Matt Holm

In 1975 and 1976 I worked in Tacoma, Washington for Jerry Craker at Lakes Racing World. We had Chuck Bown as our driver. He had just come from his second Winston West championship and was going to start his Winston Cup career.

We used Cope Bros Racing motors. They were two brothers who still to this day build some the best motors anywhere in the Northwest. One of course is Derrike's Dad and the other is his Uncle.

I remember getting ready for our big Winston Cup debut, spending endless hours on the dino machine in the race shop at Cope Bros. I remember little Derrike coming home from school and pushing a broom around the shop helping to clean up. Now Derrike at that time never seemed to be interested in racing. I think his head was into sports at school or riding his bicycle.

If we could only have known how his life would change all of ours here in the Northwest. We here love motorsports no less then any other area of the United States and Derrike gives us that personal connection. Thanks little Derrike, and we will keep the faith. 1999 will be the start of many great years to come.