2003 Ford Mustang Cobra - Repeat Contender

He says getting in isn't the hardest part, it's staying in that's the most difficult. "You have to start with a solid foundation. I've seen tons of folks go out and build or buy a competitive car, race it for 5 or 10 races, and then disappear into the sunset, only to have the car land in someone else's hands a couple of years later. In order to attend every race and do well year after year, you have to choose a class or approach that works for you financially as well for your knowledge base. Anyone can build an Outlaw car. But to do it properly, you can't cut corners on the equipment or maintenance, which must be within your financial abilities. Next, if you build the car, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge to make the equipment work properly so that you get the desired result. If you can't tune your own car, you probably don't have any business trying to run a car in one of the faster classes-if you want to be successful."

So, what does it take to be a winner in 2006? We confronted Chip with this question, and he said, "I've set a goal of running a six-second pass this year. I think there are around five folks who have done it so far, and we need to be there this year. I'd also like to win four or five races and do well at the Orlando World Street Nationals. I've toyed with the idea of selling my car and acquiring a tube-chassis Pro Stock-style car with either a turbo or a mountain motor combination. However, it goes back to what we are capable of, and my operation does not have the experience or knowledge to tune a clutch or that kind of chassis right now, so I would expect we will stay where we are for at least another year."

Obviously, it takes more than just buckets of cash to get a race operation going. It takes good people from all corners of life to make it happen. From family to friends, Chip has developed a network of people that help him at any given notice. More importantly, he's won the respect of those around him with his persistence and dedication so that most anyone would bend over backwards to give him a hand.

"I've been fortunate to have had a lot of help over the years," Chip says. "However, two people really stand out, and that is my dad and my wife. Both of them have been to nearly every race I've attended for the last 12 years. Dad puts at least double the time that I do into the construction and maintenance of the equipment, so I have to thank him. My wife has put up with this racing thing for such a long time and has been so supportive that I could not and would not go racing without her. I have also had the unconditional support of Kotzur Racing Engines, Trans King Transmissions, Stang Gear, Bell Intercoolers, Murillo Motorsports, Performance Fuel Systems, Mustang Parts Specialties, ProCharger, Automotive Specialties and more recently, John Urist, and Steve Petty. I could not go racing without them. Lastly, part of the reason why we do what we do is to gain the attention of the media to include fine publications such as this one, so thanks for the hard work and noticing our efforts." No problem, Chip.

Needless to say, Chip has rattled off just about everyone who's pitched in over the years, but we're sure he may have forgotten a couple of names. It's not easy keeping an operation like his going, but he has been such a staple to the scene that we feel confident he'll be there for us to watch, admire, and respect for a bunch more years.