Richard Shields, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, won the Northeastern Conference Formula Vee title as a result of consistent performances throughout the season. Shields finished on the podium in all but two races of the eight he ran. That record included a class win at Summit Point Motorsports Park.

While Shields is proud of his accomplishment, he knows he will not be on top of the mountain, in the long run.

“Any championship is a great feeling,” Shields said. “Being the best at that particular time is great but it only lasts for a moment in time because there's always someone ready to be the next champ.”

Throughout the season, Shields said he endured the normal hiccups that most racers have to work through.

“It was a normal season,” Shields said. “Broke a few motors, forgot to put fuel in the car. One time the radios didn't work. Other times, we didn't have time at home to prepare the car for the next race. At one point, I even locked my keys in the truck. Yea, just a normal season.”

Shields wasn’t able to pinpoint a turning point in his season and was surprised as anyone to win the Majors championship.

“I didn't know I had won until after the season ended,” Shields said. “But, I was made aware of it before the Runoffs started.”

Shields wanted to thank some major contributors that stuck with him throughout the season.

“A big thanks goes out to my crew guy, Jim Smith,” Shields said. “I also have to thank Steve Pastore, from VSR, who routinely works on my cars and always has the answer. Another thanks goes out to Dave Car, from Autowerks, who gives me great motors and is always at the track. Oh, that guy, Roger, is also a pretty nice guy.”