Cope Family Racing Overview
Cope Family Racing is an American professional stock car racing team competing primarily in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Founded in 2001 and based in Mooresville, North Carolina, the team is owned by Derrike Cope, Kevin Cope, and Stanton Barrett through a partnership. Known for fielding the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Cope Family Racing has participated in various NASCAR series including the Sprint Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Racing Series. Despite extensive competition, the team has yet to secure a race victory or championship, but remains a recognized presence in the sport.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Cope Family Racing began in 2001 originally as Quest Motor Racing, co-owned by Derrike Cope and drag racer Warren Johnson. The team initially attempted to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and later expanded into the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Early operations were modest, with sponsorship challenges and limited budgets influencing their competitive capacity. The team underwent several name changes and ownership partnerships over the years, reflecting its evolving structure and strategic direction.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
Cope Family Racing stepped into NASCAR competition with Derrike Cope driving the No. 37 car in 2002. The team ran various car numbers and manufacturers, including Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, adapting to sponsorship and partnership opportunities. In 2009, the team acquired assets from ML Motorsports to compete full-time in the Nationwide Series with the No. 70 Chevrolet Camaro. Partnerships with other teams such as Stratus Racing Group and later Stanton Barrett Motorsports helped expand their presence. The team has fielded multiple drivers across series, focusing on development and maintaining a competitive program despite resource constraints.
Cope Family Racing Competitive Journey
Cope Family Racing’s competitive journey spans over two decades, with participation in NASCAR’s top series and developmental circuits. The team has competed in over 200 races across the Sprint Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Racing Series, steadily building experience and adapting through various partnerships and rebrandings.
Early Seasons and Development (2001–2008)
In its early years, Cope Family Racing focused on establishing itself within NASCAR’s competitive environment. The team debuted in the Truck Series in 2001 and attempted Sprint Cup races starting in 2002. Early results were modest, with limited race qualifications and finishes outside the top positions. Sponsorship challenges and equipment limitations affected performance, but the team gained valuable experience. Notable early drivers included Derrike Cope and Kevin Lepage, with the team experimenting with different car numbers and manufacturers.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Nationwide and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (2009–2016)
The team made significant strides by competing full-time in the Nationwide Series starting in 2014 after acquiring ML Motorsports’ assets. The No. 70 Chevrolet Camaro became the team’s primary entry, with Derrike Cope and other drivers sharing driving duties. Despite sponsorship difficulties and occasional failures to qualify, the team achieved its best finish of 13th at the Firecracker 300 in Daytona in 2014. Partnerships with JP Motorsports and others helped sustain operations. The team also fielded entries in the Truck and ARCA Series, providing opportunities for family members and emerging drivers.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
After a brief closure before the 2017 season, Cope Family Racing re-opened in 2025, re-establishing itself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team formed an alliance with Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines, signaling a renewed competitive focus. In 2026, Cope Family Racing entered a partnership with Stanton Barrett Motorsports, jointly fielding the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro SS in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series under the name Barrett–Cope Racing. Argentinian driver Baltazar Leguizamón was announced as a primary driver, sharing the car with others yet to be determined. The team continues to build infrastructure and pursue long-term competitive goals.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Cope Family Racing emphasizes resilience and adaptability, focusing on developing talent and maintaining a presence in NASCAR’s competitive landscape despite budgetary and sponsorship challenges. The team excels in forming strategic partnerships and leveraging manufacturer support from Chevrolet to field competitive entries across multiple series.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The team’s first full-time Nationwide Series season in 2014 marked a significant milestone, highlighted by a 13th-place finish at Daytona. The 2025 reopening and subsequent partnership with Stanton Barrett Motorsports represent pivotal moments in the team’s modern era. While Cope Family Racing has yet to secure race wins or championships, its longevity and persistence in NASCAR competition stand as notable achievements.
Cope Family Racing Achievements and Results
Cope Family Racing has competed in over 214 races across NASCAR’s top and developmental series but has not yet recorded a race victory or championship title. The team’s achievements lie in its sustained participation and ability to field competitive cars through various partnerships and evolving NASCAR landscapes.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Achievements
Competing primarily in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Cope Family Racing has fielded the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro SS with multiple drivers. While the team has not secured wins or poles, it has maintained a consistent presence and contributed to driver development within the series.
Other Series Achievements
Cope Family Racing has also competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Xfinity, Camping World Truck, and ARCA Racing Series. The team has provided racing opportunities for family members and emerging drivers, supporting their growth in professional stock car racing. Despite the absence of top finishes, the team’s role in NASCAR’s competitive ecosystem remains significant.