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| Emotions Run Wild for Cope at BMS | On-track incidents prove two wrongs don’t make a right for Travis
Team Release
Bronson, FL (4/7/07)- Travis Cope had a fast car all weekend at Bronson Motor Speedway for the 3rd round of Goodyear Challenge Late Model competition. Qualifying on the pole, Cope leads the pack of cars to the green flag. First lap wrecks brought out three complete restarts proving to Cope that the third time isn’t always a charm. Cope was able to jump to the front of the pack on the first two starts, but Doug Moff overtook the #26 Grubbs Emergency Services Chevy on the third try forcing Cope to the 2nd position.
“Our car was rocket fast from the start,” explained Cope. “On lap two, I thought Moff would be a little better coming off of turn 2 then he was and I ended up getting into him causing me to go to the rear. It was extremely disappointing, as this was not how I was looking to start the night off.”
“We were able to pass many cars to make it back into the top seven. I got to the #73 and barely got into him going into turn 4, sending him spinning and both of us to the rear. A little over halfway I was able to get around Watts and set my eyes on the top 5. With Rich Clouser in front, I took the high line giving Watts the advantage to get back underneath me. Watts took over 6th putting me back in the 7th position.
“On the next re-start Watts gave me a signal to go to the outside, which I took, only to be shoved high into the wall. Not too happy about that, I got into turn 4 a little too hot hitting Watts hard enough to turn him around. I can understand Watts’ anger towards that and I headed to the rear of the field. The next thing that happened was what I am ashamed of� Watts comes up next to me under caution to tell me II’m #1 and door slams me down the front stretch. My emotions got the best of me, and I returned the favor by doing the same to him and turning us both into the wall. The incident is not something that I am proud of, but in the heat of the moment it was all I could do. Watts proceeded to get out of his racecar and started swinging at me through the window. I’m still not sure what that was all about. Racing is racing and Bronson is a tough little racetrack. Passing is hard and bumping is going to happen. I had a super fast car that could’ve won the race and I ended the night for myself.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right and I understand that. I want to send a sincere apology to all of my sponsors and fans for my actions on Saturday night. Short track racing is a tough sport and my raw emotions were exposed. This is a growing pain that we as a team are going to take and learn from. At this point, that is all we can do.”
Even though a weekend that slated the anniversary of Travis’ first career win, as well as the birthday of his late Grandpa Cope, didn’t turn out as planned, a huge lesson was learned. Passion and emotion are part of this sport and can be seen in the highest ranks. Travis Cope has a long, successful road ahead to prove himself to everyone.
For more information in regards to Travis Cope, as well as marketing opportunities, please contact us at IMMCR@aol.com or call Tommy Dunford at 352-486-2858.
Please visit us at www.traviscope.com
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