Lynnelle McCray

I am a big race fan and have been for most of my life. My father had race cars when I was a kid and Derrike's father and uncle built the engines for my dad's cars. That is how I met Derrike. I have known him since I was in Junior High School. His mom and mine were very close friends. They used to bowl on leagues together. We would go and watch them and just laugh.

Derrike & Lynnelle
Derrike and Lynnelle

Derrike was more into baseball than race cars in his teen years. I remember going to baseball games in High School and our team (Washington Patriots) did not want to play Derrike's team (Bethel) because Derrike was the catcher. And let me tell you, he could play baseball as well as he can drive a race car. He had a fast and very accurate arm. He went away after he graduated from High School to play baseball.

One day I received a call from his dad Don, telling me that Derrike was home. He then told me that he had hurt his leg and would not be able to play baseball any longer. He also told me that he had not been out of the house in days. I told him I would come right over. Derrike had a cast on from his toes to his groin. He was not a happy camper. We talked for awhile and then I asked him if he would like to go out. He said no, because he could not drive. I told him that I would drive. So I came back the next day and we went out.

DC and family
Jerry (dad), Bobi (stepmom), Derrike, Lynnelle

A couple of days later he called me and told me he was coming over. He had figured out how to drive with his crutch, because it was his right leg that had the cast on it. He came over and we went out. We spent a lot of time together during that time in his life and I will never forget it.

Derrike is a wonderful race car driver, but to me he is also my friend. We have been through a lot together, and I am very happy for him. I live in California and both years that they have run at the new California Speedway in Fontana, I have been able to go and see the race and see Derrike. He has called me several times, and I have sent him some great pictures. I always look forward to watching the NASCAR races. I look in the newspaper before the race to see where he starts and watch him throughout the race. I wish him the best of luck in the future, and I am truly proud to be a Derrike Cope fan and friend.