Mike Cope machines ready for Road Atlanta, standalone TA2 race
May 7, 2015
Nine MCRE built cars set to participate in Foametix Muscle Car Challenge
CLEARWATER, Fla. (May 6, 2015) – As the Trans Am Series heads to Road Atlanta for Round 3 of the 2015 Trans Am Championship, Mike Cope Racing Enterprises’ (MCRE) TA2 platform will once again be given the opportunity to shine alongside the TA2 class in the Foametix Muscle Car Challenge, the second independent TA2 race of the year, set to take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9.
The 38-car TA2 field will feature a multitude of MCRE built and MCRE managed cars, showcasing an ever expanding number of Trans Am Competitors switching to the Mike Cope platform. After solid showings at Sebring and Homestead-Miami, big things can be expected from MCRE machines at Road Atlanta.
“When you look at the talent level of the drivers who have chosen the MCRE platform you know there will be podiums throughout the year, and plenty of them,” said Mike Cope, Owner of MCRE. “We’ve seen what drivers like Dillon Machavern, Tony Ave and Tony Buffomante can do with these machines; from the lap charts to the winner’s circle, there have been impressive performances from virtually every TA2 driver behind the wheel of an MCRE machine. We’ve enjoyed watching their success and look forward to even more of it.”
In total, eight MCRE machines will take to the 2.54-mile road course, one of the most renown in all of North America. Out of those eight machines, four are MCRE “Arrive and Drive” members, including; Keith Prociuk, Tony Buffomante, JJ Haley and Kevin Poitras.
“The Arrive and Drive program allows us to take care of cars for individuals interested in Trans Am and TA2, but who simply do not have the time to prepare and maintain their cars,” said Cope. “We make sure that when they arrive at the track they know their cars are in the best of shape, ready to compete at the highest level— we take care of everything for them so they can focus on racing.”
In addition, MCRE is making further investments in the Trans Am paddock with the announcement of the Mike Cope Hard Charger award for the TA2 class, awarding an MCRE built chassis to the TA2 driver, displaying an MCRE decal, who moves up the most positions from start to finish over the course of the 2015 Trans Am Championship.
“We’re happy to give back to the TA2 field and Trans Am,” said Cope. “This Series, this class—it’s been a wild and incredible ride but the catch is we’re only getting started. With these independent TA2 races, the sky is the limit for the class, Trans Am and, of course, Mike Cope Racing Enterprises. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but the challenge is something that we’re looking forward to—it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The MCRE team and all MCRE built cars will take to the track in several TA2 only sessions throughout the weekend, all times Eastern:
Thursday, May 7
Test sessions throughout the day
Friday, May 8
9:00 – 9:15 AM – Trans Am TA2 Practice 1
11:30 – 11:45 AM – Trans Am TA2 “Fast Five” Qualifying
2:30 – 2:45 PM – Trans Am TA2 Practice 2
3:00 – 3:15 PM – Trans Am Second Chance to Qualify
Saturday, May 9
9:30 – 11:10 AM – Foametix Muscle Car Challenge (TA2 Race)
Fans can keep up with MCRE throughout the weekend on Twitter at @MikeCopeRacing and keep track of each session at www.gotransam.com/live-timing or on Race Monitor.
Complete list of this weekend’s competitors who chose Mike Cope Racing Enterprises racecars: Keith Prociuk*, Dillon Machavern, Tony Buffomante*, Tony Ave, Kevin Poitras*, Jordan Bupp, JJ Haley*, Nick Hazelwood.
*MRCE “Arrive and Drive” customers
About Mike Cope Racing Enterprises:
Perhaps no other team has worked so diligently to achieve success over the course of 30 years as MCRE. Over the years, they have successfully launched corporate sponsorships in national series, developed short track and SCCA Road race champions and mentored young upcoming drivers. Lead by Mike Cope, he brings the same enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge to his race team that made him victorious in his own racing career.
MCRE offers a variety of services for drivers interested in the Trans Am Series’ TA2 program, including custom builds, arrive and drive programs, maintenance programs, consulting, driver mentoring, set-up and shock dyno. Learn more at www.mikecoperacecars.com.
Mike Cope Racing Enterprises is based in Clearwater, Florida.
Mike Cope Racing Enterprises partners include: Quarter Master, Hawk Performance, Schoenfeld Headers, Wilwood, Port City Racecars, ButlerBuilt, Integra Shocks and Keyser Manufacturing.
MCRE Sponsors:
Bestline Superior Lubricants, www.bestlinelubricants.com
Since its incorporation, BestLine has developed a new line of full synthetic lubricants and lubricant additives that dramatically reduce friction, heat and mechanical wear to an extent never before seen or tested. BestLine refers to its proprietary technology as "Micro Lubrication Technology, (TM)" or "MLT."
