Arnold Motorsports has agreed to terms for a one race deal with Derrike Cope to pilot the #79 Dodge in the 2004 Season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The team has been searching for a replacement driver after splitting ways with driver Billy Bigley Jr. following the Atlanta race. The newly reconfigured Homestead track added banking in the turns throughout the year. The change should have all the teams on a more equal playing field when it comes to notebooks. “Derrike’s experience and ability to handle a racecar will be extremely helpful in getting the Arnold Motorsports Team in the race,” commented Don Arnold. “With the changes at Homestead, we feel we have an excellent shot to get in the show. Mike Hillman (crew chief) and Derrike are going to have to communicate effectively, the extra practice sessions are going to be valuable.” “I’m looking forward to and happy that Don asked me to drive the #79 Dodge Intrepid in Homestead,” said Derrike Cope. “The team is building and hopefully I can help them out and we will be racing come Sunday at Homestead.”( Arnold Motorsports PR )(11-13-2003)
