Being a rookie in any series is always a learning experience. New tracks, new cars, and in some cases new crews, leads driver feeling unsure, and very humbled. In this past Saturdays Snap On Tools 200 at Infineon Raceway, this was certainly the case for Rip Michels and his Stock Building Supply, Victory Circle, Ladco racing Chevrolet.
  Rip had never raced on a road course; he had seen the Infineon raceway once as a crew member. In fact Rip had never even attempted a downshift in a racecar. With all this weighing on his mind, Rip felt that this race would be his Achilles heel for him and his team.
  “We simply did not know a thing about road course racing,” said Rip. We took are short track car and did the best we could as far as set up was concerned.” “We were completely off on the gearing on the transmission, Second gear was to low, and third gear was to high.” “Our goal was just to make the race and try to finish all 64 laps.” Said Rip.
  Rip was 37th in practice, but he qualified in the 29 position. “We had a game plan once we knew that we made the race,” said Rip. “We were short on crew members for the pit stops so we decided that we would pit when the cautions came out.” We got lucky and had the cautions fell our way.” “I am very proud of all the guys on this team, they put a great piece underneath me.”   “This track is so hard on equipment that you have to have your car completely prepared and my team got the job done.” Said Rip.
 For more information on Rip Michels and his sponsors, please visit http://www.ripmichels.com

Source: LRM Sports Marketing, Inc.