In all fairness, Josh Richards has not been in a top-flight ride for quite a while, decent rides, but nothing exceptional.
The Bowyer ride was certainly on par and he hadnt performed in that ride for years. This year in 39 starts he has only four top 5s and will finish in points ahead of only Gordy Gundaker and Boom Briggs. He had brand new equipment to start the season. For comparison Jared Miley has one win and two top 5s in three starts. Jason Feger has one win and four top 5s in 9 starts. I truly dont think the ride is the issue and I expect Max is going to prove my point early next season. Miley and Feger dont have a top-flight ride but the numbers say they could run circles around Richards while blindfolded.