CMT 300

September 14, 1997
Loudon, NH

After a slow mid-season, Derrike Cope and the SKITTLES® Race Team have stepped it up a notch. In the past four races, the team has an average Busch Pole Qualifying position of 17th, with their best effort of the season coming three races ago at Bristol when Derrike started ninth. Finishes also have improved for the SKITTLES® team, posting three top-20s in the past four races. Derrike ranks second among the new teams for his average finishes of the season.

During his most recent visit to New Hampshire, Derrike worked hard around the one-mile track and advanced steadily from his 31st starting position. Early in the 300-lap race, Derrike fell victim to an accident but held on strong for a 20th-place finish, one lap behind the leaders.

"Our finish last time at New Hampshire was not indicative of how strong the SKITTLES® car actually was," said Derrike. "After repairs were made, the car handled well and I was able to gain some positions and raced to a fairly decent finish."

"Knowing how well the SKITTLES® car was set up last time at New Hampshire, I expect an even stronger finish this time," continued Derrike. "I look forward to getting in the car and running it as hard as I can."

"We had a good run at Richmond last weekend," said Derrike, who climbed one spot to 28th in the points standings. "The car was a little tight but I held on and finished 16th. I wish we could have done a little better since it was my 300th start."

Derrike took the track as the 29th car of 46 and posted a time of 30.019 and speed of 126.880. This put him at the present the 12th fastest. At the end of the round, the SKITTLES® Pontiac was able to stay in the top-25 for a starting position of 24th in the Country Music Television 300.

This is where Derrike was during the race among the 43 cars:

• 26th position - lap 15 of 300
• 24th - lap 50
• 19th - lap 79
• 21st - lap 106
• 17th - lap 170
• 16th - lap 207
• 19th - lap 231
• 14th - lap 257
• 13th - lap 264 (Derrike was involved in a multi-car crash that moved him back in the field)
• 27th - lap 275

Derrike finished the race in 26th. It was stated during the race after an interview with Chuck Rider, owner of the #30 car, that an announcement was going to be made mid-week concerning their driver for next year and rumor has it to be Derrike Cope.