Mike Cope Racing Ready for Redemption at Mid-Ohio
June 24, 2020
As the season goes back green, MCR looks to come back with a vengeance
Clearwater, FL (June 23, 2020)— It has been four months too long since the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli TA2 division took the green flag for the season opener at Sebring International Raceway. No one could have predicted what the next few months would have in store. Sporting events cancelled, businesses forced to close, virtual schooling, working remotely… the entire world coming to a standstill. The threat of COVID-19 is still around us, but gradually we are beginning to find our normal. As the rigs pull out and head North, the MCR team gives air high fives as we make way to our happy place… the racetrack.
MCR has 4 cars in the field for Round 2 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Thomas Merrill will pilot his #81 Diehl-Merrill Racing Ford Mustang. Jim Gallaugher was not originally on the entry list for Mid-Ohio but could not resist and will be behind the wheel of his candy apple red #16 Madison Group Mustang. We also have Jett Noland back with us, but this time in his very own brand-new Cope Race Car. Noland will wheel the #66 Noland Roofing/Cypress Ridge Hunt Preserve Mustang at MO. Rounding out the stable of ponies will be a familiar face to Trans Am TA2 racing, but a new name under the MCR banner. Misha Goikhberg joins MCR in the #99 Cope/BC Race Cars Mustang.
Thomas Merrill is looking to finish what he started at Sebring. Dominating round 1, and on his way to capture the first victory of the season until issues with the rear end ended his day two laps shy of the checkered flag. Merrill was ready 3 months ago to get back behind the wheel and prove he is the car to beat. This weekend cannot come soon enough.
Jim Gallaugher was not even scheduled to race this coming weekend at Mid-Ohio, but after the postponement of the schedule following round 1 there was a change of plans. Gallaugher tested with MCR last week at VIR to knock the dust off the #16 in preparation for the technical Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Jett Noland made his series debut at Sebring in the #99 Mike Cope Racing house car, but during these last 4 months the Cope team has been hard at work building Noland his brand-new ride. Noland is joining the Mike Cope Racing team for the majority of the 2020 schedule and we are more than thrilled to have this up and coming talent join the MCR family.
Misha Goikhberg rounds out the talent under the MCR banner at Mid-Ohio. Typically, you’d find Goikhberg racing with Blaise Csida and the BC RaceCars team, but with COVID-19, crossing the border into the US isn’t the easiest task. MCR and Goikhberg join forces this weekend at Mid-Ohio in the #99 Cope/BC Race Cars Mustang.
“It’s all about people helping people,” explains team owner, Mike Cope. “Blaise would do the same for me if I needed him to. We are happy to have Misha in a Cope car and get his feedback. The only thing we will miss is having Blaise at the track. I wish he were here.”
While the 2020 Sebring season opener may seem like it took place in another era- it kind of did. Times have changed, but our love for racing did not. Spectators WILL be allowed Mid-Ohio event, and MCR will be keeping you as up to date as possible on all our social media platforms. Make sure to follow @mikecoperacing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If you cannot come to the race, we will bring the race to you with live streaming on the new Trans Am by Pirelli app. The weekend kicks off on Thursday with a mixed-class test. Friday, we have a late practice session for the TA2® group. Saturday there will be a 20-minute TA2® qualifying at 5:55 p.m. Eastern. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the TA2® 100-mile race (or 65 minutes) at 1:45 p.m. Eastern.
By downloading the app, fans can access exclusive Trans Am content. Fans can watch the live stream of the races, follow their favorite drivers through the field by switching from six different camera angles, access live timing and scoring, keep up with the latest news and download the event program all from the Trans Am by Pirelli Racing App (https://bit.ly/3dxc6Lg).
The stream will also be available on the series Facebook (www.facebook.com/gotransam) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTransAmSeries) pages.
Stay safe, stay healthy and tune in starting Friday, June 26th for live updates from Round 2 at Mid-Ohio.
About Mike Cope Racing Enterprises, Inc:
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. Mike Cope Racing Enterprises is based in Clearwater, Florida. Learn more at www.mikecoperacecars.com.
Mike Cope Racing Enterprises partners include: Koury Engines, Keyser Manufacturing, FiveStar Race Car Bodies, Wilwood Brakes, Bassett Wheels, Penske Racing Shocks, Integra Racing Shocks, and Tilton.
Parties interested in the 2020 MCRE “Arrive and Drive” Program in TA2, or would like to purchase a Cope Race Cars Chassis can contact the team office at 727-201-8910 or email megan@mikecoperacecars.com
