While heading down to Ocean City, for Ocean City Cruise Week, I ran into a small car show off Route 50, just before Ocean City. The guys from Ocean City Cruisers were there with their cars, so that folks could come in and see what was going on.
Here is Rip’s story in his own words.
Let me begin by telling you I have a 2011 Dodge Charger RT/MAX which I bought new in 2011. Â It has a 5.7L HEMI with a little over 400 hp.
In 2011 I ended my Harley riding career (20+ years) and sold it plus my truck and went looking for a muscle car. Â I’ve never owned a Dodge/Chrysler product (always been a GM guy) but when I test drove a 2011 Charger RT I, couldn’t believe it’s power and comfort.
Some personal items:
I retired form the Federal Government in 2002 and Delaware in 2004.
I became an OC Cruzer again in 2011 (I was also an originating member back in 2002 & 2003) and its a wonderful car club.)
You can see the car club photo here.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Melanoma (form of cancer which attacked my blood, bones and kidneys) in 2014 (which took me out of car showing for a year but I’m back.)Â It of course was devastating news to me and surprised/scared more than a few of my club mates. The outpouring of help and support I rec’d still brings tears to my when when I think about it. Since my return from the hospital I’ve made more than a few closer friends and their concern for my health is ongoing. Most know what my chemo schedule is and every two weeks they’ll ask me how I’m feeling. Their warmth for my well being is not something I would have expected but I love them all for reaching out to me and looking after me. I can’t imagine any car club being more involved in the health of one of its members more than the OC Cruzers have been towards me. I’ve gone through a stem cell transplant which left me in the hospital for 3 weeks, for the last 3+ years I’ve rec’d chemo treatments and my club members/friends have been concerned and caring the whole time. One of the best decisions I ever made was rejoining the OCCs. I’ll never be able to return their kindness and caring acts; but I’ll try.
Here is a list of what has been done to his 2011Â Dodge Charger RT/MAX
Custom Paint – hood, doors and fenders by Sussex County Customs
Custom painted engine cover by Sussex County Customs
Custom Hood by BMC
Custom Wheels by American Racing
Custom Exhaust by Corsa
Custom Grill and Grill surround (Black Chrome) by MOPAR
Custom Caliper Covers by MPG
LED blue headlight surround by Plasma Glow
Blue Billet pieces by Billet Technology (Engine Compartment)
Cold Air Intake by MOPAR
Strut Tower Brace by Petty’s Garage
T handle shifter by MOPAR
Chrome door sill guards by MOPAR
Polished Stainless Steel interior trim by American Car CraftÂ
(Stainless Steel pedal covers:Â accelerator, brake and parking brake)
Custom Mill Finish Aluminum Door and Hood Props with HEMI cutout by 3G CustomZ
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Categories: Car show, Event, MOPAR, Muscle Car, Parts, Stock Rebuild/Restore, Uncategorized
I am Rip Nardi’s cousin,Tony DeMichele. Our mothers were sisters. His mom is a native Rhode Islander and I was born and raised there and still reside there,although a year ago we bought a place in Florida.I wasn’t aware of Rip’s passing and all he had gone through until I saw this article last night.For some reason he was on my mind and I did an on line search and shocked to see he had passed away. What a gift this article is to see in his own words what he was feeling.You must be quite a group! I would like to extend my condolences to Jane and the rest of the family. Can you help me with contact information for them or see to it that this e mail is forwarded to them.He was only a year older than me but I idolized him.
Thanks,
Tony DeMichele