NASCAR’s Biggest Fan - Ron Ripple

Last weekend was incredible for both Offshore Powerboat Racing and RonRipple.com. It was the  Offshore Super Series’ National Championships, so this past Thursday I loaded the cooler with a few cases of beer and headed to good ol Lake Ozark, Missouri.

I was so excited to see my new race team out there representing my website as well as the best sport in the world… NASCAR.  I couldn’t wait to see my boat out on the water and watch MY team “Ron Ripple Racing”…  (sounds good doesn’t it?) prepare for Sunday’s big race.

So I rolled in on Thursday evening at Lake Ozark, MO, checked into my hotel, and headed to the bar where I met up with my new team and competitors.  Thursday night seemed to be the night where all the teams, drivers and fan’s met at the local bar and threw down as many beers as they could.  Offshore Racing has their fair share of drinkers but they don’t call me Beer Drinking Ron Ripple for nothing… I showed the boys how it’s done!!!!

Thursday and Friday the teams started rolling in with their semi tractor trailers and equipment.  Friday was a day of rest… a.k.a…. a day to nurse my hangover.

Before I go any further I want to thank all of the teams and fans for welcoming me with open arms and with a cold fresh beer as I entered into the pits. Steve Page (driver) and Joey Gratton (throttleman) of the Ron Ripple Race Team were incredible and instantly made me feel at home. The fans and spectators of Lake Ozark are huge race fans and I enjoyed meeting all of you!

Ok… back to my weekend!  So Friday was a day of nursing my hangover and socializing with the teams.  I met so many incredible people this past weekend… the rumors are true… Offshore racing is like one big family.  I’m glad I am officially a part of it.

Saturday was the start of the horse power and rooster tails!!! (A Rooster Tail is the water that shoots out the back of the boat when a boat is hauling ass)  My team worked on preparing the boat for Sunday’s race and made a number of laps around the course testing propellers and set ups.  After timing the competiting it looked like we were the fastest so it was a great feeling going into Sunday’s race.

Take a look below at a photo my new buddy Pete Boden was able to grab as the Ron Ripple boat was screaming at 140mph down the lake during testing on Saturday!!

(unfortunately Pete Boden Does not have a website to show off his other photos)

Sunday finally came, and I woke up with butterflies in my stomach and had a bad case of what I liked to call my own ”Rooster Tails.”  There were thousands and thousands of spectators and fans that lined the course…  I was shocked as to how many race fans were out… I figured everyone would be at the NASCAR race which was only 3 hours away in Kansas City.

It was finally race day… and the day started with 5 different classes of racing which lead to the biggest race of the day (The Ron Ripple Team Debut). I was vibrating with anticipation and in order to control myself like I do for NASCAR racing, I shotgunned 2 quick beers which calmed my nerves.

The start of the race was intense as 6 of the fastest boats in the world were all racing to the first turn. The CRC boat shot passed all the boats on the start, with Ron Ripple and WHM fighting for second place. The first lap was crazy with the WHM boat almost flipping in the first turn allowing for the Ron Ripple boat to slide underneith them securing their spot in second place. The 5 mile course seemed like a 1 mile course and before I knew it, the boats were back around and somehow Ron Ripple was out in front. It was only the second lap when the Ron Ripple boat had a HUGE splash that went like this….

My team ended up hooking in turn 6 which caused the boat to spin out violently.  The skegs ripped off, the motor mounts broke, and the boat was a mess.  My heart skipped a few beats when I saw a HUGE splash!!!!  It was a sad moment for both the team and myself but I was just excited to experience what most call NASCAR on the water.

Both the driver and throttleman were unsure of exactly how the boat hooked but we’re all fortunate they were okay with only a   few bumps and bruises.  In total the boat suffered about $100,000 in damages.  One thing is for sure the crowd got an incredible show as you can see on the video above.

Congratulations to all the racers this weekend for putting on a GREAT Show and I look forward to many more races. A special thanks to all the OSS staff and racers. I’ll be heading to the World Championships in November hosted every year in Key West, FL.  I’m not sure if my team will be getting the boat together in time but with or without them I will be down there supporting my second favorite sport of Offshore Racing.

It’s pretty hard to admit but for once in my lifetime I chose to miss a NASCAR race for an Offshore Powerboat Race.  It probably will never happen again… but this weekend Offshore’s finest were competing for the National Championship, and I guess I was OKAY with that!

Take a look at some of the photos below and let me know if any of you guys have ever seen this sport in action? If so what have been your experiences and who’s heading to the World Championships in Key West?

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Well everyone… I finally sponsored a team.  You all know how much I love racing, and that racing is my LIFE!  Well I decided to spread the word of NASCAR and sponsor the next best thing… I sponsored ”THE” Offshore Powerboat racing National and World Championship team of Page Racing.

Click on the Picture to see Blown Up!

Offshore Powerboat racing is known for being NASCAR on the water, so anything that has to do with NASCAR is my cup of beer (or tea… you know what I mean).  A few weeks ago I was in Orange Beach, Alabama visiting some NASCAR buddies and it just so happened that the same weekend I was there, they were having an Offshore Powerboat race hosted by the Offshore Super Series.

At first I was a bit skeptical but the minute I heard “NASCAR on the water” I grabbed the closest case of beer and headed out to the beach.  Now you may not know this… but I don’t do beaches.  But after watching the race, I decided to invest in a couple pairs of swim trunks because I plan on attending every boat race in the future.

After the race I went down to the pits and met all the drivers who welcomed me in with open arms.  It’s kind of hard to believe but the Page Racing team actually heard of me and knew who I was.  They’re HUGE NASCAR fans, so we hit it off immediately talking about Jeff Gordon’s sissy wine drinking and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s evil step mom.  

One beer after the next, I was slurring my words and in one of my drunken slurrrrsss I said I wanted to sponsor the team.  Next thing you know I’m writing a check and officially part of one of the best Offshore Powerboat Race Teams.  If you don’t believe me…. here are a few pictures of the boat in the shop with my pretty little face all over it.

For all of you wondering what this boat is all about… here’s what I learned at my first race.  This boat is a 38 foot Skater (type of boat) with twin 1075’s detuned to 850 hp.  That’s over 1,700 hp in a single boat.  The boat is capable of running to speeds of up to 170 mph depending on what gear ratio and propellers.  Unlike NASCAR, this boat requires two pilots… one to control the Throttles and one to Steer the boat.  The only way to be the best is by having incredible communication and great team work… and that’s why I picked this team to sponsor.  The Page Racing boat was National and World Champions last year and hopefully they’ll do the same for me this year!!

So this weekend I’m heading to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where I’ll be with my new team, drinking beer and doing what teams do.  I’m not exactly sure what that is, but all I know is one of the race teams is sponsored by Bud Lite and I cannot wait to stop by their Hauler and become their new best friend.

If you love NASCAR even remotely as much as I do… then you’re going to love Offshore Powerboat Racing.  If you’re in the Missouri area make sure you stop by the pits and say hello!  I’m officially part of the baddest race team in Offshore and I couldn’t be happier.

And if any of you NASCAR drivers are reading this I’m challenging you to try racing one of these at 150 mph +.  It’s easy on pavement… but try doing it where the track is unpredictable and forever changing.

Who wants to go for a ride?

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Greg Biffle continues to make me look good by winning races and getting that much closer to winning the Championship.  He gets his second win in a row, by taking home the checkered flag at Dover’s Monster Mile. 

After winning his second race of the year and it being the second race in a row, I have a feeling Mr. Greg Biffle won’t be taking off those “1st Place Panties” for the rest of the year… and I don’t blame him!!!!!

The Monster Mile was an intense race yesterday with there being a lot of players that could have taken home the win.  Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, and Jimmie Johnson all led the race but when it came down to the final laps it was Biffle’s race.

Watching Greg Biffle consistantly be in the hunt all day yesterday almost makes you wonder if he was doing what he claimed he did at the Sylvania 300.  He sat back till the end of the race and it was almost as if he turned it on with the flick of a switch to take home the win.

His team mates Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwarsd didn’t make it easy for him and created one of the most instense finishes of the year.  There was bumping and grinding between all three that must have made Mr Roush “sh*@ing a brick.”

Check out this video to see the finish.  It’ll keep you on the edge of your seats.

DOVER NOTES:

Jimmie Johnson played his cards right this weekend by making a very risky decision earlier in the day.  He was playing the “Caution Card” and didn’t get fresh tires or fuel when many of the other teams did.  He ended up getting the caution when he needed it which kept him on the lead lap and earned him a fifth place finish.

Kyle Busch did a great job yesterday by keeping his whiney attitude.  But to be honest with you guys, I can’t blame the guy this time for being upset and bummed.  I actually do feel bad for him considering the luck he’s had this late in the season.  He ended the race in 43rd place and had to call it quits due to a blown engine early in the race. I’m not going to say a negative thing about him in this post. 

Alright I can’t help it… did anyone see his interview after he got out of the car?  Kyle Busch basically called it quits saying his season is over.  Why would you be so negative getting out of the car?  I would have gotten out of the car, cracked open a beer, and said “Well I guess I can start drinking.” 

Kyle Busch has a ridiculous amount of talent and can easily get top finishes over the next 8 races to win the Championship.  I dont know if the kid was a Drama Major in school or if he just likes attention, but come on… he’s one of the best racers out on the track.   I wouldn’t count him out for the rest of the season! 

What did you all think of the race?  Isn’t the chase exciting as hell?  I wish all the races were this exciting.

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(Sound my music! Hit this play button –> while you read this article…. Sweet Home Doverbamaaa!)

This weekend the boys are headed to the Monster Mile in Dover, DE for the last time this season.  Who’s pumped? I can’t even sit still to write this post I’m so jacked up. It could be this Dale Earnhardt AMP energy drink or it could be the fact that we’re well into the start of the Chase For The Points! This track has broken many hearts and has also made many racer’s dreams come true.  Dover seems to have been a “Make or Break” for so many drivers in the past. From 1969 to 1980, 21 of the 22 races were won by drivers who either already had or would go on to win championships in NASCAR’s top series.

This week the rumors have been flying stating “Kyle Busch is losing his MOJO.”  What’s a MOJO?  God only knows what a MOJO is and my definition is… something a racer has when he’s winning a lot and whining at the same time.  So by my definition, I find it hard to believe Kyle Busch is losing his MOJO especially since I can’t see the kid stop his whining and I have a feeling he’s not going to stop winning either.

Kyle Busch looking his best!

Last week I picked Greg Biffle to win because I had that “Gut Feeling,” well this weekend I think Kyle Busch is going to win.  He won in Dover earlier this year and it’s his time to win again.  He had a rough start in the “Chase” but he’s ruthless and will do whatever it takes to win.

Carl Edwards is going to be another guy to watch this weekend.  Obviously he’s leading the points but regardless of where he sits, the guy always does extremely well in Dover.  He’s got a great track record and obviously has the skill and drive to win.  He’s one guy I can never say anything bad about…

So Unfortunately I won’t be attending the race in person this weekend but luckily for me I’ll be watching it on my Direct TV.  Right now Direct TV has a great promotion going on that if you sign up now they will include a NASCAR Hot Pass that allows you to listen to 5 individual driver’s channels as well as a number of other things.  Make sure you call them today at 1-866-938-8469 to get signed up and let them know Ron Ripple sent you. (I’m trying to get my name out to just about everyone)

The one thing I’m excited about is the ability to listen & watch Kyle Busch whine while he’s crossing the finish line. As we all know, my picks are the kind most bookies hate… Hopefully Kyle Busch reads this post before he gets out there on the track so that when he’s giving his post race interview he can start out by saying… “I’d like to thank the infamous RON RIPPLE for telling everyone I was going to win, it seems as if he’s got some kind of psychic ability to KNOW who wins.” Unfortunately we all know this won’t happen, but I’ll probably get a call from the goofy kid thanking me OFF camera. I wouldn’t want to steal the spot light anyways!

Who do you think is going to win this weekend?  Be sure to check back after the race as we’ll be giving away the gas cards next week. Also I have some great opportunities in the works so also check back as I’ll be revealing this next week as well..

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Let me introduce you guys to this gorgeous girl that we like to call Breena (Because that’s her name).  I met Breena this year while I was attending the Dodge 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and it’ll be a day I remember forever.  She was walking around the pits in a Bikini top that you could see for miles.  When I first laid eyes on her I felt like I just got shot in the butt by a Tazer Gun… because I couldn’t feel my legs.  I finally managed to walk up to her and throw out a classic pick up line that went a little something like this… “Do you have a mirror in your pocket, because I can see myself in your pants.”  She ended up giving me a courtesy laugh but it ended there… or so she thought…  I did manage to get her info and attempted to keep in touch.  Here’s a little info about the lovely Breena.

Age:  27

School or Occupation: Model

Hometown: Sacramento

Favorite NASCAR racer: Dale Earnhart Jr

What’s your favorite track? Dover

What’s your favorite part about NASCAR? The intensity of the race, and crashes as long as nobody gets hurt.

What’s the fastest you’ve ever been in a car? 100 mph… it was fast enough!

What are your hobbies? Believe it or not I like to bowl.lol. I love to hangout with my friends and family and have a good time no matter what we do.

Favorite Drink: Pepsi

What is the worst pick up line a guy has ever used on you? Too many to remember… but there was this one idiot who asked me… “Do you have a mirror in your pocket, because I can see myself in your pants.”  (From Mr. Ripple)

What do you look for in a guy? Honesty, loyalty and easygoing. No drama!

What is a turn off? cockyness

Are you a fan of my mullet? Im not a fan of anyones mullet.lol.

Are you single? That’s a big yes.

Website where fans can find you?  http://www.myspace.com/breenarosillo 

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Last week I had this incredible gut feeling that Greg Biffle was going to do some “surprising” this weekend,  and boy was my gut right.  Greg Biffle raced his ass off and won his first race of the season at this weekend’s race in Louden, New Hampshire. (it took him long enough)

Greg Biffle has had a great year setting himself up for the Chase but hasn’t won a race all year.  If Greg Biffle was going to win a race, this was the race to win.

The race in Louden, New Hampshire was an exciting one at that.  Early in the race it looked like it was going to be all about the two drivers Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards… but on lap 65 Jimmie Johnson took over and Greg Biffle started charging through the pack.

Just when you think Jimmie Johnson is going to hold off Biffle, Biffle shows up knockin on his bumper screaming at the top of his lungs… “Excuse me Mr. Johnson, but I wore my “1st place panties” today and I just really need to get by you.”  Jimmie Johnson tried to answer by driving with his mirrors but it’s an extremely tough thing to do when Biffle had not only the fast car and driving skills, but his green “1st place panties” on.

After the race Biffle goes on to explain he was holding off till the end and knew he had a winning car which made me a bit nervouse.  It’s not every day that I go on the long shot 12th place in points solid top 5 but no win finisher so I was excited as can be for the guy.

Some racers who couldn’t find the spotlight this past weekend was Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr.  Kyle Busch had one of the worst days of the year… and ended up finishing in 34th.  He started strong but lost a part early in the race that created havoc for him throughout the day.  After spinning out and a 1 lap penalty for coming in the pits when the pits were closed, the 1st place in points Kyle Busch is now sitting in 8th place 70 points behind the leaders.

Dale Earnhardt Jr had a decent day but was extremely upset with the results.  After leading midway through the race, the team put on a fresh set of tires that as Dale would say were [Bleepin bullbleep]”  He lost 10 positions after putting those tires on and he was fuming.  Here’s what he had to say over the radio during the race…. “We need a security guard over there watching those [bleeping tires], I can’t figure out why we keep [bleeping] up in the middle of all these races. Every [bleeping] time.”

I can’t blame the guy for getting upset especially after running that well.  I would have thrown a few [Bleep] Bombs over the radio as well.  I can’t [bleeping] stand a set of [bleeped] up tires.  When I put on a pair of [bleeped] up tires on my truck that make me lose a few postions at the stop light, I get [bleeping] fired up.

Overall I’m impressed with how my pick Greg Biffle did this weekend and I’ve got an incredible feeling he’s going to continue it.  It’s almost like all of NASCAR read’s my predictions prior to each race because I’m like a “picking Machine”, I’m just shocked I haven’t been hired over at hatepicks or another sports picking websites. I think it’s going to come down to Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle over the next 9 races… and so far Greg Biffle has Johnson’s [bleeping] number.

Make sure you keep checking back this week because we’re going to have a “Gas Card” giveaway and other special offers!

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Well it’s finally here… the start of the “Chase for the Sprint Cup.”  From here on out it’s anyone’s game, they all have a fresh start, and the only thing that seperates the 1st place guy from the 12 place guy is 80 points. Who’s going to go home with the Championship title and who’s going to be lost in history?

Well the favorites this year are quite obvious going into the chase… you’ve got Kyle Busch who has been called the new “NASCAR God” (Whiner - is what i call him) , you’ve got Jimmie Johnson who is looking to make it a 3-peat,  and you’ve got Carl Edwards who has been unstoppable late in the season.  If you were to ask me who I think is going to take the Championship home at the end of the season I’d have to say I’m going with one of the “Dark Horses.”

I have a gut feeling there’s going to be an upset this year.  Typically when I have this gut feeling it means I either ate too much Beano last night or I’m going to make a really important statement.  I’m not quite sure which one it is but I’m gonna have to call it right now…. “I Ron Ripple, think the driver who will take home the Sprint Cup Championship is…. (Drum roll please)… Greg Biffle. 

Hopefully my predictions are right and we see
this the rest of the season!

I’m the kind of guy who votes for the under dog and one who hopes that David whoops the crap out of Goliath.  So I’m going on record here and now and saying I think Greg Biffle is going to run these last few races strong.  You don’t hear much about him this year, but he’s always there, he’s always in the top, and he’s always workin hard to finish strong. 

Biffle’s starting the “Chase” 80 points behind the leader.  If he’s going to win the Championship this year he’s gonna have to start strong.  He hasn’t had a win all year but he’s been the second best or even third best at a number of races.  Going to New Hampshire he’s gonna have to put his “1st place panties” on because earlier this year he only finished 21st at the LENOX Industrial race hosted at the New Hampshire Speedway. 

I know I’m picking a long shot but like I said earlier… I’ve got that gut feeling and I’m just praying it’s not the Beano!

I know I know I know…. I’m a big Tony Stewart fan, and to tell you the truth, I feel pretty guilty for not picking him to win this season, but the boy has changed.  Tony Stewart is not the same guy from last year, and I just feel he doesn’t have that drive that so many of these other drivers have.  He probably has a lot on his mind especially with the new Team he’s joining/owning next year.  I just haven’t seen the Tony Stewart I’ve known and loved.  (Loved in a straight way)

The Championship Chase is underway and I can’t wait to see what happens.  For all of you readers let me know who you think is going to win this season.  I’m going to host a giveaway starting next week and give away some Gas Cards so you all can fill up those tanks.

So make sure you check back. 

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Hey everyone… Ron Ripple here.  I wanted to introduce everyone to our new sponsor, JustMensRings.com.  These guys are serious NASCAR fans and have taken it to a whole new level by designing racing inspired rings.  Just Mens Rings contacted me about a week ago telling me they’ve created a ring designed for only the “Biggest NASCAR fans.”  At first I was skeptical because of course… I’m NASCAR’s Biggest Fan and the only way a ring could be considered good enough for NASCAR fans is if they got my approval.

Yep that’s me - RON RIPPLE - Representing my new kick ass ring!

So JustMensRings.com sent me a ring and I was honestly shocked when I received it.  They sent me the #18 Kyle Busch ring and it was not what I expected.  The ring is a stainless steel ring that is made of stock car grade stainless steel.  The outer band spins around the inner track which is a lot of fun because I find myself messing around with it when I’m bored or in deep thought. The ring is definitely Ron Ripple Approved… I highly recommend you go to their site and pick one up yourself.

So far since I’ve been wearing it I’ve received nothing but compliments and other fans asking where I got it.  I also ran into my boy Tony Stewart the other day and he surprisingly noticed it… so he wasn’t happy to see I wasn’t representing him. 

Make sure you go check out JustMensRings.com and let me know what you guys think.  They’re only $24.00 a pop and well worth it.  Make sure you tell them Ron Ripple sent you.

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Jimmie Johnson dominated this past weekend’s race at Fontana by leading 228 laps of the total 250.  He led the race from the drop of the green flag and only lost the lead when coming in to pit.  That didn’t last long either… it seemed as though when he got back on the track he drove by the leaders as if they were just keeping his “seat warm.”

From the start of the season, Jimmie Johnson had more hype from the fans than Kyle Busch had kleenex boxes after the Bristol race.  Jimmie Johnson started out the season a little slower than expected but he is finally living up to his hype, and he’s showing the fans he’s working on making it a three-peat.

(Photo Compliments of NASCAR.com)

If you remember correctly, this is exactly what he did last season coming into the chase.  He won the labor day race in Fontana and then won at Richmond that set him on fire to win four more races once the Chase started.  The kid is on fire and if you don’t think the momentum is in his favor, then you better start figuring it out. 

Momentum plays a big role with the drivers these days.  Carl Edwards has it… Kyle Busch has it… and now Jimmie Johnson has it.  These are going to be the drivers to watch out for, mark my words. 

Things are looking pretty good for these three drivers when it comes to the Chase.  Kyle Busch will be starting out with 50 extra points, Carl Edwards will be starting with 30 extra points, and Jimmie Johnson will be starting with 20 extra points.  Obviously things may change depending on who wins Richmond, but it’s going to be quite the battle once the chase starts especially if Jimmie Johnson races like he did this past weekend in Fontana.  These guys are going to have a tough time competing.

Not to get off subject… but another area Jimmie Johnson dominates in is his significant other.  Jimmie Johnson is “dominating” the field with his wife Chandra Johnson.  You all know I have a little thing for Chandra Johnson, so writing about Jimmie just gives me another reason to post a link to her infamous bio.  Check her out!

Ok… back on subject!  Jimmie Johnson did a great job this weekend and it only makes the Chase that much more interesting.  I can’t wait for the chase to start and I don’t know who to bet on. 

Who would you bet on to win the Championship?

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