MAN ON A MISSION: RIP MICHELS

Source: LRM Sports Marketing, Inc.
Date: 10/18/2007

The 2007 Irwindale Speedway Super Late Model Champion, Rip Michels, and his Sunrise Ford Racing team head back into action this Friday night at Irwindale Speedway to compete in the 5th Annual , 2007 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Race. The race will be televised live on Speed Channel at 6:00PM (Pacific Time) and will feature some of the best Super Late Model drivers from across the country in what is being described as the “Daytona 500 of Short Track Racing.”

This race will also be the last race for the Sunrise Ford Racing team in the Super Late Model Division. Team Owner Bob Bruncati has opted to shut down his Super Late Model racing team operation to concentrate on his efforts into the Grand National West Series. Bob leaves the SLM division at Irwindale with two division titles, one in 2005 and one in 2007.

With Rip and his team’s future up in the air, and with no solidified plans for 2008, this year may have been his last year of full time competition for the 8 time champion.

“This Friday night’s race, is checkers or wreckers for us,” said Rip Michels. “Our future in racing is uncertain, there are not a lot of opportunities for a veteran driver in this sport. You either have to be young and good looking, or you have to have a ton of cash, which I have neither one,” laughs Rip. “Talent is way overrated in this sport.”

“Bob Bruncati has been gracious enough to allow us the opportunity to drive for him this year, and we thank him for this opportunity. Our goal when we met in December was to build a car and bring home another SLM championship trophy to the Sunrise Ford Racing team, in which we were able to accomplish. Bob basically told me that I either bring him back the trophy for this weekend’s race, or the steering wheel.”

“So my goal for this race is to lay down 150 qualifying laps. If any other drivers or teams want to join me, then they better be ready to man up. I know my team is more than motivated, so were bringing our A game, and pulling out all the stops.”

Rip’s numbers this year at Irwindale have been more than impressive. In 19 starts, Rip captured 11 wins, 15 top fives, and 16 top tens. Rip is Irwindale’s all time win leader with 55 career victories. He has also competed in three All–Star Showdowns, with a 2nd place as his career best finish.

“It is going to be an awesome race,” said Team Manager, Michael Medlin. “We have heard that 54 cars are pre entered for the race, and they are all coming to Rip’s house to play,” jokes Medlin. “So the team is motivated, and we know Rip is motivated, so we are going to give all we can to bring home a victory.”

Rip Michels and the team will be poised to give their best effort this coming Friday night at Irwindale Speedway. The team would again like to thank all of their Sponsors for their continued support.

For more information on Rip Michels Racing, please visit www.ripmichels.com

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