Derrike's Interview about his 2000 Ride

Fan club president Jeff Cope had the opportunity to ask Derrike Cope some questions about his new ride with Fenley/Moore Motorsports. The questions were provided by various fan club members - thanks!

Q: A lot of fans were wondering why your name wasn't being linked to any rides that were popping open recently. Did you inquire with the owners about some of the top rides such as the Yates #28, and did you ever consider returning to the #36 team after Ernie Irvan announced his retirement?

A: "I had conversations with pretty much all the people. I had at least made phone calls and pretty much had talked to everyone except I couldn't get a call back from Yates, so I didn't really get a chance to speak to him personally, but I think he pretty much had his vision of what he was trying to do. As far as the other teams, I had no intention of going back to the #36 car. There were certain situations that I didn't feel comfortable with. 

"I got myself into a situation last year where there were a lot of people who didn't have a lot of experience and I just felt like I needed to look for a situation that I felt comfortable in. I had been talking to the Fenley's and Bud Moore by Greg Moore for some time. When this situation came about and I met these gentlemen, I was very comfortable with them. I have always really enjoyed Bud Moore and felt like the commitment was there from an emotional standpoint, and felt like from a financial standpoint that the commitment was there. I like the crew chief, Joey Knuckles, and we seem to get along really well. Raymond Kelly (general manager), who I have known for a long time since I came back here, is down there and orchestrating that thing along with Joey. I felt like when I got there I was wanted, I have a comfort level there, and I think that means a great deal."

Q: Have you ever worked with any of your new crew before?

A: "When I first came back here the first place I drove to was a town near Spartanburg, SC. I met Bud, I met Greg, Raymond Kelly I knew and of course I have known Joey for awhile. I know a bunch of guys that are at the shop already so when I walked in there, I had been there before, and I had a comfort level with the people that were there. Obviously there's a lot to do. They are very excited and very driven right now and looking forward to getting ready for next year. We're going to try some races this year and try some things to get us up and going."

Q: I would consider this a beginning team even though you have people in the organization who have been around for sometime. Even though a sponsor has not been secured at this time, do you feel that this is a car owner who is willing to keep the team well funded, in the middle of the road, or on a just getting by status? We think you have great potential but just need an owner who will be willing to keep up with advances and with the finances.

A: "That was a major reason for me going there because I looked at all the other opportunities that were there. First of all, you have some people coming in from various other sports into NASCAR. I think sometimes they come in with thoughts of how things should be. And then these guys (Fenley/Moore Motorsports) are coming in with a commitment to do the things that I feel are going to enhance the team. That is some progressive things with regard to aerodynamics and computerization, and things like that which I think are going to help the team progress. They are going to do what it takes to put this team on the map and get it up and going as quick as possible. They have physically picked up their families and moved. They are getting the community involved in Spartanburg. They are going to do a Bud Moore museum right next door to the facilities. This is a community involved group so they are very committed and very driven. I feel very confident in the fact that they are here to stay. They are not here to come in and try to reap the benefits and then go. These people are definitely here to stay."

Q: Since the #15 race shop is in Spartanburg, SC, will you be moving there?

A: "No, I will not be moving. I'm going to stay here. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes down there for me. I'll probably spend a great deal of my time driving back and forth. I look forward to going down there and spending an enormous amount of time there throughout the winter."

Q: I am excited about the new ride and have great hopes, but as a die-hard Cope fan finding your merchandise is often very difficult. I would like to know if (pending sponsorship) this is a team owner who will be there to market you to the fans and media?

A: "We haven't had to sit down and really go over all of this but my thought from what they are doing right now with Bud Moore from a marketing standpoint, they are getting very behind this program. I think they want to have merchandise out there and I think they are willing to do what it takes to get that done and are looking at all those avenues to try to become more proficient in that avenue. It has been a problem for me my whole career never having a trailer or the opportunity to do that, so there's going to be some big changes for me from a personal standpoint as far as the people I deal with and the merchandising aspects this winter. I'll be sitting down with them to negotiate that here shortly."