Eric Ruppel Sweeps BorgWarner Off-Road Championships in Crandon

Chetek, WI (September 10, 2007) – Eric Ruppel and his #837 Art Carr Transmission Phil’s Inc. Halama Synthetics BFGoodrich Ford F-150 were looking forward to the Borg Warner Off-Road Championship in Crandon, Wisconsin, as the team posted a victory, at the track, back in June. Eric and his crew, Kent Kramer and Mark Ewert, were anxious to see if the recent suspension changes would improve the overall speed on the truck.

Saturday – Off-Road World Championship Round 9
The start saw Eric tuck in behind early race leader #841 Jason Bort, as the field came through Turn One. As the two top trucks headed for the Boss Snow Plow jump, Eric made the pass for the lead and never looked back. At the finish it was Eric Ruppel-1st, Jason Bort-2nd, and Mark Kleiman-3rd.

This gave Eric his first “Off-Road World Championship” title and the highly coveted World Championship ring.

Sunday – Round 10
Once again Jason Bort grabbed the lead, with Eric and his 837 Art Carr Transmission Phil’s Inc. Halama Synthetics BFGoodrich Ford F-150 right on his bumper. As the two came around Turn One for the second time, the Art Carr Transmission Ford was in the lead. Within in two laps, Eric had a sizeable lead over the entire field. On lap three, a large rock hit the rear of Eric’s truck, breaking a rear brake rotor. Now the Chetek, Wisconsin native would have battle on without any brakes. As the laps wound down, Eric had a watchful eye on second place Mark Kleiman. Nevertheless, the white and blue Ford F-150 held off Kleiman for the win. Officially it was Eric Ruppel-1st, Mark Kleiman-2nd, and Scott Bauchamp-3rd.

“What a weekend, commented Eric Ruppel. “ It was fun to race with Jason this weekend. This truck was absolutely awesome. Last night all we had to do was clean it and fill it with fuel. Today was a little more interesting. On the third lap, a heard a big clunk and the brakes were gone. Somebody said they saw a brake rotor fly out the back of the truck. Then I relied on my Art Carr Transmission to slow down the truck. It stayed together and kept us first at the finish. Thanks to Halama Synthetics and AMSOIL they really kept our transmission running great when we really abused it today. Thanks also goes to Keith Steele, he’s given us a hand with the suspension the last couple of races and it sure has helped.”

After Eric Ruppel’s back to back victories, the team is in third place overall, only five points out of second, for the WSORR Tour 2007 Stock Truck Championship.

1st – Scott Bauchamp – 207 2nd – Jason Bort – 170 3rd – Eric Ruppel – 165 4th – Al Konitzer – 151 5th – Dan Bauchamp – 146

Final Race of the Year – September 22-23 “Showdown in the Show-Me State” – Lucas Oil Speedway – Wheatland, MO

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

-Mike Reusche, marketing - MTG
 

To contact Eric Ruppel at Chetek Off-Road. Call (715) 924-2729 or email: rupe@chibardun.net