Darin Mock Earns Top-15 finish at Watkins Glen
September 14, 2022
HUNTERSVILLE, NC – Darin Mock started the TA2 Trans Am Series race at Watkins Glen International in 21st place. When the checkered flag waved, Mock had raced his way to 15th-place in his No. 51 AAN Adjusters Ford Mustang.
Mock and the Mike Cope Racing team had to overcome some adversity in practice when a mechanical failure forced the team to change the car’s rear end. While that caused them to qualify in the Group Two session, it proved beneficial in the race.
“I hate that happened and the team had to make that change, but it turned out better for us during the race,” said Mock. “Once the green flag waved, the car handled and raced so much better than before.
“The difference was immediate as I made my way around Watkins Glen. I’m not sure if it’s because we haven’t raced in a month or there are so few races left, but there was aggressive driving going on right from the start.
“That’s the kind of racing I enjoy.”
As the field made its way around the tricky track of The Glen with a demanding Turn 1, the essence of the Esses, a trip through a bus stop and carousel ride keeps drivers on their toes. Mock was making his first visit and found the race and racing to his liking.
He was also very complimentary to the Finger Lakes area saying how beautiful it was there and the downtown area of Watkins Glen was great.
“This is probably one of the most enjoyable races I’ve run this year,” said the rookie driver of Mock. “We were able to stay in the game with no mechanical problems or wrecks during the race, which always helps.
“We were able to pass a lot of cars and that’s always a fun aspect of any race. It was great to have a strong finish and being in the top 15 with all the competitive drivers out there is even better.
“I know I’m a rookie driver, and I don’t know if I’m just getting more comfortable with everything, but I was really able to enjoy the moments of the race this past weekend. It helps as I keep learning more and more each weekend.”
Mock and the rest of the Trans Am Series is off until the Oct 6 to 9 at Virginia International Raceway. For more information about Darin, log on to www.DarinMockRacing.com and for Trans Am check out www.GoTransAm.com
