Mike Cope Racing Enterprises, Inc. 2019 Season Preview
February 27, 2019
Clearwater, Fla. [February 26, 2019]— The race cars are loaded, the haulers are fueled up, and the Mike Cope Racing Enterprises (MCRE) team is all set to hit the road for a short drive to Sebring International Raceway to kick off the 2019 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli.
The Mike Cope Racing Arrive and Drive Program, established in 2014, has seen great success throughout its 5 years in the Trans Am TA2 series and this year will prove to be no different. Returning to the team, full time, is the #9 HP Tuners Chevrolet Camaro of Keith Prociuk as well as the #14 Venture General Contracting Ford Mustang of Matt Parent.
“I am excited to get back in the car and be with the amazing people that make up the Trans Am racing community,” said Parent. “I love being under the Cope tent and always feel I am given the best equipment to compete.”
When talking goals for the season, Parent showed great optimism and we are excited to get back on track with him in 2019. “My goals for the season are to continue to improve my race craft and work to gain the respect of the other incredibly talented drivers that make up the TA2 field. The field keeps getting stronger and stronger. It is an honor to be a part of the Trans Am series.”
Keith Prociuk held much of the same regard and while Sebring might not be his favorite track on the circuit, he’s up for the challenge and ready for Round 1.
“Sebring was never one of my preferred tracks. The concrete surface is nice for grip, but the bumps bothered me. However, last year I found a lot of speed and as a result, now I like Sebring. This year I’m hoping to continue last year’s progress and do well during the race. It would feel [really] good to start off the season strong,” explained Prociuk. “Last year, to finish the season and miss out on 3rd by just a few points was a bit of a bummer. This year we have yet another stacked field, so competition is going to be tough, but should be a fun challenge. I really want to do better than I did last year. Every year I’ve made progress with Mike Cope and the crew, and hopefully this year follows the established trend. Ultimately though, I want to have another fun season in Trans Am with Mike Cope Racing. This will be my 5th season with the team. Time flies when you’re having fun!”
Last season, Lawless Alan, accompanied MCRE to 3 races as part of the rental car program; however, this year he’s piloting his own 2019 Cope Chassis as he brings his AutoParkIT sponsor with the #52 Ford Mustang. Alan will compete for the 2019 Rookie of the Year title and based on his accomplishments in 2018 we believe he has what it takes to take the top honors and make his way to the top of the podium in 2019.
The 2016 TA2 champion, Tony Buffomante, will run a limited schedule with Mike Cope Racing for the 2019 season. The #34 Ford Mustang of Buffomante is a staple under the MCRE tent and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him back, and Buffomante feels the same way.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in my Mike Cope Racing Mustang at one of the most historic race tracks in North America,” said Buffomante. “With Koury engines getting us down the straights and Wilwood brakes getting us into the 17 corners at Sebring, we have an amazing package and a great shot at the top step of the podium.”
The #57 Silver Hare Racing Ford Mustang driven by Maurice Hull will join MCRE at Sebring. Hull partnered with MCRE for the last two races of the 2018 season and captured one of his best career finishes at the season finale in Daytona. Hull also took home the 2018 TA2 Hard Charger Award presented by MCRE at the season ending awards gala. MCRE predicts that the Silver Hare Racing team will continue the momentum shown in 2018, into the 2019 season, starting with Sebring.
MCRE would also like to welcome, Tom Sheehan, to the growing family of Cope Chassis supporters. MCRE just finished up on his brand new 2019 Ford Mustang that will make it’s debut this weekend for the season opener at Sebring.
The off season has produced new builds, new teammates, new crew members, and a nice break from the fast-paced race season; however, MCRE couldn’t be more pumped to say goodbye to the off season and hello to Round 1 at Sebring International Raceway.
Team VP, Travis Cope, summed it up perfectly when he said, “2019 is the year to continue to improve our program and build our brand to become a staple for the Trans Am Series and road racing, in general—not just for the short term, but for many years to come.”
And THAT is exactly what MCRE is going to do as the Mike Cope Racing team returns to Sebring International Raceway for the commencement of the 2019 TA2 season on March 3, 2019.
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. 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 RaceCar Bodies, Wilwood Brakes, Bassett Wheels, Penske Racing Shocks, Integra Racing Shocks, and Tilton.
Parties interested in the MCRE “Arrive and Drive” Program in TA2, or would like to purchase a Mike Cope Chassis can contact the team office at 727-201-8910 or email megan@mikecoperacecars.com
