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The 4th Annual Toyota All Star Showdown looked like
it was going to be another great weekend for the
team. On Friday, Rip posted the fastest times in
both practice sessions. Rip was confident that he
and the team would have a good car for the 50 lap
qualifying race that would be held later that
evening. Rip Started 20th on the field due to the
entire field being inverted with tenth place series
points finishers on the front row, and champions in
the last row.
Rip quickly made his way up through the field and was third by lap
20. Rip really used up his car getting to the front
and the tires were worn. Rip would finish third for
the night. The third place finish would guarantee
Rip a third row inside starting position for
Saturday night's race. Rip and the team were very
confident that they had the car to beat heading into
Saturday night's race.
At the drop of the green flag Rip made his charge. As the field
completed lap one, Rip was in fourth. Rip made his
patent move at Irwindale, a move that is on the
bottom of the track and has been the reason he has
won 45 races at Irwindale. When Rip was exiting turn
two, he was in the lead, but unlike other times when
Rip had completed the pass, the car got loose and
Rip lost traction. Rip made contact with a fellow
competitor and was spun into the infield. The car
looked fine and the team felt that they could get
back to the front.
Rip restarted the race in 33rd. On the ensuing restart, Rip
realized that the car had a mechanical problem. He
drove the car as far as he could and ended up
parking the car because it was unsafe to drive. Rip
would have his first DNF (Did Not Finish) of the
year and would place in the 33rd position.
"I am defiantly disappointed in where we finished," said Rip. "We
knew that the tires were good only for a couple of
laps, after that, the times dropped off
substantially so we knew we had to go for it. If it
had worked out and the car would have stuck, I think
we would have been long gone from the field. All in
all, I can't be to disappointed, we had an awesome
year, we were able to bring some exposure for Amy
Lynn Bradley, who has been missing since 3-24-98.
Being involved with the folks from Racing for the
Missing was an enlightening experience for all of
us. I am glad we were able to help, even if it was
just in a small way."
Rip finished the year with 13 starts, two wins, nine top fives, and
eleven top ten's, and captured the 2006 Nascar
AutoZone Elite Southwest Tour Series Championship.
Rip also won the prestigious Bud Pole award given to
the driver who sets the fastest time in qualifying
for the events.
The entire team would like to thank all of our sponsors, associate
sponsors, fans, family, and friends for an awesome
year. We look forward to next year and wish you all
a safe and happy Holiday Season.
For more information on Rip Michels Racing, please visit
www.ripmichels.com
Source: LRM Sports Marketing, Inc.
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