LAKEVILLE, CT – After a few weeks off, the TA2 Class Trans Am Series is
back in action this weekend at the famous Lime Rock Park for the Trans Am
Memorial Day Classic.
Darin Mock and the No. 51 AAN Adjusters Ford Mustang team from Mike Cope
Racing are ready to take on the 1.478-mile Classic Course. Practice and qualifying
take place on Friday, the 68-lap race is Saturday.
Mock, as a rookie, will be coursing his way through the seven turns for the first
time.
“Yep, another new track for me this year,” said the 19-year-old Mock. “I was able
to get in some SIM practice, which is a good start. The real challenge is when you
actually get out on any track and experience it from behind the wheel.
“The part I’m really excited about is racing a track like Lime Rock Park because
it’s so rich in history. There are some pretty big names who have raced here and
that, to me, is pretty cool.’
Early weather reports are calling for rain through much of the weekend. Since the
Trans Am Series is a rain or shine deal, Mock has to take two approaches to the
event.
“If we end up racing in the rain, then I have to stay on top of the changing track
conditions,” Mock said. “The toughest part is visibility from all the other cars
spraying water all over. You have to search around for the dry lanes as best you
can.
“When we have dry conditions, it’s easier to get a feel of what my Ford Mustang
can do around the course. Either way, we have to be prepared and that’s what this
Mike Cope Racing Team does very well.”
With a new track, Mock has to set his expectations and goals at a reasonable level.
Still, like any competitive driver, he’s looking to get everything he can out of the
car and track when the checkered flag flies.
“I would really like to get a top-10 run out of this weekend,” Mock said. “We want
to get our momentum going again and a good race is the best place to start for
everyone. Being fast in practice and a good qualifying run are also helpful.
“Having a lack of experience at new tracks is something I am trying to speed up
the learning process with during our practice sessions. The only way to do that is
by turning laps, relay what I’m feeling to my crew chief and then have the whole
team working together and improve.
“We have AAN Adjusters back on the car for this weekend, so it would be great to
have a good run for them, too. This is a historic track on a historic weekend, we’re
looking to make a little history of our own.”
To follow along with all the action, log on to www.GoTransAm.com and look for
Lime Rock Park under the Events section.