Copeland ready to chase for d-4 tad title

COPELAND READY TO CHASE FOR D-4 TAD TITLE

Belle Rose, LA – 22-year old A/Fuel Dragster pilot Ryan “Chase” Copeland is eager and optimistic about his team’s chances to capture the event title this weekend as the NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series invades No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, LA for the 4th event of the 2010 season.

Coming off a tremendous performance at the 56th running of the Mac Tools NHRA US Nationals, where the Halton City, Texas based Snow Racing team recorded top speed of the event at 276.63 miles per hour in their first round victory over Dave Heitzman, Copeland enters this weekend’s event currently third in the Division 4 point standings. The second year driver in Top Alcohol Dragster is only three rounds of competition out of the first place position, currently occupied by Michael Manners.



“We are very impressed with the recent performance of this Snow Racing A/Fuel Dragster,” noted Copeland, who actually got his start in boat drag racing at the tender age of 16, before switching to the asphalt quarter-mile. “Gene’s cars have always been high mile per hour runners, even when Spencer Massey was driving for him. We made some significant gains in the first half of the track at Indy and I think we’re starting to creep up on this tune-up. With the progress we’ve made this season, it is not out of the realm of possibility that we can go some rounds this weekend. Taking home a ‘Wally’ this weekend at No Problem Raceway would definitely help in our chase for the Divisional crown.”

Originally from the small town of Walters, OK, and currently living in Gainesville, Texas where he works with legendary chassis-builder Joe Monden, Copeland has enjoyed some extended success in drag racing, not limited to the driver’s compartment. A graduate of the highly successful NHRA Jr. Dragster League, Copeland then worked for Scott Palmer’s Top Fuel team for two seasons. He has also driven a 1972 Pro Mod pick-up along with being a clutch-specialist with several A/Fuel teams in the past. Assisted by his parents at the races, Copeland’s current duties also include servicing the clutch on Gene Snow’s potent A/Fuel Dragster.

“If you want to play with the big boys, you’ve got to earn your keep around here,” Copeland said with a smile. “I’ve always been a hard working person and I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t work on these cars. I am very thankful to Mr. Gene for the opportunity to drive this highly competitive car. It’s also a great honor to work along with my dad on this car. This is truly a family-based team, and we are excited to compete this weekend once again.”