Dave and Lee Clements

I (Lee) have been a Derrike Cope fan since 1990. I picked him because his car was so pretty (pink and white checkerboard) before the race even started. Needless to say those camping in the infield with me were shocked when he won the race. I have followed him ever since.

I have been to every Daytona 500 and 400 since Feb. '90. I even spent my vacation going to North Carolina to his race shop when he drove for Cale Yarborough. We went after the Atlanta race and were able to take pictures of the #98 Bojangles cars and the new #98 Fingerhut car that was already painted for the next season. Derrike even gave us a nose from one of his wrecked cars behind the shop. Talk about cherished pictures -- I'd never trade those memories for anything.

My husband and I make a point to see Derrike every race we can attend and sometimes Renee also. You can ask them about the fan that made her own button to wear because there was nothing I could get to show who my driver is. I've even had my own shirts made before the Daytona 500 twice because I was pretty sure I would not be able to buy one at the track.

February 1996

Derrike and Dave

My husband and I are very devoted fans and would love to be on his list of Special Fans.