Former NASCAR driver Derrike Cope has established Cope Family Racing, a new team set to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025.
The team will race with the No. 70 Chevrolet, powered by high-performance engines from ECR Engines and featuring cars from Richard Childress Racing. Drivers Leland Honeyman, Jr. and Thomas Annunziata have already been confirmed.
Derrike Cope, celebrated for his surprising victory in the 1990 Daytona 500, brings a legacy of experience to his new endeavor. He is among the few drivers to have competed in NASCAR’s Cup Series across five different decades.
Before starting Cope Family Racing, Cope had a hands-on role with StarCom Racing in the Cup Series, managing its operations. Cope Family Racing marks his return to the Xfinity Series, a move that follows the closure of his previous team in 2017 after 16 years of competition.
The driver lineup for Cope Family Racing features promising young talent. Leland Honeyman, Jr., at 19 years old, will participate in 17 races during the 2025 season. Having raced full-time with Young’s Motorsports, Honeyman finished 22nd overall last season with one top-five and two top-10 finishes. Honeyman shared his enthusiasm:
“I’m excited to join Cope Family Racing as they launch their NASCAR Xfinity Series program. It’s an honor to be part of a team with such a racing legacy, and I can’t wait to contribute to this new chapter in their history book. I’m ready to take on 2025 and continue chasing success on the track.”
Thomas Annunziata will drive for the remaining races of the season, starting at the Circuit of The Americas. From Colts Neck, New Jersey, Annunziata has gradually worked his way up the NASCAR ranks. Though his previous Xfinity Series attempts resulted in a best finish of 28th at Pocono Raceway, these experiences have set the stage for his current opportunity. Annunziata expressed his excitement:
“I’m super excited to be racing part-time with CFR in 2025. Derrike Cope and the Cope Family are rich in NASCAR experience from his driving days and running the team for StarCom Racing in the Cup Series. Although it’s a new team, CFR has assembled an experienced group to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I’m ready and more motivated than ever to be a part of this exciting project. Time to go to work.”
Derrike Cope will also take on the role of General Manager for the team, expressing excitement about collaborating with ECR Engines and Richard Childress Racing. Reflecting on this new venture in the Xfinity Series, Cope remarked:
“After some time away from the sport, the creation of Cope Family Racing begins another chapter for us in NASCAR. To have the opportunity for such a high-caliber effort to present in 2025 feels amazing. Elyshia and I are excited to be working alongside Nick and Johanna and look forward to having two young talented drivers, Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata, showcase their potential in the highly competitive Xfinity Series. We are reunited with Bob Fisher at ECR for our engine program and will utilize RCR race cars for our return to the Xfinity Series.”
