For over three decades, J.R. Ricker has let his competitive, youthful spirit keep him in the derby business.But after a series of visits to his massage therapist following a May victory, the Warrenton native has decided it’s time for a break.“I’ve still got to make a living too, so I better take it easy on myself,” said Ricker. “I get pretty aggressive out on the track.”While he’s not necessarily calling it quits forever, Ricker says Friday’s run at the Warren County Fair derby will be his last for a while.“I don’t feel like I’ve got anything else to prove,” said Ricker, who builds cars with his son, Trey, at the family farm.“I’ve ridden with my son during several wins, and I’ve beaten him several times,” he added. “My dad is 88 years old, and he got to watch me drive for the first time and win in May.”The Rickers brought three cars to the Fair derby, with J.R. claiming a third-place finish in the stock division.“I went out tonight and had a solid third-place run with a car that’s got five races on it,” said Ricker. “I feel like I’m going out on top.”Afterward he celebrated with his co-pilot William “Guido” Dreisewerd, and neighbor, Greg Bax, each of whom claimed prized money on Friday.“It’s hard to give up,” said Ricker. “For your 15 minutes of pleasure, you spend four weeks building a car.”He says he’ll continue his role of overseeing the building process and offering advice to the younger drivers in his shop.Bax edged Ricker this time, placing second in his 1979 Cadillac. Dale Colberty took first.“We basically wanted to try to keep the out-of-towners out, and it worked pretty well in our favor,” said Bax. “We were pretty lucky to actually be able to bring the money home in the county again.”It was fitting for Bax to fare well, his car donning its traditional bicentennial theme and the No. 76.“People know my red, white and blue car when it hits the track, and to see me do good, I think a lot of people really like,” said Bax.Dreisewerd, from Winfield, had the privilege of riding with Ricker during his final race.“It means a lot to me to ride with him during his last run,” said Dreisewerd, who then jumped into the driver’s seat of his 1974 Cadillac. He outlasted Chad Rhodes for a second-place finish in the modified division, while Bobby Brown took third.“You feel no pain and kind of get a tunnel vision where you’re working on one guy,” said Dreisewerd. “I spend months building a car to come up here and destroy it in 10 minutes.”The fair derby also featured a compact race that fielded just two cars. Cody Werkmeister placed first and Anthony Splain finished second.Kicking off the evening was the lawn mower derby, drawing 10 competitors. Warrenton’s Gary Dunakey placed first, while Zeb Smith was second and Zach Smith placed third.

J.R. Ricker, pictured in drivers seat, says last Friday's Fair derby was his last run — at least for a while.

Derrick Forsythe photo.