MB2 Motorsports Team News

Derrike Cope to leave SKITTLES® Racing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Statement from MB2 Motorsports

Charlotte, NC, August 25, 1997

Driver Derrike Cope and MB2 Motorsports announced today their relationship will not continue after the 1997 Winston Cup season.

"This was a mutual decision between Derrike, the team and the owners," said Jay Frye, General Manager of MB2 Motorsports. "We feel it is in the best interest of everyone to pursue other options at this time and we have the utmost respect for Derrike as a driver and a person."

Cope said," I want to thank all the fans for their continued support this year. Often the time comes in this sport when you have to make a change. We have a lot of races left to run this season and our goal remains the same -- to win."

Both Cope and the team owners said reaching a decision at this point in the season will give everyone ample time to explore other options.

Swinging for Charity

On Tuesday, August 5, SKITTLES® Racing Team members Alison McCue, Kevin Meador, Mike Clark, Mike Russell, Mike Cluka, David Cook, Willie Evernham, Tony McCue (Alison's husband), and Brandon Miles (Mike Cluka's son) played in a home run derby against the #9 Lake Speed team. It was before the Piedmont Boll Weevils game. They are a AA baseball team owned by the Hedricks, who own a Winston Cup team. It was to raise money for the Speedway Childrens Charities. The idea was to hit as many balls off a tee behind second base as possible in 30 seconds. Whichever team had the most home runs (over the wall) won.

Unfortunately, the SKITTLES® team really needed the expertise of Derrike as they lost by 6 home runs. Neither Kevin or Alison had a home run. Mike Clark, who the team calls Big Mike, and Tony McCue both had 6 home runs, tying for the most. But the special award should go to David Cook (who they call Pee-Wee). He was the one who placed the balls on the tee in-between the fast swinging of the hitters! Afterwards, the team signed a lot of autographs. Alison McCue even danced with the mascot on the dugout to the tune of YMCA. It was defintely a good time for all.