Ruppel Continues Strong Season – On Podium Both Nights!

Chetek, WI ( July 28, 2008) - Eric Ruppel headed to the Winnebago County Fairgrounds looking to gain valuable points, as the chase for the WSORR Stock Truck Championship heads into the second half of the season. After back to back podium finishes in Bark River, the #837 PHILS INC.com Art Carr Transmission BFGoodrich Tires Ford F-150 moved into second place, in the season long championship.

The .66 mile long track in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin city limits was a combination of high speed jumps, banked corners, and two rhythm sections. The track was short in length, but had plenty of places for passing, making it a favorite for drivers and spectators.

Friday Night - Round VII
The start had Eric starting near the back of the pack, due to WSORR officials inverting the top eight point leaders. With all the trucks in front of him, Eric knew it would be crucial to stay clear of any mayhem, heading into the first corner.

The start saw Eric stay out of the first corner wreck, which saw the leader roll over, heading out of the first turn. After the first lap, the #837 Art Carr Ford was running in tenth place. After two laps, Rupe was up to sixth place.

Then with four laps to go, the top six truck were running, literally on top of each other, when Eric made a great move, as he went through the infield turn and into the second rhythm section. By the time, the PHILSINC.com Ford charged down the front straightaway, only Scott Beauchamp was in front of Eric. During the final three laps Eric held off hard charging Mitch Dorr, for the second spot on the podium.

“The competition in this class in really tough,” remarked Eric Ruppel. “I didn’t think we get that chance to get on the podium, but I had Kramer on the radio, helping me pick my spots for passing. Kramer and Ewert really gave me a great truck tonight. The BFGoodrich tires worked great all night, the Art Carr transmission never missed a beat, and the Centric Brakes from Phil’s Inc. left us go deep into the corners. I can’t wait for tomorrow night.”

Saturday Night - Round VIII
The start saw Eric spin, going into the first turn. This put him last, heading into the infield section of the track. “Rupe” stayed focused, as he gathered up the PHILSINC.com Art Transmission BFGoodrich Tires Ford F-150. Gradually, Eric was making up ground on the front runners. Then with five laps to go, Eric made the pass around #833 Byng, to finish on the podium, in third place.

“Boy after I spun, I thought it was over,” commented Eric Ruppel. “My spotter kept me focused on the guy in front of me and kept me going. My crew, I can’t say enough about, Kramer, Ewert, and Scott, They give a truck that’s capable of running upfront every time. A special thanks goes to my wife Deanne, without her support I wouldn’t be out here. We are still learning with this truck and think we can get a little more out of it, as well.”

Eric Ruppel is currently in second place in the 2008 WSORR SRT Stock Truck Championship standings.

The next race for Eric Ruppel is the Island Casino/Boss Snow Off-Road Challenge II, August 9-10 in Bark River, Michigan.

Ruppel Motorsports thanks all his supporters, including:
Art Carr Transmission,
Chetek Off-Road,
Phil’s Inc. – Auto Parts Warehouse,
BFGoodrich Tires,
Beards Super Seats,
Halama Synthetics – AMSOIL,
Optima Batteries, KC Hilites, True Flow Air Filters, Fox Shox, Trail Ready Beadlocks, R & R Crane Services, Ringers Gloves, MSD Ignition, Team Tech Motorsports, and Summit Racing.

Eric Ruppel still has sponsorship opportunities available for the 2008 World Series of Off-Road Racing. For more information, email: rupe@chibardun.net 
www.ericruppel.com

-Mike Reusche, marketing – MT Graphics. mike@mt-graphics.com