When Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply presents the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars at Perris Auto Speedway this Saturday night, a 30-year tradition at West Coast dirt tracks will take place. Rip Williams will pull on his helmet and strap into his Sprint Car just as he has done since 1978 when he was CRA co-Rookie of the Year with Ric Paronelli. Like usual Williams will be one of the favorites and if he wins the 30-lap main event, it will be for the 104th time in his illustrious career.
Williams, who makes his home in Yorba Linda, California, will celebrate his 51st birthday on May 5th. Most guys his age have already retired from racing. Few, if any at his age, are still at the top of their game like he is. He is a living legend.
Part of being a legend is standing the test of time. Few in any sport have done that as well as the affable father of three. If you do not believe that, ponder the facts below about the year 1978 when “The Ripper” first strapped himself into the seat of a sprint car.
It was more then one year before the great Wayne Gretzky played his first game in the NHL.
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