Ruppel Sweeps Crandon - Wins WSORR Stock Truck Championship
The win on Saturday makes “Rupe” Off-Road World Champion

Chetek, WI (September 4, 2008) - Eric Ruppel and his #837 PHILSINC.com Art Carr Transmissions AMSOIL BFGoodrich Tires Ford F-150 completed the season with back to back wins to capture the 2008 WSORR SRT Stock Truck Championship. Eric graduated from the Grassroots Formula 4x4 division four years ago, and has gradually improved his race program every year. Thanks to his long time supporters like BFGoodrich Tires, Art Carr Transmission, Halama Synthetics-AMSOIL, and Phil’s Inc., Eric and his crew are now champions.

Coming into the final weekend of racing in the World Series of Off-road Racing, Eric Ruppel had a eleven point lead over 2007 champion, Scott Beauchamp. Eric knew he and Beauchamp had the same thing on their minds, win and the rest will take of itself.

Saturday – Round XI
The land rush start Eric Ruppel come out of Potawatomi Turn One in sixth place. By the lap two, Rupe worked his way to the lead and never looked back. The podium finishing order was First – Eric Ruppel, Second – Al Konitzer, and Third – Dave Schneider. Second in points Scott Beauchamp crossed the finish in fifth place. The win gives Eric the title of Stock Truck Off-Road World Champion.

“We got a lucky start,” commented Eric Ruppel. “We were probably about three inches from going into the rhubarb. Me and Demeny got together, and that’s what straightened me out. Then they told me that Al (Konitzer) and Demeny were coming, so I just put ‘er to the wood, because that’s what I do. We don’t change anything; we drive it hard and see what happens.”

Now Eric had a little more breathing for the last race of the season, but Eric’s crew, Kramer, Ewert, and Scott knew that Eric had to finish in front of Scott Beauchamp. Knowing the talent Beauchamp has, that meant Eric probably had to win the race.

Sunday – Round XII
Once again the PHILSINC.com Art Carr Transmission Ford F-150 came through the first corner in sixth place. Craig Metz, the early leader, came into the Lucas Oil Corner too fast and rolled. At that point, Eric picked up a couple of positions. By the end of lap two, the #837 F-150 had moved into the lead. The remainder of the race Rupe lead all, the way for his fourth win of the season, and clinching the 2008 WSORR SRT Stock Truck Championship.

“We worked hard to get here,” noted Eric Ruppel. “These are some of the best guys to race with in the series. Everyone helps each other out. I thank my wife for supporting this thing. My crew Kramer, Ewert, and Scott are always there making sure I have the best truck possible. Thanks goes to Keith Steele who has helped us in so many ways I can’t count’em up. I thank my sponsors Phil’s Inc., Art Carr Transmission, AMSOIL, BFGoodrich Tires, Trailready, True Flow, Beards Super Seats, A & J Landscaping, Optima Batteries, Summit Racing, R & R Crane Services, Autometer, Team Tech, Ringers Gloves, Fox Shox, and MSD Ignition.”


Eric Ruppel has sponsorship opportunities available for the 2009 World Series of Off-Road Racing. For more information email: rupe@chibardun.net

-Mike Reusche, marketing – MT Graphics. mtgraphics@ymail.com 

- photos by Jeff Nemechek – www.jnlphoto.com