Rip Michels and the RMR, Inc team will be looking to improve upon their seventh-place finish at the opening race for the SLM division at Toyota Speedway.
"Nick talking smack, I love it."— Rip Michels
Opening night was a huge success for the team, as all three of their cars timed in the top seven in qualifying, lead by the fast time winner Rip Michels with a 17.95. They also had all three cars finish within the top seven, lead by USAC standout Cole Whitt. Cole, in his second ever stock car race, finished fourth despite having transmission problems that led to him losing several positions on restarts. Dan Moore, who qualified third, would finish in the sixth position. Rip who had started ninth due to the invert, would make his way up to third, until nine laps to go, then would fade to seventh place where he would finish the night.
“My car was a hand full from the drop of the green flag,” said Rip. “We were loose from lap one and it only got worse, we just simply missed the set up. I was really impressed with Cole, in fact I got such a kick from watching him pass cars that I was giving my crew the play by play on just how good he was. Unfortunately, my Spotter had to remind me that I was racing and now was three wide,” commented Rip.
The Rip Michels Racing Team will be back to two cars this coming weekend, as Cole Whitt will continue the defense of his USAC Midget Championship back in Indiana. So Dan Moore and Rip will be carrying the RMR, Inc Banner.
Sponsors Corner:
The team would like to welcome Hot Rod Hobbies from Santa Clarita, California as a new sponsor. Hot Rod Hobbies owner, Jimmy Babcock, has been a long time friend and supporter of Rip Michels, and we welcome them as a new sponsor.
The Crew:
“Opening night really kicked our butts,” stated Chris Lazade. “Taking care of one car is hard enough, but three was wild. The whole team did a great job and even though we did not win, we had a great night.”
Smack Talk:
“I heard Nick Joanides’s interview in victory lane,” commented team manager Michael Medlin. “I had to admit, it made me laugh, as he accused Rip of making excuses for not winning, yet he made up an excuse for his poor qualifying attempt which put him eighth, and gave him outside front row start due to the invert because of a tire issue. Then he makes an excuse for the last race of the season when Rip won both races. Seems the only one making excuses is Nick.”
“Nick talking smack, I love it,” said Rip. “Here is a guy that finally won a championship after sixteen years of racing. The One Championship Wonder talking about me making excuses. Unlike Nick, who went home and put his feet up on the couch Sunday and practiced on Playstation 3 all week, I spent three days working on my shock package and every day since going through every part on my car. So he better be ready Saturday night, cause even his 40lb weight break wouldn’t be enough, I plan on whipping his tail… Then we’ll see who’s full of excuses,” said Rip.
The Car:
J-lo will be making her fourth start of her young career. She has finished in the top ten three times, 2 quick times and has two wins. J-lo will have an all new set-up this week with 3 new springs, 4 re-valved shocks, 1 sway bar and a front end geometry adjustment.”I’m not much for subtle changes… So were going big!” Says Rip
The Sponsors:
Stock Building Supply, Victory Circle, Ron’s Rear Ends, Total Power Batteries, Orme Brothers, BCSportsimages, Apache Studio Rentals. Merengue Bakery & Café, and Hot Rod Hobbies.
For more information on Rip Michels and sponsorship opportunities, please visit Rip Michels Racing Inc, at www.ripmichels.com or ripmichelsracing@myspace
