Derrike Cope Fan Club
Home
1997
Live Report

Jiffy Lube 300

July 13, 1997
Loudon, NH

 Jiffy Lube 300
As the winner of the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division race at New Hampshire, Derrike feels he has what it takes to get the SKITTLES® Pontiac around the 1.058-mile track. "I've had some modest success at New Hampshire," said Derrike. "At this track, I know what the car needs and the set-up necessary for a good qualifying effort and finish. I truly believe that the SKITTLES® Race Team can get the car prepared well each week and get us some more top-10 finishes. We set a goal at the beginning of the season to finish in the top-15 in points and I think we are fully capable of achieving that goal."

Derrike has been cleared medically to drive in Loudon, but the team has Greg Sacks standing by as a backup driver just in case.

At one point in first round qualifying Derrike was 8th after 15 cars. At the end of the round, Derrike was left in 30th position. After second round qualifying, the team dropped to 31st position where they will start the race.

This is where Derrike was during the race:

  • 31st position - lap 1 of 300 (There was close racing on the first lap which caused Derrike to get into the back of Jeff Gordon in the corner and spin out. This caused a chain reaction spin behind him involving Ward Burton and Brett Bodine. It's unclear if Derrike was bumped from behind by Michael Waltrip causing him to spin. Derrike's car didn't seem to have much damage as he made up positions steadily after the caution.)
  • 35th - lap 20
  • 30th - lap 40
  • 29th - lap 60 (pit stops around lap 86)
  • 27th - lap 100 (one lap down around lap 102)
  • 26th - lap 180 (pit stops around lap 174 and caution around lap 193)
  • 22nd - lap 200
  • 20th - lap 220
  • 19th - lap 260 (pit stops came with about 17 laps to go and most took just gas)

Derrike finished the race in 20th position. A little damage had occurred to the front of the hood since it was covered with black tape. With the finish, Derrike was able to move back up to 25th in the point standings.

Start Finish Status Winston
Cup
Points		 Money
Won		 Standing
31 20 Running 103 $26,600 25

David Ronan, Mark Fish, and Jared Martin were all at the race and all will be providing a live report later, so be sure to check back later. Jared's Live Report

TopTop