7/27/2010
Eric Schulz
Schulz Goes Back to Back!
With showers drawing near Eric “Ricochet” Schulz and the crew got the #4 Papik Motors Sprinter ready for the Lyon County Fair Spectacular in Rock Rapids IA. Soon the heat races would push off with Eric starting in the rear of the 8 car field. Making it three wide on more than one occasion, Schulz did everything he could to get to the front. As Eric, in 4th, and the 3rd place car speed past the checkers, the two cars got together causing some slight damage to the #4. The crew kicked in to gear as soon as the Jack Egge’s Automatic Transmission Service Sprint rolled into the pits.
Making all the necessary repairs and adjustments for the Main event, Schulz lined up on the outside of the fourth row. Picking is way to the front; Eric had to drive off of the race track to avoid a spinning car, “When I got back on the track, the car felt different.” Explained Eric. Unknown at the time, the left front torsion arm got knocked off of the car completely, leaving Schulz with nothing but a shock for suspension on the left front corner of the car. Eric adapted to the ill handling car quickly, and soon found himself in second place. The leader of the race made Eric work for his spot, the two cars went side by side for the next four laps. Eric was able to pull a slight lead for a few corners, but the newly appointed second place car wanted top spot back. The two drivers skillfully battled, Schulz on the outside, the other on the inside, lap after lap, both drivers showing a ton of respect to one another. At this point it was anyone’s race. As the end drew near, Schulz pulled out to ¾ of a car length and was able to hold on to that margin till the checkered flag flew, making it two in a row for the #4 team!
“That was the most fun I have ever had in a Sprint Car,” says Schulz, “I’ve raced guys hard before, but never for the lead. It adds to the experience when you’re gunning for first! It also makes it fun when you can trust the guy you are racing with!”
Eric and the team have a lot of work in store to get the Keizer Aluminium Wheels #4 ready for this Friday where they will head back to Rapid Speedway and try for three in a row! Check back at www.ericschulzracing.com to see how things turn out!
