedway
· 2014 UMP Summer Nationals ($5,000) Winner at the Wilmot (WI) Raceway
· 2014 UMP Summer Nationals ($5,000) Winner at the Cedar Lake (WI) Speedway
· 2013 National 100 ($20,100) Winner at the East Alabama Motor Speedway
· 2013 World of Outlaws Series ($8,000) Winner at the Gillette Thunder (WY) Speedway
· 2013 Appalachian Mountain Speedweek ($7,000) Winner at the Lincoln (PA) Speedway
· 2013 Appalachian Mountain Speedweek ($5,000) Winner at the Port Royal (PA) Speedway
· 2013 Three State Flyers ($5,000) Winner at the Roaring Knob (PA) Motorsports Complex
· 2012 World of Outlaws Series ($12,000) Winner at the Bubba (FL) Raceway Park
· 2012 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Black Hills (SD) Speedway
· 2012 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Winston (MI) Speedway
· 2012 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Rolling Wheels (NY) Raceway
· 2012 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Dirt Track (NC) at Charlotte
· 2012 Late Model Open ($5,000) Winner at the Selinsgrove (PA) Speedway
· 2012 ULMS Series ($4,044) Winner at the Hesston (PA) Speedway
· 2011 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Swainsboro (GA) Raceway
· 2011 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Delaware Int'l Speedway
· 2011 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Rolling Wheels (NY) Raceway
· 2011 Late Model Open ($5,000) Winner at the Selinsgrove (PA) Speedway
· 2010 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Battleground (TX) Speedway
· 2010 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Attica (OH) Raceway Park
· 2010 Appalachian Mountain Speedweek ($5,000) Winner at the Winchester (VA) Speedway
· 2009 Octoberfest 350 ($10,000) Winner at the Hagerstown (MD) Speedway
· 2009 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Eriez (PA) Speedway
· 2009 World of Outlaws Series ($7,000) Winner at the Can-Am (NY) Motorsports Park
· 2009 World of Outlaws Series ($7,000) Winner at the Lincoln (IL) Speedway
· 2009 Appalachian Speedweeks ($7,000) Winner at the Lincoln (PA) Speedway
· 2008 World of Outlaws Series ($10,000) Winner at the Autodrome (CANADA) Drummond
· 2007 Unsanctioned ($3,500) Winner at the Delaware Int'l Speedway
· 2006 Eight World of Outlaws Series Victories
· 2006 Gopher 50 Winner at the Deer Creek (MN) Speedway
· 2005 National 100 ($30,000) Winner at East Alabama Motor Speedway
· 2005 Scorcher 100 ($30,000) Winner at Volunteer (TN) Speedway
· 2005 Dixie Chopper Showdown Winner at Virginia Motor Speedway
· 2004 National 100 ($30,000) Winner at East Alabama Motor Speedway
· 2004 Dirt Track World Championship ($60,000) Winner at Bluegrass (KY) Speedway
· Set Eldora (OH) Speedway Late Model Track Record - June 12, 2004 - 15.215
· 2004 Bama Bash Winner at Green Valley (AL) Speedway
· Winner of the 2002 $100,000 Great Northern Challenge
· 2002 Masters 100 Winner at Cedar Lake (WI) Speedway
· 2002 USA Outlaws Winner at Cedar Lake (WI) Speedway
· Other 2001 wins including WVMS “Mountain Dew Mama” and UMP win at Volusia (FL)
· 2001 Xtreme DirtCar Series Winner (Volusia Speedway Park)
· 2000 STARS Series Winner of the $30,000 to win “Fall Nationals”
· 2000 Winner of the “Winchester 200” (Winchester, VA)
· 1999 Champion of Eldora (OH) Speedway's $100,000 to win "The DREAM"
· 1999 Winner at Volusia Speedweeks at Volusia (FL)
· 1995 STARS Series Hard Charger Award Winner
· Success in the 90’s on America’s asphalt superspeedways in ARCA competition
· 4 Time Track Champion of - Bedford Speedway (Bedford, PA - 1989, '90, '91,'92)
· 3 Time Track Champion of - Lincoln Speedway (New Oxford, PA - 1989,'90', 91)
· 2 Time Winner of Hagerstown, MD Speedway's "Hub City 150" (1994-1995)



You're right, he just sucks...

[Pennsboro23]

^^ You obviously aren't smart enough to have a good debate and you're putting words in my mouth now. I didn't say a word about him not being an all time great or anything about his past accomplishments. Ever since the cars got hiked up, Eckert like many other drivers have struggled. It doesn't matter what chassis he's been in, he's struggled.

[Josh Bayko]

Nobody said Eckert sucked. They said he was less than impressive in Rocket1, and that's true.

[MI Dirt Fan]

Talk about overreacting.....

[Barbecueboy]

I lost all interest in eckert when I watched that ultimate show he attended up in Delaware I think a couple years ago.......came across as arrogant and uninterested in even being there in his interview.

Guessing that was one of his bad nights someone spoke of.

[waaac77]

He won $100,000 in 2002 when he won at cedar lake! Wow

Is driving a rocket or a longhorn like driving a Chevy or a ford? I get guys have different driving styles but it’s a car that has to be set up right in order to win. I don’t know how many times Eckert starts up front, leads for about 20 laps then gets passed and finishes 4th or 5th. Same deal with Clanton last year. I’ll admit I don’t know jack poop about chassis and how or why they’re different but I have a hard time believing that a guy is going to change chassis and have better results on that alone. You still have to last 30 or 40 laps to win and if you don’t then I doubt that’s because of the chassis they have.

[waaac77]

I lost all interest in eckert when I watched that ultimate show he attended up in Delaware I think a couple years ago.......came across as arrogant and uninterested in even being there in his interview.

Guessing that was one of his bad nights someone spoke of.

You don’t have bad nights bbq? Man I’d hate to be a celebrity and have to deal with the fans.

[MI Dirt Fan]

Some nights his meat I hear is to dry. lol

There's guys that change chassis's and run better. Moyer Jr end of this past year, JD, Overton to name a couple.

[Pennsboro23]

Some nights his meat I hear is to dry. lol

There's guys that change chassis's and run better. Moyer Jr end of this past year, JD, Overton to name a couple.

Overton runs good in everything. He could wheel a bicycle.

[MI Dirt Fan]

That is true. He can get in anyone's ride and be a threat to win.

[Barbecueboy]

Yes, absolutely have bad nights or bad days every now and then.......that whole interview he did just kind of soured me a little on eckert.

Was as if everybody there should be lucky he showed up for such a small regional event.

Have always been a little indifferent about him anyway, it just struck a nerve .....heck, maybe I was the one having a bad night that night and just took him the wrong way.

Even though clearly he is good I Was never much of a fan of his either way.....so no real loss on either end.

[Barbecueboy]

Some nights his meat I hear is to dry. lol

There's guys that change chassis's and run better. Moyer Jr end of this past year, JD, Overton to name a couple.

I've had things said about the que good or bad at times......but being too dry has never been one of them:)

[Barbecueboy]

Overton runs good in everything. He could wheel a bicycle.

He has come a very long way........I used to see him in the bud 76 around the Carolina's when he first started to get going and he was average at best.

He has honed his talent into premier level skill set now.......guy is good.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

I counted like 20 people that said he sucks a bag of ....., oh wait, nope, only one, you.

Everyone knows Scrub was top notch, but he has really fallen off in the last few years. Whether it’s losing Raye Vest’s funding, not enough help, not enough money, he is not the Eckert we know from them days you so eloquently copied and pasted from his site.

[Jking24]

"Everyone knows Scrub was top notch, but he has really fallen off in the last few years. Whether it’s losing Raye Vest’s funding, not enough help, not enough money, he is not the Eckert we know from them days you so eloquently copied and pasted from his site."You are right back in those days he had a little guy name robbie Allen helping him. Like i said earlier Rick can get it done he needs a crew cheif though. It's more important nowadays then ever before. Weher is pearson without Stuckey. Or Davenport without rumley. Scott without corey....

[Crossbones]

Looking at the stats it doesn't look like he has declined much at all since his best days 15 or so years ago. Considering hes in his 50s.

[MI Dirt Fan]

Cars are for sale

https://mobile.twitter.com/Rocket_Chassis/status/1073295496540758016

[Dlmfan123]

Cars are for salehttps://mobile.twitter.com/Rocket_Chassis/status/1073295496540758016They were on racing junk before the world finals

[MI Dirt Fan]

They were on racing junk before the world finals

As I quote what the famous lite inn would say...

That's nice. 🙄🙄🙄

[fenders27]

Rick was offered a ride with a great team for the 2019 season but did not take it because they run the lucas tour. That ride then went to another former WoOL driver who will now be on the Lucas tour. Rick is a great person with incredible talent but when you are on tour short handed it makes everything so much more difficult. Best wishes for Rick in 2019. It would be an incredible loss to see him drop off the WoOL tour, as he is one of the original Outlaw members.

[edavis71]

Rick was offered a ride with a great team for the 2019 season but did not take it because they run the lucas tour. That ride then went to another former WoOL driver who will now be on the Lucas tour. Rick is a great person with incredible talent but when you are on tour short handed it makes everything so much more difficult. Best wishes for Rick in 2019. It would be an incredible loss to see him drop off the WoOL tour, as he is one of the original Outlaw members.

What ride are you talking about???

[HoosierDirtFan]

What ride are you talking about???

I think he might be talking about the Best Performance Motorsports ride.

[MI Dirt Fan]

I also heard something along those lines but didn't think it would amount to anything. I wonder why BPM was looking at WoO guys filling the seat.

[pa_dirt]

Any new rumors/information on Rick?

[Hoosier_Dirt]

He must not wanna race too bad if he turned down a ride with a great team?

[dirtcrazy4u]

Why would he turn down the best ride ? They've made it quite clear they plan on staying closer to home and running regional. Would have fit what both are looking for. Some start rumblings just to start them.

[ready2rd]

Rick has funding from Dryden Oil Company and its for Woo Series only .Dryden is major sponsor on sprint car side of woo as well.

[ImCryn2]

Why would he turn down the best ride ? They've made it quite clear they plan on staying closer to home and running regional. Would have fit what both are looking for. Some start rumblings just to start them.

Obviously the staying close to home stuff was only rumors. Tyler Erb didn't go there to run regional races.

[dirtcrazy4u]

Well if Tyler Erb has someone else paying those bills and his equipment sitting there I think you may be wrong. He wins both ways. If best doesn't plan to make a certain race, I'm sure Erb will show up with his own equipment.

[Dlmfan123]

Obviously the staying close to home stuff was only rumors. Tyler Erb didn't go there to run regional races.What this guy said^^

[zyoung25]

With Drydene being a WoO sponsor only, it's pretty obvious why it didn't work out.