Sundance Vacation's #74 Dodge Qualifies for NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600; Sells Spot to Michael Waltrip

Derrike Cope, driver of the Sundance Vacation's Dodge, qualified for the Coca-Cola 600, held on May 28. After failing to qualify, NASCAR Nextel Cup driver, Michael Waltrip, bought his way into Cope's seat in the car.

Wilkes-Barre, PA (PRWEB) June 1, 2006 -- The Sundance Vacation’s Dodge posted an impressive qualifying run for the Coca-Cola 600, held on May 28. Driver Derrike Cope finished 45th in his first practice round with a time of 30.600 and speed of 176.471. By the qualifying round, Cope produced his fastest lap of 29.696 and speed of 181.343. The number 74 Sundance Vacations Dodge qualified in 39th position, however, NASCAR tagged Derrike to the 43rd position based on points and other factors.

After failing to qualify for the Coca-Cola 600, Michael Waltrip bought his way into Cope's seat in the car. Only the top 35 in owner points automatically qualify for a race. Since Waltrip's team is 36th in the standings, he was forced to race his way into the event. His best lap was a time of 30.018 seconds, which was just 47th best in the qualifying field of 53 drivers.

This was the first race that Waltrip failed to qualify since 1998 in Phoenix but, with the purchase, he was able to extend his consecutive Cup start streak to 262.    

After the deal was finalized, the Sundance logo had to be quickly painted over with Waltrip’s NAPA colors, logos and the number 55. Three different crews worked diligently on the car in order to have it prepared for the start of Sunday’s race.

Waltrip only completed 116 laps in the Coca-Cola 600 before leaving the race due to mechanical problems with the car, giving him a 41st place finish.

During an interview prior to the race, Cope stated, "Both crews worked together to get Michael and the car in a position to make both practice sessions. NASCAR mandated that our engine had to stay in the car to start the race. This was purely a business decision on Ray McGlynn's part to further our team for future races that will allow us to race more and be more competitive."

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