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O'Reilly 300April 6, 2002
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Derrike will be behind the wheel of the number 94 for the next Busch Grand National race on April 6 at the Texas Motor Speedway. In Thursday's first practice, Derrike was 47th fastest with a time of 41.316 and speed of 130.700. In qualifying, Derrike produced a lap of 30.423 and speed of 177.497. This was not good enough to make the top 36 so the team had to take a provisional and will start the race in 39th position. After qualifying, Derrike said, “It wasn’t much of a qualifying run. We had problems with the truck (hauler) trying to get here. We didn’t even get a lap in at speed. The car was very loose." In Happy Hour, Derrike was 40th fastest with a time of 30.158 and speed of 179.057. O'Reilly
Auto Parts Sponsor VP of Advertising and Marketing Ron Byerly states, "When the opportunity presented itself to team up with a veteran NASCAR driver and winner in both major series for our own "O'Reilly 300" event, we thought a relationship with Derrike Cope would create excitement with our customers and all of our O'Reilly Auto Parts corporate family. Being a businessman himself, Derrike understands business as it is today and that lends itself to a better understanding of the goals of O'Reilly Auto Parts. He is also well recognized by our customers from not only his NASCAR endeavors but his professional insight and knowledge on the weekly FOX Sports "NASCAR This Morning" pre-race TV shows. And Derrike has won the biggest NASCAR race of all, the Daytona 500. It all adds to the consumer awareness of O'Reilly Auto Parts." "DF2 Motorsports" has started every BGN event this year even though it is a young team and struggled early on. It went out and sought a driver with the NASCAR experience of a Derrike Cope to gain stability and momentum. Derrike and "DF2" have done better than his previous start in each event. "This team just needs a little more track-time to gain the experience and confidence needed to run consistently well every week. The team has decent personnel and equipment. You can't ask for any more than that. Anything that is needed by the team, our two most competitive owners Mr. Fred Bickford and Mr. Danny Bost provide. Now with the addition of O'Reilly Auto Parts for this Texas "O'Reilly 300" event, the team should be in the best shape ever for a 2002 BGN event. We very truly appreciate their support." CIHost.com
Sponsor “C I Host is thrilled to be part of the O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway and to play a part in bringing driver Derrike Cope and NASCAR racing to the Dallas/Fort Worth area,” said Christopher Faulkner, founder and CEO of C I Host. “We are about speed and being at the top of your game, and we certainly have that in common with NASCAR. We are about winning, not just for ourselves, but for all our customers, just as the entire NASCAR team works together to give the racing community and its fans a great sport.” DF2 Motorsports co-owner Danny Bost is extremely happy that a sponsor the caliber of C I Host.com has come on board. “This is a great opportunity for the team. Our goal this year is to make a better showing at the track each week. The participation of a fine sponsor like C I Host.com is a great help. We look forward to making a nice showing for them.“ Fred Bickford, co-owner of the team commented, “C I Host first became involved with us earlier this year. We are extremely excited about their added involvement with us for Texas. I had to work out some logistics details with Mr. Faulkner who was in London at the time and through Internet chat software, email and a cell phone call we were able to put together a program in a very short time. I was absolutely amazed as to his efficiency and commitment toward completing this program. I look forward with working with him this weekend. We are going to have fun!" Derrike Cope is also excited to have a new sponsor affiliated with the team. “This team has made great strides this year. Sponsorship will help us take this program to the next level. I look forward to racing at Texas and giving the sponsors something to cheer for.” Crew Chief Keith Koppenal will be at Texas as a crew chief for the first time this weekend and expects a good showing. “We are taking a brand new car this weekend. It’s never been tested or on the track. Derrike is incredible to work for and will help us get the most out of the new Chevrolet. We fully expect good things out of the DF2 Motorsports team this weekend.”
Sponsor Appearances Derrike also will be conducting an autograph session on Friday at the corporate office of Texas based cihost.com. "Cihost.com has been an associate sponsor for the #94 team this season. They are playing a major associate sponsor role for this week's race in their home state. I am looking forward to meeting with their staff and customers Friday," Derrike indicated.
Derrike started the race in 39th position when the race finally started after about a 4 hour rain delay. Derrike first went down a lap on lap 30. The race was officially called because of rain after 116 laps. Derrike finished in 32nd position, 2 laps down.
After the race Derrike told us, "The team had trouble getting to Texas. The transporter did not get to the race track until 1:45pm and practice was over at 2:00pm, so we had no practice time before qualifying. NASCAR was very helpful in us having the chance to get to attempt a qualifying lap. We had minimal practice in Happy Hour to boot, so I had to guess on the set-up. We changed a lot for the race. We were just very tight throughout the race and were unable to really make any headway." |
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