RUDOLPH STRONG IN NEW HAMPSHIRE MODS -
OSWEGO RACE OF CHAMPIONS IS NEXT

   Erick Rudolph of Ransomville led the DeLange Racing team east to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire last week. It was the first appearance by both driver and team at the one-mile Speedway oval and the high speeds the NASCAR Modifieds reach. Despite the lack of experience for the teenage driver, he proved equal to the challenge by running with the leaders all race to realize a solid top-ten finish.
   Starting from the 17th position, Rudolph quickly brought the #45 Original Pizza Logs/PrimeTyme Motorsports/Brigham Concrete Modified to the front. Racing with such Modified luminaries as Ted Christopher, Chuck Hossfeld, Jimmy Blewett and Matt Hirschman, as well as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Ryan Newman, the young racer held his ground and climbed as high as third. At the checkered flag, Erick was rewarded for his hard work with an exceptional seventh place finish.
   After the race, Rudolph recalled his debut on the big stage. "It was fast but I felt comfortable after a few laps of practice. The crew had the car well-prepared and that made my job a lot easier. I wasn't bothered by the speed because I enjoy going fast. One thing I had to learn was how to draft and use the air to my advantage. I watched how the more experienced drivers handled it and tried to learn from them. After awhile I got the hang of it and I think we made it work to our advantage in the race. Things got a little crazy near the end as everyone was trying to get to the front but I feel we stood our ground. I'm happy with our race."
   Next up for the DeLange Racing team is the 58th Annual Sunoco Race of Champions Weekend at Oswego Speedway. Rudolph will be doing double duty, driving the #45 Original Pizza Logs/PrimeTyme Motorsports/Brigham Concrete SST in the SST Sportsman Modified 100 on Friday, September 19. The following day he will climb into the #45 Modified for the most prominent of all Modified races, the 58th Annual Sunoco Race of Champions Modified 200. Team owner Dave DeLange makes no bones about how significant this event is to him.
   "This is one of the races I really look forward to each year," declares DeLange. "It's the biggest Modified race on the calendar. I've always wanted to win the Race of Champions. I think with the driver, crew and equipment we now have, 2008 is my best opportunity ever to fulfill my desire. I'm anxious to get to Oswego and chase the dream."

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