Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500

March 29, 2009
Martinsville, VA

Before the weekend on Tuesday, Derrike said, "We are busy making the final preparations for the upcoming Sprint Cup race this weekend at Martinsville, VA. I was working on the shocks this afternoon and Del and Rick Markle are finishing up some last minute details so we can be ready to chassis dyno on Wednesday afternoon.

"Gary Keller, myself, and the entire team are looking forward to getting the 75 car on the track for our first attempt of qualifying for a Sprint Cup event for 2009. FW1/Fast Wax and flipNbags.com will be the co-Primary sponsors and BluFrog Energy Drink will be back as an Associate sponsor. We tried last year at Martinsville and got rained out. The weather is a bit of a question again, but hopefully it will hold out and will get a shot at qualifying.

"We need to get a feel for how we stack up against the competition with this COT car and we can make adjustments from there. We get an hour and a half of practice prior to qualifying so we will have to be on our game and make the right choices. I will update you after qualifying and give you the insight to how our day went."

On Thursday, Derrike said, "Everything is a go for Martinsville! I was at the race shop earlier today. The car is ready and is on its way to Martinsville. The weather is looking better every hour so hopefully we will get our first chance to get the #75 FW1/Fast Wax/flipNBags.com/Blu Frog Energy Drink car on the racetrack and see how we stack up against the other teams.

"We have been waiting quite awhile to get a chance to get this car on the track. Everyone has worked hard and tried to look at every aspect possible to give us the best chance to run well. We have had a lot of support from people with their aid and input and am grateful for all their help as well as our sponsors who continue to stay supportive. Gary Keller, Rick and Del Markle, myself, and the crew look forward to tomorrow. I will provide an update on how our day went."

In the first practice, Derrike was 46th fastest with a time of 20.264 and speed of 93.447.

Because of the usual rain in Martinsville, qualifying was canceled and the lineup set on owner's points. Since Derrike was attempting his first qualifying run and there were 47 cars, he was unable to make the show.

A press release was done for Martinsville:

Mooresville, NC (March 30, 2009) - Derrike Cope was denied his opportunity to qualify the Cope/Keller Dodge entry with co-primary sponsors FW1/Fast Wax and flipNbags.com. With rain forecasted for Friday's practice and qualifying, the team considered withdrawing but ultimately decided to take a chance on a questionable forecast. "I think we were so anxious to see what this new car would do and to see how we stacked up against the competition, that we chose to be optimistic about the rain holding off until after qualifying," said Cope.

The team found themselves within .05 seconds from being quick enough to qualify and only .2 seconds behind the leaders. After a few adjustments the confidence level was high for being able to make the race. "You always feel despondent after being sent home from any race," said Cope, "but to not even get the chance to see how we stacked up really gets to us. We are encouraged, however, and are ready for our next Cup attempt."