Mike Cope Racing is Bringing the Talent to Daytona
November 13, 2019
The 2019 Trans Am TA2 Season Comes to an End in the MCR Backyard
Clearwater, FL (November 12, 2019)— From Arrive and Drive regulars and seasoned road racing champions to road course novices and NASCAR talent, the Mike Cope Racing tent has seen great success in 2019. With the season finale in Daytona this weekend, MCR doesn’t disappoint with its stout driver lineup. Tony Buffomante, Keith Prociuk, Lawless Alan, Jim Gallaugher and Thomas Merrill will represent MCR as they battle to take home the checkers for the final time in 2019.
Tony Buffomante, 2016 TA2 Champion and 2018 Daytona winner, returns to Daytona for the final time with his eyes set on victory lane. This will be Tony’s 6th appearance in his Mike Cope Racing #34 Ford Mustang and his final drive of the year. Last year, Buffomante made a daring pass on Rafa Matos to take home the victory. Can he do it again this year? We will see…
Faithful Mike Cope Racing Arrive and Drive participant, Keith Prociuk, is searching for that podium as the season wraps up at Daytona. Coming off an awesome Top 5 finish at Circuit of the America, after starting from the rear of the field, Prociuk hopes to continue the momentum in his #9 HP Tuners Camaro at Daytona.
This year has been one of growth and improvement for rookie, Lawless Alan. Throughout 2019 Alan has proven to learn quickly and adapt well to the challenges of road course racing. Lawless’ hard work and dedication has paid off thus far as he was able to clinch the 2019 Trans Am TA2 Rookie of the Year title following his 4th place run at Circuit of the Americas. With the season finale at Daytona this weekend, Alan’s goal is to record his best finish of his TA2 career… somewhere on the podium.
Jim Gallaugher, out of Bellevue, Washington, takes the long hike to Florida to participate with MCR for the 4th time this season; however, this race is a little more special. Gallaugher will be piloting his brand new #16 Mike Cope Racing Ford Mustang. This beautiful red rocket will take to the track for this first time on Wednesday and the MCR team is more than excited to welcome Gallaugher to the team as an official Arrive and Drive participant with great plans in store for 2020.
Rounding out the Mike Cope Racing tent at Daytona, is a driver who has already taken home a victory at Lime Rock Raceway in a Mike Cope Racing House Car and hopes to do it again at Daytona. Veteran road race driver, Thomas Merrill will strap in behind the wheel of the #99 Mike Cope Racing House car and see if he can make it 2 for 2 as an MCR house driver.
With the tent stacked with talent, Mike Cope Racing has a chance to not only take one of these cars to victory lane, but also fill up the podium. The action starts Wednesday, November 13 with 3 test sessions, following by practice Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the TA2 powered by AEM, 100 lap season finale at 11:25am EST on Saturday, November 16th. Follow along all weekend with @mikecoperacing on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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 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
