[Bradleyracing86]

Dear Racers and Friends,
I want to ask for a moment of your time and possibly ask for your help. I am sure some of you will not know of the person I am about to write about, and then again I know many of you are very familiar with him. Many people who know this person have nothing but good things to say for he has brought the joy of racing to hundreds of people. (including my father, brother and I) There are also a few of you who don’t care as much for him, and that’s ok but I am personally asking for your help too. I don’t think many people know how much this one man has bettered racing for so many of us. Mini-Sprints although a fairly new (less than 50 yrs) type of racing has exploded into a worldwide form of racing. Allen Rupenthal has made it possible for over 250 racers by building some of the fastest cars that have ever hit the track.

His passion for the sport and vision for its future has left a mark in history that he can be very proud of, and will most likey never be topped. I have known Allen know for about 8 years, however I have only driven for him for the last three years. Let me tell you about the Mr. ERC that I know. I had bought very few parts off Allen as a racer. My brother and I have been racing on an extraordinarily low budget since we started in 2002. We built most of our equipment and bought used parts when we weren’t able to build them ourselves. My family and I own and operate a small Excavating business here in Bloomington, and in 2007 it looked like our racing days were about to end due to the economic crunch. I was a driving a Bailey at the time but I was die hard ERC fan. At the time Lynn Ambrose, Kellen Conover, Matt Arrington and Derek Campbell were winning races everywhere. An extremely talented stable of drivers paired with ERC’s equals many wins. I would call Allen on Sunday evenings to see how his core of drivers did that weekend. Even though I didn’t regularly buy parts from Allen he always had time to talk about racing. That year we decided to go to funfest in a last sort of hoorah. (As we all know, funfest is good for those). Allen spoke to me that weekend saying they had big news to announce. The announcement was that of the MMSA, which at first I was bummed out because I knew we didn’t have the funds to compete in such a series. Later that night we ran our 600’s and we had a great night winning our odd and even feature, and we enjoyed watching the ERC’s compete with the AMSA. I was riveted by how fast a mini-sprint could get around the burg. When the race came to an end I went to congratulate Allen and his drivers for a great race. As always I was welcomed by a smiling Mr. ERC, proud as could be of his cars and drivers. He told me..“you will have to try out one of these big cars one day” I sort of laughed it off knowing that it wasn’t possible at the time.

My brother and I went out and celebrated that night the only way people do at funfest , that of course with the help of Terry’s free beer! We walked back to the hotel around 3am. Lying on the floor around 6:30 am my phone started to ring. With my tongue dried to my face and my head spinning I had no intention on answering it. Finally after three to four more calls everyone in the room was annoyed and I swiped it up only to notice numerous missed calls from Kellen Conover and one missed call from Mr. ERC himself. Needless to say I wobbled to my feet pretty quick. Allen’s voicemail said ”here is your chance to drive one of these cars, call me back.” I returned the call and he said I had about 15 minutes before they start the C’s. I sprinted with my driver bag across the giant field between the hotel and the track-which is about a mile or so (its 15 miles when you’re hungover). I basically jumped into the car and was rushed on to the track. We had to start the tail due to the driver change. We raced through the C, B, and into the A main. I ended up 6th that first night behind a 1000, and my first try in a ERC. I was sold hands down, and couldnt be happier. Over the winter I was set on trying to join the MMSA. I sold my car, parts and engines, and made numerous calls to the top Mini Sprint manufactures. I was looking for newer frames, and planned on piecing the cars together over the next year. I called ERC and priced two used ERC’s and a bunch of parts, 2 days later he replied and said “why don’t you just drive for me?” I will never forget it and the bottom line was he knew we didn’t have the money to make it happen. He not only put me in a car he also put my brother in one and eventually even my father. He did it because he knew we raced as a family, it was what we did and enjoyed. That year I was the inaugural Champion of the MMSA, my brother was 2nd. The next year he won the Championship.
This was all made possible by you Allen and I will always remember this and be forever grateful to you and Ms. Joan. Without your help we would have never been able to race the last three years. Without you many racers would still be watching from the grandstands. The memories and amount friends we have made along the way are unbelievable. The Bradley racing team has had some bad luck as of late. Scotty got caught up in a good battle for position, and I have been having fuel problems. With all that Allen has going on, constant chemo, radiation, he made sure we have what we need for next Thursday’s race at Brownstown. Sure as the sky is blue everything we need to win will be on my porch tomorrow. This isn’t only the care he takes for his own cars and drivers, he does it for all the racers who call. I know you have sent out parts to other racers over the last few days readying for the first mini-sprint week. Which blows my mind that you have this much dedication. My Family and I have been devastated every since we got the news in April, but I know you have always been a strong competitor and you have no intention on losing. I respect you even more for that, and I know that you will bravely take each challenge as it comes. You have our prayers and support and we will do anything to help you beat it, just like you have helped us so much in the past. I am not only honored to have you as a car owner but I am more honored to call you a great friend. I ask all that read this email friend or foe to pray for Allen and Joan. Thank You so much for everything you do Allen and don’t think for one minute that you cannot win this fight.

Thanks for your time everyone,
Andy Bradley, Scott Bradley
Team ERC Drivers #86, # 1x

[Sausage]

We will keep him and his family in our prayers and give praise to people who take the time to thank others.

[IndyBound]

My thoughts and prayers are with Allen and Joan, while we have never met I know first hand the struggles they face. I will be praying he wins this battle!

Patti

[cmiracingvids]

It's people like Allen, and companies like ERC that make racing possible. He's truly dedicated to what he loves to do.
I bought an ERC mini sprint from a guy not even knowing what ERC stood for. (its Economy Racing Components) For a mini sprint, they're one of the top chassis to have. They also make all kinds of parts for mini sprints. I dealt with Allen a lot when racing...for parts, and advice. He ALWAYS helped me out. Always wanted to see HIS cars at the front. I mean, who wouldn't...but...you could tell he truly cared about the racers.
I've had the chance to meet some of the greatest people in racing through mini sprints. I've enjoyed filming them, and I sure do miss racing them. Andy and Scott Bradley are great guys, and they've been really helpful as well. So to you guys...thanks.

To Allen...Thank you for everything you've done, and will continue to do for mini sprint racing. My thoughts will be with you as you go through treatment...I'm sure it isn't fun. I wish you and the MMSA and ERC nothing but the very best. If there's anything you need. E-mail me or give me a call. I'll try and help in any way possible.

Take Care.
Colin Miller

p.s. I'm sure it was sweet to hear that Seth got a win the other night. He was flyin!

[DAD]

Allen I was talking with lynn the other night and he told me you were doing better but you were afraid of getting out because of pneumonia. We go back quite a few good years together. When we met you you were driving your own race cars and best I can remember you were a bit of "loose cannon" back then. There was however no doubt for which position you were racing for. We have only raced one of your cars that would have been Tony's little red #1. It was never because of you or your cars, it was just because everybody had an "ERC" and we always wanted to do things different. This did not stop you from being a good friend of mine. Some of the best conversations about racing have been with you when we found time to sit down and talk. I still remember going to Waynesfield to race and blowing out my last trailer spare on the way up. You loand me yours, it was a good 5 hour trip for you and you took a big chance on helping me get home that night thanks.
Perhaps the best thing you have done for me however was going with Bill May and forming the MMSA. I thought it was a bad idea at the time and said so. But some how you have managed to put together the best and most enjoyable bunch of racers I have found in several years of racing. The people are friendly and enjoy racing, will do anything to help you if your in a bind.
I was really getting fed up with racing and was about to quit when I went to race with my old friend "Allen" and low and behold I was having fun again. I't great racing against team "ERC" again we feel right at home doing it.
I sure hope you can find a race close soon that you can come to and watch your guys race. I would love sitting next to you and giving you an elbow now and then. If you find time, give me a call at work I would sure like hearing from you.


Bill------502-778-6833

[Bradleyracing86]

I spoke with Allen yesterday, he had been having headaches for a couple of days. When he went in they did find three small tumors in his brain. He advised that he would call me when he knew more, which was today. They are starting radiation on his brain tomorrow, and the doctor told him that they have a 95% chance of of radiating the tumors. He has five total tumors, three in the brain, the one in his upper left lung and also a new one in his back. They are going to combat it very aggressively starting with the radiation and then continuing chemo next week. They will then reevaluate his condition to see if it is working in a couple of weeks. His spirits are very high, and as I stated before has no intention on giving up...
please keep him in your prayers, and if your around stop by and see him. >DAD< he will love that story, and any others people want to share.

Thanks for your time- Andy

---------- Post added at 05:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:51 PM ----------

Also I want to thank CMI Racing Videos for sending Allen the MMSA races he attends, Colin I'd be glad to put you on the car for doing that-Andy

[Eagle14]

Mr. ERC came into Tri-State Motorcycle a lot and always spent quality time with myself personally while picking up or ordering Yamaha parts. Personally you are in our thoughts and prayers. Though you may not remember me, we are always glad to have ERC as a customer at Tri-State Motorcycle in Evansville, Indiana. Your in our thoughts. A true racer. Andy keep us updated.....
Posted via Mobile Device

[SprintManDave]

My thoughts and prayers are with Allen and his family.

[Smitty]

Thank you for all your prayers.
Allen Ruppenthal and family