NAPA 500

November 21, 1999
Hampton, GA

HAMPTON, Ga.. (November 19,1999) -- The announcement by Fenley-Moore Motorsports of Harrah’s Las Vegas Casino and Hotel as the primary sponsor of the #15 Ford Taurus gives the new program a hot hand as it rolls into this weekend’s NASCAR Winston Cup season-ending NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“Certainly, the chance for Harrah’s to be involved with the Fenley-Moore team for this race is marvelous,” said Tom Jenkin, General Manager of Harrah’s Las Vegas Casino and Hotel.

“To be associated with the legendary Bud Moore, Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope and crew chief Joey Knuckles is a great opportunity,” Jenkin added.

“Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time in Las Vegas with (team owners) Robert, Sue and Randy Fenley. Their passion for NASCAR Winston Cup racing is exciting and contagious.”

For Harrah’s and the Fenley-Moore team, the sponsorship for the Atlanta race is only the tip of the iceberg as it looks ahead to the 2000 season.

“In Las Vegas terms, Harrah’s sponsorship is the first card on the table,” Jenkin said. “When the whole hand is dealt, everyone will understand this is just the beginning of a program that will live up to the world-famous Las Vegas reputation.”

The team agrees that Harrah’s and Fenley-Moore are a winning combination, and sees nothing but positives for the new sponsorship, the Atlanta race, and next season

“I think we have set ourselves up for a great race day in Atlanta,” said Robert Fenley. “We have Harrah’s on board, and we are certainly looking forward to working with them. We are ahead of the game. I didn’t think we’d be at this point until 10 races into the 2000 season”.

Crew chief Joey Knuckles and driver Derrike Cope are ready for the weekend to start.

“Derrike and the team have had a lot more time to work together since the Charlotte race,” Knuckles said. “In Charlotte we had only been together for a few weeks. This time, we are looking at a lot fewer unknowns.

“A new car, positive test runs, a focus on tire maintenance and a more cohesive team are the pluses Fenley-Moore has going into the Atlanta race,” Knuckles continued.

“We were encouraged by the results of our recent testing in Atlanta.

“Derrike’s ready, I’m ready and the team’s ready. I wish we raced tomorrow.”

In Friday's practice, Derrike was 43rd fastest of the 49 drivers with a time of 29.656 and speed of 186.943.

In first round qualifying, Derrike took the track as the 34th driver and produced a time of 29.287 and speed of 189.299. This put the Ford in 26th position at the time. At the end of the round, the #15 Ford was sitting in 39th position.

In Saturday's first practice, Derrike was 41st fastest with a time of 30.261 and speed of 183.206. In second round qualifying, Derrike had a time of 29.459 and speed of 188.194. This was not fast enough for the #15 Harrah's Las Vegas Ford to make the final race of the season.

Shirley Garcia. Shirley also provided the above photo of the #15 Harrah's Ford.