|
 
Rip Michels Racing and Hot Rod Hobbies/Jimmy Babcock Racing League
(JBRL) partner for the May 16, 2009 SLM race at Toyota Speedway at
Irwindale. Hot Rod Hobbies /JBRL are owned by Jimmy Babcock. Jimmy is
a long time friend of Rip & Laurie Michels. Jimmy served as Rip’s crew
chief and tire specialist on the Grand American Modified championship
team in 2000 at Irwindale. “I can’t thank Jimmy enough for his support
of our race team. We were about done, and this will get us to a few
more races.
Michels powers into race number 7 of 21 this coming weekend at
Toyota Speedway. Michels, the all time win leader with 57 career
victories, looks to add one more victory to an already stellar career.
The eight time champion, including ‘02, ‘03, and ‘07 in the SLM
division at Toyota Speedway, has had a tough time finding victory lane
this year. “It amazes me how quick things change in racing, since they
moved the victory lane location; we just can’t find it… ” commented
Rip. “In fact, we had a team meeting, and thought we needed to add a
GPS system to the car to help us find it, but thought better of it. We
simply could not add any more weight to the car; we need to keep off
all the extra weight just to keep up with Nick Joanides horsepower.”
Michels comes into Saturday night’s race 2nd in points, 32 points
back from Nick Jonaides. “Everyone has stepped up their racing
programs since we competed full time in 2007, and we’re just a little
behind. We made some big gains in the set-up, but just haven’t put it
all together for an entire race,” says Crew Chief, Roger Theabold.
“Having managed Rip’s team since 2002, this year has been difficult
for all of us,” says Team Manager, Michael Medlin. “Every year we had
a racing budget, a schedule, and a goal of winning races. Now, we are
on a race to race basis, and it’s a challenge to get on top of your
game without sponsorship & testing. We are really thankful for all of
the sponsors who have helped us out this year. At least for now, we
can race, which is better than the alternative.”
Sponsor’s Corner:
Hot Rod Hobbies is located at
25845 Railroad Ave. #21 Santa Clarita, CA 91350. They are Southern
California's leader in remote controlled cars and trucks. They have
two acres of race tracks to play on!!! From the beginner hobbyist, to
the season veteran, Hot Rod Hobbies is your one stop hobby shop. We
carry all the industry’s leading brands, as well as provide the best
service around! Our expert staff is always on hand to help you with
your r/c car or repair it, if need be. We provide fast, friendly
service that is truly top notch. Hot Rod Hobbies has been in the same
location for 20 years and we are still going strong! With 2 big r/c
tracks to choose from and a well stocked hobby shop....why would you
go anywhere else for your entire r/c car needs? Come visit us anytime
or check us out on the web at
www.hotrodhobbies.com and we will be more than happy to show you a
great time!!!
The Crew:
The team would like to
welcome back Chris Lazalde from his vacation. Chris is the tire
specialist for RMR, Inc.
The Rivalry:
“Well thanks to a radio
interview, Nick Joanides was nice enough to bring me his shock and
spring package from his car. I knew that his car was really in the
track, and now I know why, Bandoleros Shocks in the front. I know he
calls me the king, but I felt like he has kicked me off my throne.
It’s very thoughtful of Nick to keep my throne warm for me, but
Saturday night I’m busting the door in to take my royal spot back.”
said Rip.
The Car:
“J-lo, has been a handful,
and some what temperamental. I guess the name fits… A little diva! We
tried subtle changes, to everything but the throwing in the kitchen
sink, she has run well at times, and then she has been a beast to
handle. We have tried so many things, I think she is confused as to
what set up is under her. We have had the speed, just not for an
entire race,” commented Shop Foreman, Boyd “Chip” Brown Jr.
This week changes:
1. Bandolero shocks & springs
2. New bump stops
3. New a-arm
4. Change rear end location
5. New roll center location
6. Kitchen sink… swimming pool…GPS….
The Sponsors:
Life time and honorary
member, Stock Building Supply, Victory Circle, Ron’s Rear Ends, Total
Power Batteries, Orme Brothers, BCSportsimages, Apache Studio Rentals,
D & D construction specialties Merengue Bakery & Café, and Hot Rod
Hobbies.
For more information on Rip
Michels and sponsorship opportunities, please visit Rip Michels Racing
Inc, at www.ripmichels.com or
ripmichelsracing@myspace. Also check out our new Facebook page. |
