1. How did you get into racing?

In 1994, a friend, Joe Ahr was racing go-karts and I quickly became interested and wanted to be out on the track with him. So I bought my first go-kart and raced the stock, open, and limited modified classes at many different tracks for over 10 years. After becoming a more experienced driver with bigger expectations, I knew it was time to move up and I started racing a UMP Modified in 2005.

2.  Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

I am from Cincinnati Ohio and grew up in a community called North College Hill. I also lived in Harrison Ohio with my parents before purchasing my first home in 2001 where I still currently reside, Mt. Healthy, Ohio.

3. Tell us about your family. (i.e. married, kids, etc.)

At the end of the 2007 season, I married, Becky, one of my biggest supporters. She has always been in the stands cheering me on or back in the pits helping me load my truck and trailer, even in the old days when we piled all of my go-kart gear in the back of my pick-up. Currently, we don’t have any children but plan to extend our family. Watch out for the future Bingham race car drivers!

4. Tell us about the race team (who owns the car, etc).

I am very honored to have such a great family and friends eager enough to build my winning race team. Also, the assistance I have received from other drivers and their crews is overwhelming and has allowed me to be the driver I have become. Some of those drivers are Brad Wieck, Gary Rahe, Mike Keller, Steve Upchurch, and Joe Ahr.

I must point out that my race team wouldn’t be complete without my parents. My dad and car owner, Darrell Bingham and mom have always given me a place to store and work on my car and willing to lend a hand with painting frames and bending new body panels. All of this wouldn’t be possible without each of you!

5. Tell us your career high lights.

My biggest career highlight is my first feature win; it was at Lawrenceburg Speedway on August 4, 2007. I started on the pole and led the first 4 laps but fell back to second for the next 6 laps. I drove smooth looking for my opportunity to pass and then on lap 10, I took the led again and kept my position through lap 20 to the checkered flag. Another highlight is having a first place win in the odd/even feature at Fun Fest 2007.

My 2007 season was definitely my best so far. Out of the 14 regular season races I raced at Lawrenceburg, I made 12 features. And the very first times racing at Moler and Waynesfield, I made their feature events as well. I had a good car at the beginning of the season but had some bad luck when I wrecked into the wall and totaled it on May 26, 2007. Within 4 weeks, I was back out on the track with a ’04 Lighting Chassis. And just after 5 races in the new car, I won my first feature. I ended my point season at Lawrenceburg in 6 th place and couldn’t have been happier.

Another career highlight was at the 2007 Lawrenceburg Awards Banquet. I was nominated by other drivers and was awarded with a “Most Improved Driver” plaque. It is nice that others recognized my hard work and success. Thank you!

Note: Congratulations to you from Dirt Scoops! Awesome~!

2007 Feature Win at Lawrenceburg Speedway!

Each year I have raced the regular schedule at Lawrenceburg Speedway and with becoming more experienced, I have tested out some new dirt from time to time. I have raced a race or two at Union County, Moler, and Waynesfield Speedways and plan to try out some more tracks. Fans can see me #55B race at Lawrenceburg Speedway, I will be sure to be there.

7.  What tracks would you like to race at?

I would love to race at Eldora Speedway with the big "dawgs". The history and speed at Eldora Speedway is well known and I would like to be a part of that.

8. What advice would you pass on to a rookie driver ?

Just remember everybody starts out as a rookie and patience is very important. When I started my career, no matter what position I was suppose to start, I chose the tail. I wanted to learn the track and how my car was handling. I would take the green flag with the attitude to try my best and to finish the race. Unfortunately, I had many bad weeks with spin-outs, wrecks, and my car was towed back to my trailer on numerous occasions. I would take my car home and fix it up so I could take it back out the next weekend. Don’t ever give up and always drive smooth.

Note from Dirt Scoops: Great advice Rick! Thanks for sharing....

9.  Any events in 2008 or news to share about your plans in racing?

I can’t wait to test out the new track at Lawrenceburg Speedway in 2008. I have also thought about running a couple “ Battle of the Blue Grass” series races.

10.  Listing of sponsors.

Each of my sponsors have supported me year after year and I am very thankful to all;

Mom & Dad

Cheviot Savings Bank

Detmar Engines

B & B Auto Care

AMSOIL

RaceCARLEttering.

11. Any funny stories you would like to share with Dirt Scoops?

I don’t really have any funny stories to share, just fun experiences. Racing with great drivers is what it is all about. And hanging out at Lawrenceburg’s Fun Fest is always a good time for me and my family.

12. Who do you thank for your success?

First and foremost, I would like to thank Dad, Mom, and Becky. Without their love and support, my modified racing career would have not happened. Also, I need to thank Brad Wieck and his crew for helping with setup and any parts I needed. And I can’t forget, Larry Detmar, my engine builder, for his hard work in building a great engine. Lastly, I need to thank the rest of my family and friends that sit in the stands rooting me on even if my finish isn’t at the top. It truly means a lot and gives me the determination to do my best week after week.

13. What win stands out most in your mind and why?

Of course my feature win stands out most. The rush and thrill I felt when I took the checkered flag was so awesome. After going to the scales and back out to victory lane, I couldn’t believe it had finally happened. My family and friends where coming out on the track as I jumped out of my seat and stood on the car with so much excitement.

Another win that stands out was when I finished first in my heat race for the Monster Modified 100. At the end of that night of qualifying, I was sitting in the top position with the most points. It was such a great feeling to have made such a big event. 

14. Closing thoughts...

Going into my 4th year of racing, I know that each race is a challenge. Knowing the track and your car are the biggest factors of becoming a successful driver. Working hard does pay off and this sport is about having fun!

15. Do you have a website we can add a link to so fans can keep up on your progress ?

Sorry, I don’t have a website up and running yet but my fans are always welcome to send me an email at jbingham@cinci.rr.com. I will update you with my progress on my site and of course my racing.