Who Needs Danica When You Can Have Twins?
LEXINGTON NC - Angela Cope’s goal heading into the Sara Lee/GFS Marketplace 200 at Berlin Raceway was to make the race, get seat time, and stay out of trouble.
Much to her surprise, and to the surprise of a crowded grandstand and her fellow competitors - she exceeded that goal by passing 11 cars early in the race and showing that she wasn’t just there to get seat time, she was there to compete.
Cope’s day began by posting an 18.737 during practice, 24th quickest of the 40 cars entered in what is one of the most anticipated series events of the year.
“I was real happy with the car during practice”, stated Cope. “I made it my goal to adjust the car to my style during practice, it was the first time that I ever saw the track, so we used every second during practice that we had available to us to learn the line, the car, and the setup.”
Success for Cope continued in qualifying, posting a time of 18.466, earning her a spot in the starting line-up for her inaugural ARCA RE/MAX Series event. “The car was a little loose in qualifying - but loose is fast”, stated Cope. We needed to make it in on time, so thankfully that lap was good enough.”
From her starting spot of 28th on the grid, Cope maneuvered her way to 17th place, passing cars on the inside and outside, prior to an early race spin.
“We fought hard to gain 11 spots, I just pushed it too hard”, stated Cope.
Cope continued her respectable rookie performance, continuing to move back up through the field, until earning some tough love from the series veterans, who sent Cope to the back of the pack two more times. Each time Cope’s #1 Ford Taurus came to a stop, it needed to be pushed to restart, as the starter failed just prior to qualifying, costing Cope valuable laps and preventing her from being a top-10 contender. With some damage to the tail of the car, Cope managed a solid 22nd place finish, amongst some of the toughest and most accomplished competitors to ever wear an ARCA series patch on their uniform.
“I can’t express how proud I am of Angela”, stated ARCA RE/MAX Series competitor and crew chief Andy Belmont. “She did a great job all night long, from practice to the checkered flag. Angela’s display of car control and finesse with a car that weighs 500lbs more than her Late Model was impressive - and is truly a requirement to be a competitor in this series.”
Both Angela and Amber will be at Pocono Speedway observing this week, prior to Amber making her ARCA RE/MAX Series debut at Gateway International Raceway in the Shop N Save 150 on July 28th.
Related: Cope Family history. And if your wondering, they are sometime NASCAR driver Derrike Cope
posted on December 28th, 2006 at 4:27 am
posted on December 28th, 2006 at 6:43 am