Pappel Racing is Geared Up for the 2012 NHRA Division Six Drag Racing Season
- 27 Mar 2012
The youngest member of the Pappel Racing team, Rochelle began her racing career driving a junior dragster at the age of eight. Now a senior in high school, Rochelle carries a 3.68 grade point average and has earned a scholarship to Lane Community College, and plans to run track.
As a race car driver, Rochelle is equally as successful. During the 2011 season, she raced in the high school and pro classes at Champion Raceway and Woodburn Dragstrip. Rochelle finished the season with two wins and two final round appearances. She also competed in the Hot Rod Nationals, going four rounds in the constellation race. When asked her strong point as a driver, her father said, "Rochelle is "ICE" at the starting line, and has learned to be a stealth competitor at the starting and finish line." Jim, 24, is also no stranger to success. In fact, the driver raced the Woodland Dragstrip Super Shifter Series during 2011. Manning a 1970 Nova, powered by a 383 cubic-inch engine with a four speed transmission behind it, Jim finished the series third overall for the season. Referring to Jim's driving skills, Ron said, "Jim knows the ins and outs of each car and has experience driving many cars. He has competed for several years in Division Six." Ron, the patriarch of the team, has set a great example for his youngsters to follow. In fact, he raced Super-Pro in the NHRA Summit Series, the Hot Rod Nationals and the Lucas Oil race at Woodburn Dragstrip during the 2011 season. Ron won the Night Fire race for the third consecutive year at Champion Raceway in Medford, Oregon. "Our family has grown up at the race track, and enjoy the friendly competition atmosphere that is great at every track where we have raced," explained Ron. "Our race team shows fellow racers and fans how much fun team work and competition is in the NHRA." Ron, Jim and Rochelle Pappel welcome the opportunity to share their passion for and compete in the sport of racing as a family, but are also aware that victories make the overall experience even more enjoyable. "If you want to win races, your vehicle maintenance is crucial in every aspect," explained Ron. "We are able to keep our cars consistent on the track by ensuring that every component does its job the same every time. From air delivery to oil maintenance with K&N filters. You cannot cut corners anywhere if you want to win. We use K&N air filters on our race cars and tow vehicles," he continued. K&N oil and air filters are by far the most reliable and consistent product we have ever used to protect our engines. They have been a part of our race cars and team since we started in 2001. K&N has been proven in our pits and on the track by winning eight track championships, two Division six titles and one national championship." Fans can plan on seeing "two great looking competitive 27 Ford Roadsters" on the Pappel team in 2012. Ron will man a 1927 Ford Brogie Roadster with a big block Chevy engine, while Jim and Rochelle will debut their new Suncoast Roadster with a 383 cubic-inch stroker engine. "NHRA drag racing is a great sport for families," shared Ron. "I would encourage racers and enthusiasts to get their kids involved. Great sponsors like K&N have helped our Pappel Racing family build memories that will last forever." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
