Shows
Race TheoryRisk vs RewardElyshia and I rewind the Daytona 400 race which was the cut off race for the playoffs. We discuss the two drivers who failed to make the playoffs by not being able to point their way in because of getting hurt in activities nonrelated to driving the race car in the Cup Series. They were not able to win a race either since their return to full time racing.My perspective comes from my own experience in the Cup Series as well as being hurt, not able to get back in the car as well as driving hurt. The...2023-09-0646 minRace TheoryWhat Happened to American Stock Car RacingThis episode goes in depth about the current state of NASCAR stock car racing. The sport has been through many changes over time, but none more significant that the implementation of the NEXGEN car. This car is a complete departure from our stock car racing roots, with now an emphasis on the road racing sector. We breakdown the influx of Australian race car drivers coming on the scene in NASCAR for the Indy-road course race. Shane Van Gisbergen a driver from the Supercar Series comes in and wins the race at the Chicago Street Course NASCAR race and sets everyone...2023-08-0947 minRace TheoryBack in Time: West Coast Grand NationalWe go back in time to 1970 and 1980. This is a time when racing on the west coast provide great platforms to race and to see some outstanding race car drivers perform at high levels. This would also set the tone for a migration of young talent to go to the east coast to pursue stardom. I reflect on race car drivers that made an impact on me and would set standards for drivers to aspire to. There were three drivers from on the west coast and they would win 11 West Coast Grand National championships between them. I expand on other...2023-08-0246 minRace TheoryDrivers detrimental to the sportElyshia and I get on our soapbox in this episode. We dive straight into the actions of drivers in NASCAR and other racing series that put themselves in a bad light and find the means to justify their actions. This is and has been prevalent in NASCAR for some time. The driver's attitudes and personalities have become so self-serving and continues to put the sport in a bad light. We touch on a multitude of driver's currently as well as some from the past that seem to have continued to drive a narrative that is detrimental to motorsports....2023-07-2648 minRace TheoryRoad Racing 101This episode explores the different elements of the art of road racing. The differences and approaches to teaching methods as well as definitive techniques depending on the type of race car and gearbox application. The optics are something that I spend a great time discussing as well as the process used in breaking down video on a frame-by-frame basis. I also use the data that the AIM Data Analysis provides as a tool to overlay multiple driver's data over one another to provide another visual aid in understanding deficiencies.Understanding the race car driver and their abilities are...2023-07-1246 minRace TheoryYouthful Ebullience with Guest Darin MockThis episode is all about young race car drivers and their varied paths moving forward to become professional race car drivers. Road racing is the focus and we discuss the difficulties that most all race car drivers go through on their quest to be successful in a highly competitive form of sport. We both touch on the areas of work ethic, and the preparation necessary each week to be the best you can be each race weekend.The TransAm TA2 series is the focal point and the upcoming races at Road America and Nashville, a street course and...2023-07-0547 minRace TheoryMow-Hio and the Fields of DreamsElyshia and I share our recent road trip to Mid-Ohio. We discuss our observations with regard to all the manicured lawns throughout the countryside on our way to the Mid-Ohio Road racing event in Lexington, Ohio. I have now re-named this state Mow-Hio!We made a stop for the night in Mt. Vernon, Ohio at the Grand Hotel and had dinner in a fine restaurant called the Alcove. What a wonderful little city and so quaint in every way.We further dive into what we came to Ohio for, and that was the Trans Am TA2...2023-06-2846 minRace TheoryThe Journey of Kevin LepageThis episode we have a guest, Kevin Lepage. He provides and in-depth look into his career from the very start in Shelburne, VA and his journey south to the heart of Stock Car racing. We touch on how our careers parallel each other, as well as similar obstacles and the need to start and own our own teams out of necessity.Kevin highlights his pole qualifying efforts and the wins in the Busch Series and his years at Roush Racing and their multi car teams. There are very candid views and opinions of race team car owner's decisions...2023-06-2149 minRace TheoryRoad Racing: The Heritage and the HypeThis week we delve into the link between NASCAR, IMSA, and World Endurance Racing. We seg way from this past weekend's road races in Xfinity and the NASCAR Cup Series race to the Garage 56 effort that has been in the process for preparing for the Centenary Edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans. This effort was more of a building of bridges and to strengthen relationships between IMSA and WEC IN Europe. The NASCAR NEXGEN car with the addition of Lights, Carbon Brakes, Dive-planes, and minor engine changes makes it's debut at Le Mans and steals the show!This...2023-06-1447 minRace TheoryThe Current State of RacingI have many opinions of the current state of racing in general. I dive into something that I have a real distaste for and that is protests. I explore the reasoning and the detrimental aspects of what protesting the finishes of race does to the sport. The sanctioning bodies of all these racing series need to find a way to deter the young youthful racers from being so self-absorbed and understand their role as race car drivers being watched by the racing fans of the world. They have a responsibility to conduct themselves as extensions of companies, as brand ambassadors...2023-06-0746 minRace TheoryA New PrecedentElyshia and I discuss the Indianapolis 500. We breakdown this very special event in May. I provide my own insight into the diversity of drivers in the series currently as well as how it related to the events of their race cars on this very day.The race has a great deal of excitement and aggressive driving right from the start and throughout the entire event. The story lines are especially compelling this year with the departure of Tony Kanaan and this being his last Indy 500, along with many young drivers having outstanding efforts and the return of A...2023-05-3142 minRace TheoryIndyCar, NASCAR, Memorial Day and the DoubleI set the stage for the beginning of summer in racing with two Major racing events and the significance of Memorial Day. The month of May has always been an exciting time for motorsports in general. The Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 are two outstanding races on the schedule with a great deal of hype and spectacular pre-race pageantry. I discuss the unique efforts by four drivers to date that have ran the double in the same day, the Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 and their own results and obstacles that each drive had to overcome.Additionally, I...2023-05-2446 minRace TheoryOur Rural Racing RootsThis episode starts out at this past race weekend in Darlington. This was the throwback weekend with all the old past race paint schemes. We discuss how all the teams and drivers participate in a major way and have a great deal of fun with it. We also delve deeply into the Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson wreck at the end of the race which took both teams and drivers out of the opportunity to win the race. Controversy continues but now with Rick Hendrick asking what Chevrolet is going to do about it? This continues to happen and now...2023-05-1747 minRace TheoryThe Benevolent Dictatorship and other ControversiesThis is a sport fueled by emotions and passion, but with that controversy its inevitable. Our episode goes in depth into NASCAR as a benevolent dictator and its stance of it is our sandbox and if you want to play, you play by our rules. With this attitude and ever-growing desire to monetize every aspect of their business driver and team owners begin to lose a grip of their own brands and merchandising programs.We also highlight the so-called manipulation of races through debris or entertainment cautions as well as the changes to come from the Charter System...2023-05-1048 minRace TheoryWomen and DragThis episode we return to women in racing and introduce additional names that I do not want to leave out. These women have made contributions to motorsports and have been instrumental in its continuation for respect in the sport of motor racing. Elyshia and I discuss NHRA Drag Racing and how it relates to the inclusion of female race car drivers their highly notable accomplishments.We provide our thoughts as to decisions that women have to make when it comes to relationships and distractions that could compromise the end goal. There have been and will continue to be...2023-05-0345 minRace TheoryWomen in RacingIn this episode we start with female race car drivers in history, such as Janet Gutherie who paved the way for females to have a place in motorsports. We delve into the challenges facing females that are unique only to them, including opportunity, physical limitations and their tolerance in the paddock. We also discuss many names through the years that have proven themselves worthy of more success on the track, but the common pitfalls that befell them all. We name current female drivers that have yet to make their mark, and how they can learn from their women predecessors.2023-04-2647 minRace TheoryWisdom of Waddell Part 2We continue the discussions with Hall of Famer Waddell Wilson starting off with Fireball Roberts at Daytona. Waddell highlights the most memorable events during his 7 Daytona 500 victories. We dive into breaking the 200 MPH barrier and the safety rules that ensued afterwards, of particular note of the wreck of Bobby Allison at Talladega. We also delve into the cheating that began to take place and the repercussions on the sport. We round out the discussion with our personal thoughts of what made this sport great and why we still love it today.Check out our website at RaceTheory.Club2023-04-1948 minRace TheoryWisdom of Waddell Part 1We discuss the early days of NASCAR, Holman and Moody and the life and times of Waddel Wilson's journey. He discusses the ins and outs of the sport through 1960, 1970, 1980 and up to his Induction in the NASCAR Hall Of Fame in 2020. A true gift to listen to the pf the most gifted engine builders of our time. The success he has had and the many drivers that went to victory lane because of his expertise.Check out our website at RaceTheory.Club2023-04-1245 minRace TheoryWhat Drives You?In this episode we discuss what drives you to succeed. Passion, heart, desire, and a willingness to push yourself outside a comfort zone. We explore the elements that present themselves to you that can provide clarity on a direction as well as profound avenues to overcome the obstacles that are necessary to enhance and elevate your abilities in your career path. This episode also provides reasoning for self-checking and not allowing arrogance to get in the way of opportunities for progression.Check out our website at RaceTheory.Club2023-04-0547 minRace TheoryBalancing Ambition with RealismElyshia and I dive into looking at the balancing of ambition with realistic expectations both from a personal standpoint and as a parent of a child athlete. We discuss how data analysis has changed over the years and how it can provide valuable insight into performance that is irrefutable. We share personal stories about balancing ambition with expectation and the dangers of setting unrealistic ones. We highlight the importance of listening to experienced drivers who have been through the same struggles.Check out our website at RaceTheory.Club2023-03-2946 minRace TheoryLouverGateThis week we will be discussing the controversies that have been making headlines in the sport. We start with the infamous louver scam, which took place last week with Hendrick Motorsports. This incident has sparked a huge discussion in NASCAR regarding penalties for manipulating pieces on the cars that can greatly influence the outcome of the race.Additionally, we examine the impact of betting in NASCAR and how stiffer consequences for cheating are now being enforced to maintain the integrity of the sport.Moving on, we talk about the huge differences between the series in NASCAR...2023-03-2247 minRace TheoryThe Pursuit of PerformanceElyshia and I discuss the constant pursuit by NASCAR and other sanctioning bodies of other motorsport series to create parity and fair opportunity of competition between all the different makes of race cars. This is called BOP (Balance of Performance). The rules are changed mid-steam of a year in racing provided one type of vehicle has a distinct advantage over the others. This keeps all the manufacture's (OEM) engaged and feel like their marketing platforms can remain viable and continue to create the perception on the car in the marketplace.Additionally, we look at the early days of...2023-03-1544 minRace TheoryThe Wide World of RacingWelcome to the wide world of racing! From NASCAR to Formula 1 to Drag Racing to Indy, the racing world is in full swing everywhere.We will be discussing the different kinds of racing, why NASCAR teams are mainly located in North Carolina, and the impact of the west coast's first Daytona 500 winner.Why are most of the NASCAR teams located in North Carolina? Well, there is a long history of the motorsports industry in this state. There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, even if you can't be a driver. We also wanted to take...2023-03-0848 minRace TheoryRookie Driver Guide to SuccessWelcome to the rookie driver guide to success podcast! This week we will be talking about how new drivers need to be versatile and improve their speaking and sharpen their communication. We also discuss how important it is to go the extra mile for the sponsor. Be willing to do anything to advance their career. Lastly, we will be discussing the importance for showing respect to everyone along their journey. We share our own insights as to how young drivers can be successful.2023-03-0141 minRace TheoryUnderdog Delivers At Daytona!Welcome to this episode of our podcast where we will discuss the exciting race that was the 2023 Daytona 500! Congratulations to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the JTG Daugherty for their impressive victory as an underdog single car team. We discuss the strategies that made the race so exciting. We cover the techniques that drivers used to gain an advantage and the mistakes that impacted their finish.In recent years NASCAR has implemented several changes to make racing more exciting. However, these changes have been met with controversy, particularly when they affect the outcome of the race. We discuss the...2023-02-2246 minRace TheoryDriving Under Pressure: Trying to Qualify for the Daytona 500In this episode we delve into the world of qualifying for the biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500. We examine the pressure drivers face to not only make the starting line-up, but also perform in front of a global audience. We also examine the topic of team orders and how they play a role in the race. Derrike will share his experiences on the strategies they employ to achieve success on the track. He will also tell the story of Buddy Baker, a legendary driver who embodies the spirit of teamwork and collaboration in NASCAR. We explore how drivers...2023-02-1548 minRace TheoryPeople who need peopleA discussion and thoughts about people, people you employ, the management of them and how you are only as good as the people you have working for you. We discuss our past experiences and views of how this relates to the operation of our race teams and the managing of race teams. My views on work ethic post COVID and the younger generation of workers and understanding how they view a hybrid work model.We talk about the Busch Clash in Los Angeles. How the race went and the start of Speedweeks for NASCAR and the lead up...2023-02-0848 minRace TheoryMore Sponsorship Tips/Rolex 24 HighlightsElyshia and I elaborate and explore sponsorship tips and expand on how to do your prospecting for companies and relationships. Elyshia gives great insight into pitfalls, obstacles, and timing for companies and what their needs are and how to find innovative ways to add value for potential sponsors and not waste time. I touch on the start of Speedweeks at Daytona with the Rolex 24 and the excitement that is growing around IMSA, WEC and road racing in general. The new GTP LMDh division debuts at Daytona with an outstanding race and great finish!2023-02-0146 minRace TheoryFishing, Reeling and Landing (Sponsors)Elyshia and I discuss Sponsorship. Fishing, Reeling and Landing one. Understanding the obstacles that companies have, how they do business and with whom? We go into the art of making cold calls. Understanding bartering, B TO B opportunities, close dated products. We look at how we can create a relationship that could be mutually beneficial.Elyshia references a book written by Tamara Bunte, "Proverbs for Selling" Marketing Sales. Elyshia touches on her background at an early age her missionary-type upbringing that would provide a foundation for an ability to sell effectively. This would be a skill that would...2023-01-2549 minRace TheoryJuke and Jive JanuaryIn episode 21 we talk about the latest news surrounding the top three divisions in NASCAR as well as some TransAm TA2 news and developments for the upcoming year. There are usually seats to be filled and changes that are dependent on funding in January, so hence the juke and jive tendencies for the month. Elyshia and I also elaborate on some drivers that we have had a relationship with and discuss their desire and their path.2023-01-1838 minRace TheoryOn the Road AgainWe discuss the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) involvement in the early days of NASCAR and its current position in the road racing circles...primarily in IMSA and the WEC in Europe. We discuss the aspect of Jim France Jr's love of road racing and his imprint of that on the NASCAR NEXGEN current Cup Series car. The similarities between the two as well. We discuss the new LMH/LMDh platform that will debut later in January 2023 at Daytona in the Roar before the 24 and the Rolex 24-hour race. I provide the differences and similarities between the two and the platform...2023-01-1144 minRace TheoryThe Unsung HeroesThis episode we discuss the unsung heroes of the early days of NASCAR, Grand National, and Winston Cup racing. Their contributions to the sport, the admiration I have had for them and respect for the commitment and passion they had. We also go in-depth with personal relationships with some of these men and some of the experiences and stories that involves them. I speak about the pioneers of the sport and my opportunity to create relationships with these individuals.2023-01-0445 minRace TheoryDive bomb into 2023Hope our listeners had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The discussion starts with new year's resolutions, and then seg ways into the testing schedules and new series in road racing with IMSA and the Rolex 24-hour race in January. We spoke about the topic of are race car drivers athletes? We discuss Toyota's new facility for the GR86 race car assembly plant and driver development program. This is a resource for all the young drivers for the Toyota brand and how the expectation of them has escalated. Elyshia discusses her health coaching as well. We also allude...2022-12-2845 minRace TheoryBlood, Sweat, and TearsThis is a very emotional episode. My last Daytona 500 of my career. Elyshia's mother passes away the day of the Daytona 500 and she leaves for Idaho. The 00 car crashes out of the event as well.We have struggles throughout the year with performance. NEXGEN is looming for the 2022 NASCAR season. I am busy preparing for a complete departure from the style of race car we have been running and trying to get ahead of the curve and beginning to order two of the new cars.In the meantime, we have fallen to one of the bottom...2022-12-2146 minRace TheoryRacing away from COVIDElyshia and I discuss the 2020 NASCAR race season shutting down for six weeks and the difficulties of laying off our employees for that time. How NASCAR would work diligently with states and counties across the United States to become the first in sports to go back and conduct activities under strict CDC guidelines. Our obstacles as teams and the changing dynamic on how we would do business throughout the entire year. The struggles for our driver who was a raw rookie with little experience and who had not even seen some of the racetrack that he would have...2022-12-1445 minRace TheoryObstacle is the WayWe begin speaking about the 2019 race season. We overcome a major obstacle as we acquire a Charter which is the thing that everyone said we could not do! The future is bright as we now own a NASCAR Franchise! A rough start to the year with a crash at the Daytona 500. Personnel issues are facing us again which seems to be affecting the team moral and its ability to be productive. Enters a new crew chief who in the beginning looks to be a good fit. The team starts to encounter mechanical failures which goes on for weeks. ...2022-12-0746 minRace TheoryA Year of AdjustmentsElyshia and I discuss the 2018 NASCAR Cup series season. The sponsor VRX Simulators, and the driver Jeffrey Earnhardt. Our struggles and wrecks lead to difficulties between driver and crew chief. Sponsor runs out of money and the owners of the race team make changes. We start to turn the season around but a crew chief change is needed because of health reasons as well as the need to try and to elevate the communication between the driver and crew chief. New crew chief, car chief, and some new chassis are implemented with some success leading into the next...2022-11-3045 minRace TheoryThe Jersey Boys DreamIn this episode we talk about 2017 with Premium Motorsports in the Cup series as a shock specialist with the lure of driving in some races, if we could bring funding. Elyshia goes on a quest to find sponsorship so I could drive some races. She alludes to struggles with Premium undermining her and turning away a major sponsor and further erodes our relationship with this organization and their owners.Enters the Jersey Boys who come with sponsorship for some races with Premium Motorsports, but with interest in starting their own team after...2022-11-2345 minRace TheoryWhen You Least Expect ItWe discuss 2011 and my full time Nationwide Series drive. On comes a new sponsor for some races called Maxelence as nutrition base drink. Little do I know that the founder and his wife would later become my mother and father in law. Elyshia discusses her background in nutrition and her role as a VP of Marketing for this company, and our initial meeting.Because of the sponsoring of a NASCAR team the company acquires a distribution outlet with a major retailer GNC.Elyshia makes a move to North Carolina and we form a relationship...2022-11-1647 minRace TheoryFight your own BattlesDiscussion on the season ending races for the championships. We talk about the TransAm Series, Both TA and TA2. We talk about NASCAR and the season ending races and the winners of the championships. This includes the Truck Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Cup Series.We then move on from episode 10 in more story telling about my move from starting and parking to racing more again in the Nationwide Series. We speak about age limits and how that whole dynamic has changed over the years and what I believe some reasons...2022-11-0946 minRace TheoryOn a QuestWe discuss the decision to try and start my own teams and the quest for sponsorship and partners to make this happen.We find sponsorship with Friendly's Ice Cream and run a year in the Cup series only to have it come to an end with them not returning.On to another team BAM Racing, where my provisionals from the year prior prove to be pivotal in securing this drive. It has its successes with some great runs but I am released in the middle of the year....2022-11-0250 minRace TheoryZoom to GloomThis episode covers the end of Bahari Racing and the discussions with the new owner Jack Birmingham who renames the team Eel River Racing.The next opportunity comes with Fenley-Moore Motorsports where I team up with Joey Knuckles and Bud Moore in Spartanburg, SC.We have instant success and it looks like we are on our way to building something special. We go to the Daytona 500, run very well and the engine blows up...along with the team. They are out of money and we are dead in the water....2022-11-0243 minRace TheorySweet Turned SourWe start by recalling my hard decision to go to MB3 Motorsports with the Skittles Brand Sponsorship from M&M Mars Corp.I discuss and know right away I have made a mistake and the race team crew members are over their heads and we get off to a poor start.It is a difficult year and tension is high. There is a great deal of finger pointing at me and things continue to deteriorate. A year goes by and no light at the end of the tunnel...2022-11-0246 minRace TheoryHorsepowerI am excited for this episode. I discuss the best years of my career at Bobby Allison Motorsports next to winning the Daytona 500.I go in depth about the internal workings and what made this team so productive.My relationship with the Alabama Gang and my first win in a Busch Series car in only my third start at Loudon NH for Zook Racing with Red Farmer a future Hall of Famer. We discuss the great sponsors we had and the relationships with them. We go into the struggles with sponsorship and getting paid...2022-11-0245 minRace TheoryNo FlukeWe discuss the lead up to the 1990 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The first race is the 1990 Daytona 500. All the excitement surrounding the race is the filming of Days of Thunder movie with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. We give a complete in depth look into the preparation for the Daytona 500 the actual race with raw emotion of final few laps of the race and the eventual win against Dale Earnhardt Sr. that would catapult Derrike Cope into the limelight. Life changing moment, my notoriety is elevated extensively and I am a household name...2022-11-0248 minRace TheoryLook Mom I Made ItWe discuss my meeting with a major company wanting to go racing. I am in the corporate boardroom and facilitate a sponsorship deal that leads me down a career path for the rest of my life. I embark on my first full season in the NASCAR Wiston Cup Series. I procure major sponsorship from Purolator Products from Tulsa Oklahoma. The beginning of truly becoming a stable fixture in the highest level of motorsports and an ambassador of a major automotive brand. After the Martinsville, VA Cup series race I get the call from my brother...my...2022-11-0248 minRace TheoryLife ChangesRacing difficulties occur and choices are made to change teams. Moves across the country. New beginnings with modest success. With new beginnings come premature endings. Life struggles and the constant search for a way to the big time...Winston Cup.Car owners and people come into my life, friendships that are formed and are influential in the progression of my career.Decision out of my control force unwanted changes, but ultimately in time pay huge dividends.2022-11-0245 minRace TheoryWaiting In the WeedsDiscussing my early years in racing. Beginning to serve my apprenticeship building race cars, working on engines.Early races with my brother and a turning point that would set a clear path for my life.Early success and struggles with a new team owner and an ill handling car. The ups and downs of racing, and then light at the end of the tunnel.A turning point with a new race car that produces wins and credibility.Major Sponsorship with 7-Eleven and Ford Motor Company. Becoming...2022-11-0242 minRace TheoryDriven By DesignDiscussing my Drag Racing roots from my father and his brothers and the migration to the Pacific Northwest from San Diego, CA. Childhood development, work ethic, and searching for career paths.2022-11-0246 minRace TheoryRace Theory TrailerRace Theory launches November 2, where Elyshia and Derrike are going to discuss a lot of diverse topics, Derrike's early roots in racing, their involvement in NASCAR, driver, owner and managerial role perspectives, as well as driver development. You name it, they're going to talk about it!Learning what it takes to live, work and play together. Derrike will explain the nuts and bolts of racing and Elyshia will be focusing more on marketing and relationships. But they're also going to touch on some controversial subjects where they definitely have some differing opinions. Tune in! it's going...2022-10-2600 min
Michael SherfickMichael SherfickMichael Sherfick and Sherfick Companies partner up with StarCom Racing for the Big Machine Vodka 400 to build the foundation of its relationship. Coming off of a solid P25 finish at Darlington Raceway, SCR is confident and eager to hit the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Driver Landon Cassill at the helm of the Sherfick Companies 00 Chevy for one of NASCAR's premier events."We are excited to work with Michael Sherfick. Our Team Manager Derrike Cope and Marketing Director Elyshia Cope have had a long-standing relationship with Michael and we look forward to continuing that with our entire...2019-09-1000 min
Michael SherfickMichael SherfickMichael Sherfick and Sherfick Companies partner up with StarCom Racing for the Big Machine Vodka 400 to build the foundation of its relationship. Coming off of a solid P25 finish at Darlington Raceway, SCR is confident and eager to hit the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Driver Landon Cassill at the helm of the Sherfick Companies 00 Chevy for one of NASCAR’s premier events.“We are excited to work with Michael Sherfick. Our Team Manager Derrike Cope and Marketing Director Elyshia Cope have had a long-standing relationship with Michael and we look forward to continuing that with our...2019-09-1000 min