Nellie Smith Kelso

I've been a Derrike Cope fan for about nine years. There is no one as nice as Derrike. When Derrike won the Daytona 500, I was very proud of him. He ran very good that day. I remember crying for him.

It took me about three years to meet Derrike. That day had to be the best day. He was just so nice. I've never heard Derrike say a bad thing about anyone. Whenever he has a bad day, he's still the same person. That means a lot to me.

Derrike and Nellie I have all kinds of Derrike Cope stuff - Derrike Cope high tops, a ring with DC on it, a Christmas ball, all kinds of cards and cars. It has been nice beening a DC fan because Derrike and I are friends now.

I remember back in 1992 at Darlington, they had drivers at the Boy's home. My family and I were there. We stayed for everything. I got to spend most of my time with Derrike. He was the last driver to leave that night. When Derrike was leaving he yelled, "Good night Nellie." That was really special.

I've never pulled for anyone else but DC. I hope that 1998 will be Derrike's year. No matter what happens I'll always stand by Derrike.

In fact, my daughter's name is Derrika Renee who I named after Derrike and his wife Renee.