Derrike Cope Launches New NASCAR Xfinity Team

Derrike Cope, the 1990 Daytona 500 champion, is launching a new NASCAR Xfinity Series team, Cope Family Racing (CFR), set to compete in the 2025 season. Cope will serve as the team's general manager while two promising young drivers, Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata, will share driving duties in the No. 70 Chevrolet. Honeyman, who had a respectable full-time season with Young’s Motorsports, will kick off the season at Daytona International Speedway, followed by Annunziata at the Circuit of the Americas. The team will utilize race cars from Richard Childress Racing and engines from ECR, positioning them for a competitive debut.

With years of experience in NASCAR, including his last race in 2021, Cope is enthusiastic about mentoring the talented drivers while navigating the challenges of the Xfinity Series. Both Honeyman and Annunziata bring unique talents, with Annunziata making strides in the ARCA Menards Series and Honeyman demonstrating strong potential in previous competitions. Cope's return to the NASCAR scene through this new venture reflects not only his dedication to the sport but also his commitment to developing new talent. As they prepare for their inaugural season, Cope Family Racing aims to establish a presence in the fast-paced world of NASCAR.