1998 Busch Series

Derrike Cope announced that he would return to the NASCAR Busch Series in 1998 on a limited schedule driving a car for Martin-Weiss Motorsports, with sponsorship from Kraft.

"Really, I hadn't planned on going back to the NASCAR Busch Series," Derrike said. "I didn't want to take this step unless I could go to a team and run up front and be very productive.

"I did fill in for Chad Little during some NASCAR Busch races a while ago and had the opportunity to meet Tim Weiss when he was the crew chief of that car. We really formed a great relationship. So because of that, when this opportunity arose, I felt very strongly that it was time to go back to the NASCAR Busch Series on a limited basis."

The team concentrated on running in the southeast, to better focus on Kraft's marketing goals for the program.

Kraft issued a press release stating the announcement. NASCAR Winston Cup Scene also had an article about the new season. Later, photos were available of the #92 Kraft Monte Carlo.  Before the season, testing happened in Daytona and Talladega. Articles about Mac Martin and Tim Weiss are here. All the specifications on the #92 Kraft Monte Carlo are available.

Unfortunately the season did not turn out as hoped. Injuries received to Derrike Cope in Winston Cup slowed the progress of the team. On July 17th, it was announced that Jeff Green would be replacing Derrike for the remaining races in the season.

Xpress Motorsports, Derrike's Busch team for 1999, decided to run the Atlanta race. Photos are available of the car and from the race.

DNQ