Poitras leads the way for Mike Cope Racing at Lime Rock Park
September 22, 2014
Brian LaCroix grabs top ten finish
(Team Release) SALISBURY Conn. (Sept. 21, 2014) – The Mike Cope Racing Enterprises (MCRE) recorded two top-ten finishes in the Trans Am Series’ TA2 class at Round 9 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship courtesy of a sixth place finish from Kevin Poitras, in the No. 73 Chevrolet Camaro, and a ninth place finish from Brian LaCroix, in the No. 13 Chevrolet Carmaro.
Poitras began the day in third position and maintained that position until lap 39 of the 67-lap race, showcasing his skill and the MCRE platform as he navigated the dense multiclass traffic on course.
LaCroix had a strong showing of his own on the weekend, moving up through the field, reaching fourth position on the 48th lap of the race.
Both drivers eventually fell victim to increased traffic and deteriorating course conditions, falling in position, but were able to hunker down and finish the race, a feat only nine of the 15 class entrants were able to manage.
“Kevin and Brian both had a strong race,” said Mike Cope, team owner. “The traffic was obviously a factor out there, with several spots on the track proving to be very challenging. We have plenty of positives to take away from the weekend with Kevin in particular having a very strong run throughout most of the race.”
Poitras’ performance solidified his fourth place position in the TA2 Championship points, leaving him only three points short of third position—currently held by MCRE driver Ron Keith.
“Unfortunately, Ron blew an engine in the second practice on Friday,” said Cope. “We had the ability to put a new one in, but the addition of the Ford Mustang to TA2 has been so recent there are not too many of them in circulation in the paddock yet. Ron’s done a great job showcasing the Mustang in TA2; and he’s a proud pioneer of the model, but luck wasn’t on our side. He’s a competitor, so we’ll do our best to get the car up and ready for next weekend at VIR.”
LaCroix’s finish saw him move up to 15th position in the points standings, up three positions.
Joining Ron Keith and Kevin Poitras at Virginia International Raceway for Round 10 of the 2014 Trans Am Championship on Sunday, September 28th will be Tony Buffamonte in the No. 79 Philmore Power/ Mike Cope Racing Chevrolet Camaro.
“I’m very excited to add Tony to the MCR stable at VIR this year,” said Cope. “He has a long history of road racing in this country and has won in virtually everything he’s been in. We are building our road racing reputation one car at a time, and when someone like that comes to the shop and says ‘let’s go racing’, I think that tells us that we are doing a lot of things right in the short-time we’ve been operating this program.”
Twitter: @mikecoperacing
www.mikecoperacecars.com
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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.
Mike Cope Racing Enterprises in based in Clearwater Florida.
