Jiffy Lube 300

July 11, 1999
Loudon, NH

(July 6, 1999) -- Much like the determined heavyweight boxer on the ropes, Jimmy Dean Pontiac driver Derrike Cope will continue to fight the fight as he heads to New Hampshire International Speedway for Sunday's Jiffy Lube 300.

It's been a tough season for the Bahari' Racing team, but if Cope needs any inspiration to get behind the wheel of his Grand Prix this weekend, he need only look at the hard-working efforts of his crew.

"Quite honestly, it's the guys on the Jimmy Dean team that keep me going," Cope said. "I know these guys are down right now, but that doesn't stop them from working as hard as ever. There would be no better feeling in the world than to reward them with a good qualifying run and competitive race at New Hampshire. We all have that feeling of desperation right now. A cornered fighter often has that look and what's he do? He comes out swinging. That's the only way you can battle through tough times."

Cope has had success at the "Magic Mile." Driving for Bobby Allison in the 1995 Slick 50 300, Cope ran with the leaders much of the race and was a contender for victory before finishing seventh. That was one of his career-best six top-10 runs that season.

"That team fought through tough circumstances as well," Cope said. "Unlike this season with a sponsor like Jimmy Dean, back then we struggled financially. We didn't have all the resources to run up front week after week. But our crew didn't use that as an excuse, they were determined to get the job done, and oftentimes, we did."

The inspiration behind those underdog performances was Allison. He continues to serve as a source of motivation to Cope to this day.

"Bobby was a great coach on the radio," Cope said. "You didn't want to let him down."

Jimmy Dean is one of four Sara Lee companies serving as rotating sponsors on owner Chuck Rider's Pontiacs this season. The others are Bryan, State Fair and Rudy's Farm.

In the first practice on Friday, Derrike was 35th fastest with a time of 29.598 and speed of 128.684. In the second practice, he picked up the speed and was 34th fastest with a time of 29.441 and speed of 129.370.

In first round qualifying, Derrike was 19th out and in turn 2 of his qualifying lap, the rear broke loose of the Jimmy Dean Pontiac and Derrike spun. Fortunately Derrike was able to avoid hitting anything. 

After Derrike got back in the garage, he said, "I got through turn one pretty good and I feathered the throttle a little bit. I probably got out of it a little too soon. The car started to push and it kept on going and I wasn’t able to hang on. I tell you, this must be what they mean when they say, ‘When it rains it pours.’ It just wouldn’t turn coming off turn two. Now everything boils down to one lap tomorrow for us. I just pray it doesn’t rain."

In Saturday's first practice, Derrike was 25th fastest with a time of 29.679 and speed of 128.333. 

In second round qualifying, the Jimmy Dean Pontiac got loose out of turn 4 and could only post a time of 30.079 and speed of 126.627. This was not fast enough to make the race.

(July 10, 1999) -- Derrike Cope’s Jimmy Dean Pontiac slipped in turn four and failed to make the starting field for the Jiffy Lube 300 after qualifying 42nd out of 47 cars in Saturday’s second round time trials at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Cope did not finish his first round qualifying run after spinning out in turn two and ending up in the infield grass. He did no damage to the Jimmy Dean Pontiac, but his loose handling car prevented him from making the race on the second day of qualifying. His qualifying speed was 126.627 mph.

“I thought we had a good shot at making it in the first round,” Cope said. “I got through turn one really well, but the car was pushing through two and wouldn’t turn. I was fortunate to keep it out of the wall. I just got loose out of turn four in the second round. We just battled with the handling. I hate it for all the guys on the Jimmy Dean team.”

Next up for the Bahari’ Racing team is the July 25 Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono International Raceway.

Mike Richards was at the race and provided a live report. Mike's Report