They did have top tear drivers running the car just not the Ryan's. They ran saddle packs and wider track jconcepts wheels. I know Orion does not make a 550 so that might be why one Ryan did not run it; that was a big open track. Maybe they need to mold up some stiffer plastic to reduce flex? Maybe it just was not AE's day in the 4w class, really hard to say.
I am happy for Phed and Lutz, They had some good races and there trucks looked real good. I know they did not run stock trucks and had every option part on them that the companies offered.