Angela Cope Successful in ARCA RE/MAX Debut at Berlin
Angela Cope Successful in ARCA RE/MAX Debut at Berlin
Lexington, NC - Angela Cope's goal heading into the Sara Lee/GFS Marketplace
200 at Berlin Raceway was to make the race, get seat time, and stay out of
trouble. Much to her surprise, and to the surprise of a crowded grandstand
and her follow competitors - she exceeded that goal by passing 11 cars early
in the race and showing that she wasn't just there to get seat time, she was
there to compete.
Cope's day began by posting an 18.737 during practice, 24th quickest of the
40 cars entered in what is one of the most anticipated series events of the
year. "I was real happy with the car during practice", stated Cope. "I made
it my goal to adjust the car to my style during practice, it was the first
time that I ever saw the track, so we used every second during practice that
we had available to us to learn the line, the car, and the setup."
Success for Cope continued in qualifying, posting a time of 18.466, earning
her a spot in the starting line-up for her inaugural ARCA RE/MAX Series
event. "The car was a little loose in qualifying - but loose is fast",
stated Cope. We needed to make it in on time, so thankfully that lap was
good enough."
From her starting spot of 28th on the grid, Cope maneuvered her way to 17th
place, passing cars on the inside and outside, prior to an early race spin.
"We fought hard to gain 11 spots, I just pushed it too hard", stated Cope.
Cope continued her respectable rookie performance, continuing to move back
up through the field, until earning some tough love from the series
veterans, who sent Cope to the back of the pack two more times. Each time
Cope's #1 Ford Taurus came to a stop, it needed to be pushed to restart, as
the starter failed just prior to qualifying, costing Cope valuable laps and
preventing her from being a top-10 contender. With some damage to the tail
of the car, Cope managed a solid 22nd place finish, amongst some of the
toughest and most accomplished competitors to ever wear an ARCA series patch
on their uniform.
"I can't express how proud I am of Angela", stated ARCA RE/MAX Series
competitor and crew chief Andy Belmont. "She did a great job all night long,
from practice to the checkered flag. Angela's display of car control and
finesse with a car that weighs 500lbs more than her Late Model was
impressive - and is truly a requirement to be a competitor in this series."
Both Angela and Amber will be at Pocono Speedway observing this week, prior
to Amber making her ARCA RE/MAX Series debut at Gateway International
Raceway in the Shop N Save 150 on July 28th.
For more information about both Angela and Amber Cope, please visit
www.twinmotorsportsracing.com. For more information about Andy Belmont,
please visit www.andybelmont.com.
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