Source: LRM Sports Marketing, Inc.
Date: 04/23/2008

Rip Michels is no stranger to Southwest Tour racing, after having spent three years competing on the old NASCAR Southwest Tour, and being the series finale champion in 2006, Rip will make his SRL series debut on April 26, 2008 at Toyota Speedway @ Irwindale, in the Flashco SRL Southwest Tour Series, Stock Building Supply Home Improvement Show, Andersen Windows “100” race.

After a one-year hiatus from tour racing, a year in which saw Rip Michels and his team capture the 2007 Super Late Model Division at Toyota Speedway, Rip’s 8th career championship, Rip Michels & the Stock Building Supply racing team will once again be racing the green #12 Stock SRL racing machine. Rip & Stock will bring the popular Home Improvement Show event to Toyota Speedway along with event sponsor Andersen Windows for the April 26, 2008 event. “This is one of most popular marketing events and a great opportunity for us to show our products and services through the use of the race team,” said Rick Smith, District Manager for Stock Building Supply. “Rip and his team have always done a great job for us, and the associates at Stock Building Supply are very excited that we will continue to sponsor the program.”

“I can’t wait to race the Southwest Tour Car again, it’s just the coolest racing there is…period! The Flashco SRL Southwest tour is the champion of champions series, and it’s a huge challenge racing against the best late model teams, and drivers on the West Coast,” said Rip Michels. “Just something about 580 horsepower, and sticky tires gets me motivated”

“Stock has been a long time supporter of the Southwest Tour Series for over 10 years, and the Flashco SRL Southwest Series at Irwindale for the Home Improvement Show was the one and only fit for them,” commented Team Manager, Michael Medlin. “I know how hard Rip and Rick worked lining up sponsors to bring the SRL event to Irwindale the last few years, I know it will be a big hit with the sponsors, teams, and especially the fans”

The Team:

“The team is really excited about this race,” said Mike Mulder, Mechanic. “Rip has 55 career victories here at Toyota Speedway @ Irwindale along with four track championships. He also captured his first career victory in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Southwest Tour Division back on August 12, 2006, so we feel like we have a great shot at victory. The team is lead by Team Manager Michael Medlin, Crew Chief John Shuetze Jr, Shop Foreman/ Body Man Boyd “Chip” Brown Jr., Mechanics John Shuetze Sr., Chris Lazalde, Jesse Cardinaels, Roger Theoabald, Tire Specialist Mikey “Mo” Mulder, Team Mom, Laurie Michels, and Honary Team Member Michael Sprague.

The Driver’s Corner:

“Raudmen & Pettit are big time champions and have won at Irwindale, and just about everywhere they have run. Plus a guy like Dave Byrd, who is a multi time champion…They’ll all be tough, and it just goes to show why the SRL series is the best touring series out there,” said Rip Michels. “My suggestion to the competition is to leave your short track springs, shocks, and set-ups at the shop. This isn’t Roseville! These guys are going to really like the speed this track has in the corners, and the four wide racing action the track is famous for. It is going to be an awesome race.”

The Car: Gidget

Chassis Gidget has made three starts in her short career. She was victorious in her first start, and finished second in the 2006 season ending race at Altamont where she captured the season long championship. Her third start was at the 2006 Toyota Showdown where she had a mechanical problem, and a DNF. It’s the team’s favorite car, and they are expecting her to be very competitive.

Sponsor’s Corner:

“Stock Building Supply Home Show, Andersen Windows series “100” race.”

A spectacular home improvement show featuring displays from many of the nation’s largest manufacturers and distributors of the top brand name power tools, windows, doors, decking, siding, fasteners, connectors, paint, and more, will be the prelude to a great night of SRL professional stock car racing at Irwindale Speedway on Saturday night, April 26, 2008.The home improvement show runs from 4:00PM to 7:30PM.

There will be an On-Track autograph session at 5:30PM with all the stars of the SRL Southwest Tour Series, and racing starts at 7:00PM.

The Race:

Flashco SRL Southwest series Stock Building Supply Home Show & Andersen series 100 at Toyota Speedway @ Irwindale April, 26 2008 7:00pm

Look for more information about Rip Michels and his sponsors at www.ripmichels.com

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