UAW-GM Quality 500 Live Report by James Hickey

Derrike Cope knew it was going to be a long day at Charlotte Motor Speedway before the green flag fell on the UAW-GM Quality 500.

Derrike and Hurst Shifter spokesmodel Linda Vaughn

When I caught up to Derrike during driver introductions, I asked how the car was and about his chances. He said "It's going to be wait and see." Derrike rolled off the grid 13th and managed to avoid incidents which collected pole sitter Geoff Bodine, among others.

Unfortunately, the SKITTLES® Pontiac had terminal engine failure at lap 299.

Good news for Derrike Cope fans came in the form of Johnny Benson's 10th place run in the #30 Pennzoil Pontiac. We can only hope the team took great notes that can be used with Derrike at Charlotte Motor Speedway next season.