Brent Copper grew up at and “cut his teeth” racing at Bronson Speedway some 20+ years ago. His roots at the track go deep, as he relates stories about growing up at the speedway and about his Dad and the contributions Tom Cooper brought to Bronson Speedway, and many racetracks across the state of Florida. One could say the Coopers, Brent and Robbie are one of Bronson Speedway’s well known talented racing families.
This past Friday at Test and Tune, Brent Cooper lent a hand and his expertise to fellow racer Shelton Bowers to help “dial in” Sheltons car for the race on Sat. Cooper revealed he had plans to race elsewhere and would not be in Saturdays nights field. While disappointed, owner Ann Young wished Cooper luck and asked him to call in a race report so the fans could hear how this hometown favorite did on the road.
Saturdays field of talented drivers promised to be exciting none the less, as last years Champion Kenner Brown III, Kevin Durden, Rusty Baker, Shelton and CJ Bowers along with Butch Dees and the Owen Farm drivers Kyle and Chip were all expected to compete.
When Saturday afternoon rolled around Coopers choice changed and the decision to race his “home track” Bronson Speedway was made.
When Cooper arrived at the speedway and rolled out of the trailer,he was fast right out of the box ticking off very impressive lap times. It was game on for this driver as Cooper contemplated racing one of his childhood “idols”, the always hard charging Kevin Durden. The pair had grown up together racing at Bronson Speedway, but never racing each other until Saturday night. That intrinsic competitive nature of the racer kicked in, and a cocky yet confident Cooper claimed “I am the one to beat” here at Bronson Speedway. Cooper, having already visited Bronson Speedways Victory lane in 2015 and turning the fastest time in practice this day, definitely vetted that statement.
Durden and the others are tough competitors related Cooper and no doubt they will be “up on the wheel” but we are ready for them, and we’re here to win !
Cooper started from P3 and by lap 5 was in the lead and never looked back. Durden started P6 and had to settle for a bridesmaid finish because try as he might, he could not make his way around Cooper.
In Victory Lane Cooper was quick to give Durden the nod saying “I knew Kevin was back there and ready to capitalize. It was great fun racing him and “I do love this racetrack”. Coopers elated smile changed to a somber grin as he dedicated this race to “my mom” whom we lost just a year ago and also my wife’s Mom Natalie. This race is for them and all the Mom’s out there.
In the Purestock division Tracy King would best the field. King has been fast all season, took the lead on lap 2 and went on to hold off Tommy Jones and Devin Curl for the win.
Strictly Stock driver Mike Brooks is as passionate a driver as they come. Brooks had severe front end damage last week and worked every waking hour to get his car ready for this race. Brooks won his heat race and again got his car to the front in the feature leading until Brandon Henault took over the lead on lap 8. Brooks would attempt to regain that lead but the handle went away on the car and Brooks would slip back to 4th.
Fans were treated to a spur of the moment figure eight race as a few Purestock and Strictly Stock drivers wanted to test that track at Bronson Speedway. Larry Welter Jr would take down the win. Look to the future for more figure eight racing soon at Bronson Speedway.
Next Sat 5/16 Open Wheel Modifieds $1000.00 to win, Purestock, Street Stock, Strictly Stock and Spectator Racing. Satisfy your need for speed at Bronson Speedway.
Limited Late Model Sportsman Results
1. Brent Cooper #97
2. Kevin Durden #56
3. Butch Dees #65
4. Pete Close #86
5. CJ Bowers ?#?32x?
6. Kenner Brown III
7. Rusty Baker #10
8. Dwight Pinner #52
9. Shelton Bowers #32
Purestock
1. Tracy King #32
2. Tommy Jones #2
3. Larry Welter Jr #58
4. Keith Tuten #5
5. Robert Gregg #17
6. Devin Curl #51
7. Tin Henault #69
Strictly Stock
1. Brandon Henault ?#?96H?
2. Robert Oneail ?#?T2?
3. Ron Klys #9
4. Mike Brooks #19
5. Kenner Brown III
6. Don Cruce #96
7. Franklin O’Steen #15
8. DJ Whitehead #23
9. Justin Turner #29
10. Cassie Lozier #24
11. Jason Lovvorn ?#?L15?
12. James Masciale #11
Figure Eight
1. Larry Welter Jr #58
2. Tracy King #32
3. Melanie Henault #69
4. Mike Brooks #19
5. Brandon Henault #96H