Shannon Morley

I met this guy on January 28th, 1993 whose name is John. He was very nice and really enjoyed watching Winston Cup racing. I had watched it some before I met him, but I didn't know the difference from one race car to another, including Formula 1 to NASCAR Winston Cup. Over the past four years I have learned quite a bit of information about drivers, rules, and tracks.

I have only been to one Winston Cup race and it was in 1995 at Phoenix. It was an awesome race. I am very conservative when it comes to sporting events, but I was caught by John yelling at the top of my lungs, "GO DERRIKE..!!!!". I thought this was the best experience of my life when it comes to sports. After the race, we were leaving and I saw Derrike and Renee leaving with someone driving for them, maybe enough driving for the day. I felt so lucky to be able to see him that closely.

I have debated with so many of my new Winston Cup friends on who is the better driver. I will keep telling them to watch Derrike because I know he has a lot more wins left in him yet.

Since that first race that John and I watched on February 14, 1993, I have watched many races where the luck has been with Derrike and some where it hasn't. I now have Derrike Cope wallpaper on my computer, a Derrike Cope t-shirt, collectables, and more. My oldest son's name is also Derrike but we spell it Derek. There are so many reasons to be a Derrike Cope fan. I wish that more of the drivers were as real as Derrike Cope seems to be. I really enjoy all the interviews with him after races and when he has been on This Week in NASCAR and the other shows.

I hope that the season turns around for Derrike as he deserves a great year. I hope to see him in the top 5 for as many more races as he can. Go Derrike! By the way, I have to say when I can get to another Winston Cup race, I will be there again yelling my heart for DERRIKE...!!! I haven't yelled at a sporting event since and I don't think I will again unless Derrike does well again. I am even yelling at the TV during races now.