HUNTERSVILLE, NC – Rookie TA2 Class Trans Am Series driver Darin Mock is ready to experience another “first” this weekend when he takes on the twists and turns of Road America.
The 4.048-mile, 14-turn track located in Elkhart Lake, WI is not only hosting the Trans Am Series this weekend, but is holding a combo event with NASCAR’s Cup and Xfinity Series. And, like many other tracks this year, the 19-year-old Mock is going to check another box in the “Never Raced at Tracks” category of his growing resume.
“This is another milestone to check off in my young career, for sure,” saidMock, driver of the No. 51 AAN Adjusters Ford Mustang. “I can do all the sim seat time as possible, but nothing beats the actual feel of the track
when I’m in my Mike Cope Racing ride.
“Road America is very long and has some very tricky turns. It also has
some very long straightaways where drivers can pass and gain some
positions.
“Our practice session is going to be very important before qualifying to learn as much as I can about the track and its layout. Just coming off Mid- Ohio last weekend keeps things fresh in my mind when it comes to the car.”
First opened in 1955, Road America hosted an SCCA event. The first professional race was a visit by the NASCAR Grand National Series in 1956. Fast forward to 2022 and Mock gets to join part of the history. He and the TA2 Class takes the green flag for its 25-lap/75-minute event on Sunday,
July 3 at 10:30 AM before the NASCAR Cup Series race.
“There’s a lot of history around Road America,” Mock said. “To me, it’s a pretty big deal we’re sharing the weekend with NASCAR. My dad (Butch Mock) is well known in NASCAR having owned Rahmoc Racing and Butch Mock Motorsports for so many years.
“I’m looking forward to sharing the track with all those teams and maybe picking up some pointers from them on how to get around Road America.”
The goals for this weekend for Mock are simple for himself and the team.
“I know I say this a lot, but it’s so very true,” he said. “Our goals are to
have to great practices, qualify well and then bring the car home in one
piece.
“As a driver, I try to do that every time we race. This team puts a lot of effort in preparing our Ford Mustang. It’s up to me make sure I keep it one piece and earn a good finish.”
Currently 15th in driver’s standings, Mock trails 13th and 14th by just six markers.
For more information on Darin Mock, check out www.GoTransAm.com