GM Goodwrench 400

August 18, 1996
Brooklyn, MI

Before Derrike Cope could qualify on Friday they burned a piston. "It's really unfortunate for Badcock, Pilot, and everybody involved because I felt we had a shot at the pole. We've been pretty good all day and were saving a little bit, and it just didn't work out." On the second day of qualifying, Derrike was the second fastest and thus started in 27th position.

Here is what happened to Derrike during the race:

• 22nd position - lap 10 of 200
• 24th - lap 20
• 26th - lap 29
• at this point a caution occurred and Derrike took either just gas or only two tires
• 17th - lap 58
• 19th - lap 69
• 22nd - lap 109
• 17th - lap 145
• after a caution Derrike came out in the top 15 and was ahead of Jeff Gordon and next to Ernie Irvan. Irvan got into Derrike in the side which let Gordon get by. Fortunately, Derrike was able to keep driving but the incident did cause him to pit and change left side tires. This put him one lap down.
• 31st - lap 171
• 24th - lap 181
• On lap 186, Ken Schrader and Dale Earnhardt got together which caused Earnhardt to spin. Unfortunately, Derrike was right behind Earnhardt so Derrike had to avoid him by driving on the grass in front of the pits. This pushed him further back in the pack.
• 26th - lap 193

Derrike ended the race in 24th position. If it wasn't for Ernie Irvan's battle with Derrike, the finish should have been a lot better.