Cheri Garrels

I first started cheering for Derrike in 1990 before the 1st Daytona race started because I liked the way the car looked. Since then I have met Derrike twice. The first time was at a little dirt track in Lasalle, IL. in 1993. He signed a picture of the Purolator car for me.

The second time was at the Michigan Speedway in 1997. I was hanging out in the pits a couple of hours before the race and the rear tire changer took me back into the garage area where they were still working on the car for the race. As I was taking pictures of the car, Derrike walked over and signed my Skittles hat for me. He always seems to have time to sign autographs and talk to the fans.

I have also had 4 DCOPE on the plates of the last two trucks I have had. I have a large collection of each of the cars he has driven as well as the haulers and a poseable figure you can change the hat on. I have a large scrapbook of articles and collectors cards also. Not bad for someone who originally picked the driver because of the car, but has stuck with the driver no matter what car he has been in.