2006 AUTOZONE SOUTHWEST TOUR CHAMPION RIP MICHELS

Source: Rip Michels Racing
Date: 10/03/2006

If you ever get a chance to stop by Rip Michels house in San Fernando, California, you will see a modest home with a one car garage attached to the house, and a two car garage in the back of the house where Rip and the team prepare the racecars. The house, named Hotel Michels by the crew is always packed with dedicated team members.

When you go into the living room, you see the countless trophies that are placed around the mantels. Trophies for wins, Trophy dashes, Fast Times and Six Championship trophies since 1997, but of all the trophies and championships that Rip has won, none will ever match the championship trophy that Rip picked up in Altamont, CA on September 23, 2006.

To say that the 2006 Nascar AutoZone Elite Southwest Tour Championship is Rip’s biggest achievement so far in racing would be an understatement. For as long as Rip could remember, he wanted to compete in the Southwest Tour. Rip would be in the pits at Saugus with his Street Stock, watching the legends of the West Coast Racing compete, guys like Dan Press, Ron Hornaday, and Rick Carelli would be tearing up the short tracks of the Southwest Tour, and Rip would dream that one day he would be there competing too.

Championships are not easily won, they take preparation, dedication, and a total commitment to achieve. The 2006 championship will go down as the closest points championship in the twenty-one, and final season for the Southwest Tour division. NASCAR is downsizing the tours into the Grand National Series.

So with this being the last points championship ever for the Southwest Tour, it added even more pressure to the drivers and teams. Heading into Altamont Motorsports Park, Rip Michels held an eleven-point lead in the series championship over second place, Eric Holmes. The goal for Rip and the team was simple, either out run Eric, or finish one position behind him.

The day started off with a couple of close calls for the team. An oil leak from a fellow competitor oiled down the track and Rip barely missed getting into it. Unfortunately, Rip’s engine builder, Brad Peters was not so lucky and hit the wall, ending his bid to compete. A couple of spinning cars in front of Rip during practice kept the team on their toes. Then as the team was preparing the car for qualifying, a problem developed with the carburetor, but the team kept their cool, and Rip was able to qualify the car in the second position. The fast time would go to none other than Eric Holmes, the second man in the points. Eric would pull a six for the invert, and Rip would start next to him, third row inside. At the drop of the green flag, Rip settled into the 5th position, content to ride until the last 50 laps of the 150-lap race.

On lap 65 Eric was in the lead with Rip continuing to run 5th. By lap 100, Eric had fallen in to the 2nd position, while Rip made his charge. Rip made his way 3rd, while Eric ran 2nd. Rip was content to ride in that position but with 15 laps left, the leader, Eddie Mckean was involved in a wreck coming off of turn four, almost collecting both Eric and Rip. The red flag was displayed leaving 15 laps remaining in the event.

Eric was in 1st, Rip in 2nd, and Mk Kanke in 3rd. The green flag was displayed and the three leaders took off for the win. At the drop of the checkered flag, Rip came home 2nd, right behind winner Eric Holmes, giving Rip Michels the championship by one point over Eric.

“We really had a great car tonight,” said Rip “Our car was a lot better on the long runs so we were a little concerned about the restart with 15 laps to go. It took our car about 5 laps to come in, and at the end we were right on Eric’s bumper.”

“Winning this Championship means everything to me. From my early days in racing this is all I wanted. And now, to have achieved it, it is the coolest thing ever. I need to thank so many people for their beliefs, encouragements, and of course, financial and product support.”

“There are countless people who have helped me throughout my racing career, every one of them has had a part in helping me achieve my goals. Most importunately, our team’s goals. I hope that when everyone sees my name on the championship trophy, they realize that the name stands for 12 people, my entire team, I love. They have been right by my side the entire way, and we have achieved this together. Without them, and the support of their families, we would not be champions.”

The entire team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the race team.

Stock Building Supply – Rick Smith, Jim Applemann, Duff Wakefield, Fritz Froerer, Dan Buttars, and all the associates and contractors throughout the Untied States.

LEECO – Lee and Susan Ladd, for their continued support of this race team for the last 10 years. You two are the reason we are here today.

Victory Circle Chassis – Les, Susan, Scott, and Mark. Thank you for the awesome chassis, and excellent customer support. You are a big part of this team, and we thank you.

James Hardie, Trust Joist, PrimeSource, and USP Structural Connectors- For their continued support over the past three years.

Ron’s Rear Ends – Ron and Wendy Zajicek for their many years of friendship and support.

John “Freighttrain” Peters – John and Brad for the awesome and reliable horsepower, and great friendship.

DJ Safety – Joe and his entire staff, thank you for the safety equipment.

Wilwood Disc Brakes – Jeff Phillips and his entire staff, for the always dependable brakes.

Aurora Rod Ends – John and his staff, for their excellent service.

Apache Rental Group – Tim Sweet and his staff for the communications help and “Ez Ups” for the home improvement show.

Red Line Oil – Kelly and her staff for all their support.

Quarter Master – Jeff Neal and his staff for all of the dependable clutches. Ringers Gloves – Kenny Dolenak and Larry Naston for their equipment and protection for the team.

Schroeder Torsion Bars – Gary and Manley for all their help and assistance.

Circle Racing Wheels – Patty and her staff.

Hy-Lube Systems – Brad and all his staff

Nakke Suspension Specialist – Mike Nakke and his staff for their technical support

Total Power Batteries – Ken, and his staff for the reliable batteries.

Oreme Brothers – Joel and Jonny for their continued support of the race team with all the plumbing needs for the car.

BC Sportsimage – Bill Coleman for all his web site help

Work of Art Johnson - Art and Lori Johnson for their years of continued support. Without the support of these fine companies, we would not have been able to achieve this goal. For more information on Rip Michels Racing, please visit www.ripmichels.com

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