Josh Ferry of Cochranton, PA entered the 2018 Plyler Entry Systems UEMS Modified Series looking for his first series win. Not only did we win his first series event, but also took his first series title. Ferry won the first two events on the schedule and never looked back.

The first two events of the 2018 season were postponed due to weather delaying the opener till mid June at McKean County Family Raceway where Ferry would pick up his first ever series win. It was an emotional night as Ferry’s father was hit by a rock at the track and had to leave the track to seek medical treatment after the qualifying heats were completed. The young driver decided to stay after several race teams offered their assistance and it paid off as Ferry charged from his ninth starting spot to win his first ever UEMS series win.

Ferry would pick up his second win of the year in the series first ever appearance at Thunder Mountain Speedway. Ferry started on the front row with former series champion, Carl McKinney. It took thirteen laps for Ferry to overtake the former champion, but a high side pass resulted in the #33 machine finding victory lane for the second time of the year over and defeating three time series champion Joel Watson at the line. Ferry would finish second the next night at Dog Hollow Speedway.

Ferry didn’t just win on the Plyler Entry UEMS Modified Tour either. He picked up five additional wins in2018 between his open motor UEMS modified and his family owned Econo-Mod. Josh won the two UEMS events at McKean and Thunder Mountain, plus a non-sanctioned special at Dog Hollow. The young 19 year old also won Econ-Mod events at Eriez Speedway (September Sweep), Mercer Raceway Park (Little Guy Nationals), Raceway 7 and Sharon Speedway. Seven wins on the year at seven different tracks in three states for the Millennium Motorsports team.

Josh’s father, Dave has been a key figure in his son’s career. The proud father stated his review of the past championship series. “First I thought being able to win the season opener race at McKean County was not only a season highlight but also a career highlight overcoming some huge obstacles off the track and passing some of the region’s most prestigious drivers on the track. For a 19 year old to be hanging with those guys is pretty cool but beating them from mid field was extremely cool.”

Dave continued, “As for the season, traveling seemed to really click with Josh. He has always been fast at new tracks. Such as Thunder Mountain and Dog Hollow where he pulled off some really good finishes. Being able to race with do well we’ll against the caliber of drivers that run the UEMS Series events was very rewarding for our team. 2018 was an up and down season as we got familiar to our new BMS Chassis and overcame some mechanical gremlins yet somehow was able to achieve the championship made it a great season.”

“Winning the championship and being on a list of guys like Randy Hall, Joel Watson, Steve Dixon, Carl McKinney, Brent Rebergen and other stand out driver’s is pretty amazing. Very much like our first championship at Raceway 7 when Josh was 15 we had a goal of winning a UEMS feature going in and to win the championship wasn’t even possible in our minds at the beginning of the season.”
“I would also like to thank Plyler Overhead Doors and Zimmer’s Service Center and the UEMS Series for the ability to travel and run with the region’s best drivers and put in some really great racing for the fans stated Mr. Ferry.”

Josh, who at the age of 19 became the youngest driver to win a Plyler Entry Systems UEMS Modified Series event. “Starting off 2018 was a challenge to say the least. With the spring being plagued with rain outs trying to work the bugs out on a new car without any practice sessions wasn’t the easiest task. Originally we weren’t planning on running UEMS for points due to some conflicting races in the Econo Mod car I was running for someone in the Elite Modified series. The UEMS series race at McKean was one of our first few races of the year. I nearly left that night before the feature after my dad was struck in the eye by a rock and air lifted to Erie. I can’t thank Chris Zuver, Joel Smith, Bob Rial, Tim Engles, the staff for UEMS and McKean and everyone who went out of their way that night to help me in the pits as I was by myself after my dad was air lifted, stated the young driver.”

Ferry continued about the McKean night, “At the end of the night I was glad I decided to stay as I was able to come from 9th place for my first UEMS series win. Coming out of the first series race with a win and the point’s lead we decided to chase it and see what happened. I couldn’t be happier coming out of the season with 7 wins and the UEMS series title. I can’t thank everyone who helps me at the track and in the garage enough. First off my father for all the help at the track and in the garage, he goes above and beyond helping on the car and helping me to become a better driver. Also I have to thank Ron Zimmer, Jody Freni, Seth Brenot, Jerry, Tim Engles, Joel Smith, Jimmy Reeves for all their help throughout the season. I would also like to thank my sponsors for supporting us Zimmer’s Service Center, Patterson Auto Wrecking, IAM Machinists Union, Cochran Auto Body, Highfields Gun Service, Graham Tech INC., Close Racing Supply, #1 Sprint Car Detailing, Cen.PE.CO Lubricants, 955 Automotive, Apex Racing Shocks, AFCO Racing Products and Hoosier Racing Tires.

ULMS Racing Series, owner and promoter, Chris Zuver stated, “It was a pleasure to have Josh and his father compete with our series this past year. Josh is young, but on the track, you would think he has nineteen years of experience instead of only being nineteen years old. He has a bright future in our sport of auto racing and fans will definitely see his name for many years in victory lane.”

Ferry and his Millenium Motorsports team along with the other top five Plyler Entry System touring point drivers and the top ten in the Zimmer Service Center ULMS Late Model Series will all be awarded and recognized at the series January 12th banquet.  Ferry will collect $1200 for his series championship.

ULMS RACING SERIES is proudly supported by Zimmer’s Service Center, Plyler’s Entry System, Close Racing Supply, Insinger Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels, Precise Racing, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic, Lias Tire, American Racer Tire, Genesis Shocks, Integra Shocks, Keizer Wheels, Mary Norgrove Notary Public, Jays Automotive, Phantom Signs and Graphics, Cousins Designs and Advocare by Advozuvy.com. The ULMS Racing Series gives the fans four divisions of action featuring the Zimmer Service Center ULMS Late Model Series, Plyler Entry UEMS Modifieds, Advocare by Advozuvy.com United 4 Cylinder Series and in 2019 the Super V6 Late Model Series.