Meyer Reviews 2014 Season, 5th Lucas Oil Series Central Region Championship

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

Randy Meyer (RMR photo)

Dec. 3rd, 2014 - The Randy Meyer Racing Team had an eventful season this year with driver Chase Copeland joining the team to pilot their new second A/Fuel Dragster in the Top Alcohol Dragster class to claim first and second in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) Central Region points championship.

Randy Meyer, Shayne Lawson, and Chase teamed up and defeated many tough players in NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, to earn the Randy Meyer Racing Team’s fifth LODRS Central Region championship. The team also earned their seventh NHRA National points series top 10 finish, and the Best Appearing Crew award at their second race of the year in Gainesville, Florida with their Smart Chicken team uniforms. The team now has a total of 13 national event wins, and 20 LODRS event wins.

Randy, who finished third in the nation, won national event races in Houston, Texas for the NHRA Spring Nationals, Brainerd, Minnesota for the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals, and a runner-up finish at the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also was winner of the Jegs AllStars race in Joliet, Illinois, and won the LODRS race at Earlville, Iowa and runner-up at the Central Regional event at his home track in Topeka, Kansas.

Shayne had his share of the victory lane this year, as he won his first NHRA National event at the Kansas Nationals in Topeka, Kansas and the Fall Nationals in Ennis, Texas. Shayne also won the LODRS race at Tulsa, Oklahoma, and set a new personal record as he ran his quickest pass in a Top Alcohol Dragster at 5.25 seconds. Shayne finished 25th in the nation, and 8th in the Central Region.

Chase took on the driving duties, as well as co-crew-chief and co-tuner duties, for the team’s new 2006 Hadman Injected Nitromethane dragster. With struggles along the way, he was able to pilot the car to earn a very close second place in the Central Region behind Randy, and 12th in the nation, with a semifinal finish at the Central Regional race in Topeka, Kansas and runner-up finishes at the LODRS races in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Noble, Oklahoma.

Randy’s two daughters, Megan and Rachel Meyer, who currently compete in the Super Comp class of NHRA, took strides towards their own Top Alcohol Dragster licenses this year. With testing provided at their home track, Heartland Park Topeka, the girls trained to get comfortable with the cars. This year marked Rachel’s first time in an A/Fueler, as she piloted the second dragster, and was able to confidently make the first steps to becoming a licensed NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver.

Megan, piloting Randy’s dragster, completed her first full quarter-mile pass this year with a competitive 5.35 elapsed time at 265 mph. She plans to continue training next year, and will earn her license to take on the possibility of competing in her first Top Alcohol Dragster race as she graduates from college at Pittsburg State University, before taking over the drivers seat for a full-time position beginning in 2016. She is currently looking for potential marketing partners to help her chase her dreams and become the next second generation driver in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster ranks.

With successes also comes failures and hard times, but Randy will not let the low times get him down. He confidently completed his 35th year of drag racing while building a massively competitive team. Earning the LODRS Central Region Championship, setting track records, and becoming nominated for the 2014 Pro Sportsman Driver and Mechanic of the year are the icing on the cake for him as he travels with his family and dedicated team to each NHRA race, while gaining incredibly supportive and enduring partners along the way.

“2014 was a very good year for the whole Randy Meyer Racing Team, we had a great team effort with adding a second A/Fuel car and new crew members,” said Randy. “It was challenging and rewarding to run both cars and win rounds with the different drivers. I look forward to a great year in 2015 where we can start where we left off. I want to thank all of our sponsors and partners that helped us out this year, as well as all of our crew guys, without them this would not be possible.”

Chase Copeland (RMR photo)

“It was also very exciting and worthwhile to see Megan make her first full pass at Topeka, and to help guide and watch Rachel making her first steps in the other car. The girls are working together well with helping each other become better and more comfortable in the cars, and I know they will have a bright future in the field,” Randy added.

For pictures and videos of the team’s season, visit our Facebook page and find us on YouTube.

 

The RMR Team would like to thank all of their 2014 sponsors and partners:

Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Copeland Race Cars, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, Moroso, Aeroquip, JEGS, Jiffy-Tite, Price Chopper, Reasor's, Schnucks, Brookshire's, John Haley #1 Roofer LLC, and Aeromotive Fuel Systems

Randy Meyer Clinches Central Region Points Lead with Topeka Regional Runner-Up

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

August 25th, 2014 – Smart Chicken and Price Chopper Top Alcohol Dragster Team Randy Meyer Racing had a solid performance at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Regional event held at Heartland Park Topeka this past weekend with both of their A/Fuel Dragsters.

Randy Meyer and Chase Copeland took the second and third qualifying spots after two sessions on Friday with a 5.391 E.T. at 265 mph for Chase, and a 5.396 E.T. at 266 mph for Randy. Randy went on to defeat Todd Odom during first round with a 5.518 E.T. at 262 mph to Odom’s 5.711 E.T. at 239 mph, and Chase also won first round against Brandon Pierce with a 5.503 E.T. at 262 mph to Pierce’s 5.582 E.T. at 222 mph.

Paired up against each other for second round, Chase had lane choice over Randy, but immediately smoked the tires after his launch, as Randy pulled his Smart Chicken Price Chopper Dragster ahead for the semi-final win with a 5.358 E.T. at 268 mph. Moving onto the final round, Randy was up against the number one qualifier of the event, Chris Demke. With a slightly better reaction time, Demke was able to pull ahead of Randy for the win with a 5.336 E.T. at 268 mph to Randy’s 5.383 E.T. at 265 mph.

Although Randy didn’t get the hometown win, he was able to clinch his Central Region points lead with his runner-up finish. Chase currently sits fourth in the Central Regional standings, followed by Shayne Lawson.

Randy’s daughters, Megan and Rachel Meyer, also competed at this event with their Super Comp Dragsters. Unfortunately Megan’s transmission broke during first round and she was unable to compete, but Rachel Meyer claimed the semi-final finish on Sunday for the annual National Dragster race.

Randy will finish the Brainerd National eliminations during qualifying at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis this Friday against Duane Shields. Top Alcohol Dragster will get a third qualifying pass on Saturday, and a fourth session on Sunday. The opening round of eliminations will begin Sunday night, and will be concluded on Monday.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Price Chopper, John Haley #1 Roofer, LLC, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Randy Meyer Looking for a Rebound Win at Brainerd

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

August 14th, 2014 – After earning three back-to-back wins this year in Houston, Topeka, Tulsa, followed by winning the Jegs AllStars in Chicago, Randy Meyer and his team were on a roll until they had issues with the safety device at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in Norwalk, Ohio. With a couple of weeks to regroup, Randy did what he could to fix his hot rod, and took on the role of crew chief at last weekend’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event in St. Louis, as Shayne Lawson piloted the Schnuck’s Top Alcohol Dragster. Unfortunately the team had an unexpected first round loss, and went home empty handed.

Eager for another win, Randy is looking forward to having a strong performance at the second race on his eight-week tour this weekend in Brainerd, Minnesota for the NHRA 33rd Annual Lucas Oil Nationals held at Brainerd International Raceway. Partnering with the Randy Meyer Racing Team for this event is John Haley #1 Roofer LLC. John Haley #1 Roofer has been a leader in providing the Twin Cities metro area with all its residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, remodeling, windows, repair needs, snow and ice removal, and more. They will now be serving the Brainerd/Baxter area with their top quality, dependable services. Learn more at: http://www.johnhaleynumberoneroofer.com.

 

 

 Randy will be back in the driver’s seat of his Injected Nitro machine this weekend, and will be running alongside teammate Chase Copeland in the Belzona Industrial Solutions A/Fuel Dragster. Top Alcohol Dragsters will get two qualifying runs on Friday, with the last session held on Saturday, followed by the opening round of eliminations. Eliminations will conclude on Sunday.

This race will air on ESPN2 on August 23rd, at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET/9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PT

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, John Haley #1 Roofer LLC, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Visit www.randymeyerracing.com for more information on the team

Lawson wins RMR Matchup in Final Round at Tulsa

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

June 24th 2014 – Randy Meyer Racing’s Top Alcohol Dragster drivers, Shayne Lawson and Chase Copeland, dominated the field at this weekend’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event held at Tulsa Raceway Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 20-22.

With 14 dragsters in the field, Shayne Lawson piloted Randy Meyer’s Smart Chicken injected nitro machine all the way to the top with a 5.28 E.T. at 269 MPH for the first qualifying session, and clenched his number one position with a quicker and faster 5.24 E.T. at over 270 MPH during the second qualifying session, also setting a new career-best time for Shayne.

The RMR Team’s other A/Fuel driver, Chase Copeland, was able to tune and drive the Rezner Race Trailers and Belzona Industrial Solutions Dragster to claim the 7th position with a 5.51 E.T. at 254 MPH and 5.41 E.T. at 264 MPH during qualifying.

Paired up against the 8th qualifier, Shayne defeated Gord Gingles for the first round of eliminations with a 5.30 E.T. at 269 MPH, and went onto beat Mark Taliaferro with a 5.31 E.T. at 271 MPH in second round. Chase won his first round matchup against the #2 qualifier, James Thompson, with a 5.45 E.T. at 266 MPH and defeated David Brounkowski in the semi-final round with a 5.47 E.T. at 265 MPH, pairing him up against Shayne for the third and final round of eliminations.

With both RMR A/Fuel Dragsters against each other in the final round for the first time, the teams did their best to make it a fair race. Shayne secured the team’s third win of the year and his second victory with the Randy Meyer Racing Team with a 5.28 E.T. at 272 MPH to Chase’s quickest pass of the event, a 5.39 E.T. at 265 MPH.

“It was an astonishing experience to have both cars race against each other in the final round, it’s a dream come true,” said Randy. “All the hard work that everyone involved with the Randy Meyer Racing Team has put in to the cars is paying off and we look forward to enjoying more success. It was a very rewarding weekend for the teams, and it was a dream to someday have both cars run each other in the final, I didn’t expect it to come this soon.”

“It was also exciting to see Chase improve with the performance of our other car, after getting off to a less than expected start. Chase and Clay have put many hours working outside of the race track with the car, and they are learning every step of the way.“

Shayne adds “It was pretty awesome winning two races in a row and on top of that, knowing that I have the opportunity to drive one of the best A/Fuel cars in the country. I would like to give a special thanks to Randy for the opportunity he has given me and his great crew guys, as well as Smart Chicken and Reasor’s for the great support.”

The next race for the Randy Meyer Racing Team will be this upcoming weekend at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois for the NHRA Mello Yello event. This race is also home of the Jegs AllStars race, which Randy will be racing his Top Alcohol Dragster to represent the Central Region.

Randy Meyer Racing would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, Reasor’s, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Aeroquip Performance, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, Copeland Race Cars, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

Make sure to follow the Randy Meyer Racing Team on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and track updates.

Meyer is Back to Back Champ at Spring Nationals

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

 Houston, TX – (April 29th, 2014) The Randy Meyer Racing (RMR) Team returned to the NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway on April 25-27th, taking home the win for the second year in a row.

The Kansas-based team, with team owner Randy Meyer and Chase Copeland piloting the two A/Fuel Dragsters, did what they could to clean house in the Top Alcohol Dragster field. Randy ran consistent times of 5.34 e.t. at 270 mph, 5.33 e.t. at 274 mph, and 5.34 e.t. at 274 mph to claim the 5th qualifying position out of 16. Chase, who struggled to make a clean pass in the first qualifying session, placed 11th with a 5.44 e.t. at 261 mph for the second qualifying pass, and a consistent 5.44 e.t. at 265 mph for the third session.

Both RMR drivers had holeshot advantages for the opening round of eliminations, as both of their competitors were asleep at the starting line. Chase, however, was not able to recover from smoking the tires, netting him a first round loss. Randy, who defeated Michael Manners, also had trouble with his pass as he began to rattle the tires at the 300-foot mark, and had to lift to stop the car from getting out of control. Randy was then able to get back on the throttle, and pass Manners for the win with a 5.48 e.t. at 271 mph.

Moving onto second round, Randy Meyer was up against Forrest Fair for the first time. With another starting line advantage, Randy was able to win the round with a 5.41 e.t. at 272 mph. In the semi-final round of eliminations, Randy had to face David Brounkowski, the event’s number one qualifier. Once again, Randy had a great reaction time to beat Brounkowski off the starting line, and never looked back as he ran an improved time of 5.36 e.t. at 273 mph.

The fourth and final round of eliminations saw Randy, with lane choice, versus Mark Taliaferro. This race was a struggle for both teams, as Randy left first, then spun the tires and pedaled twice to recover. Taliaferro’s car broke right after the launch, and had to coast to the finish line trailing behind Randy.

“All of our hard work through the winter is starting to pay off in the last three races,” said Randy. “We have turned the corner and have the performance where it needs to be. All the people on the Randy Meyer Racing Team worked hard to make this happen. It is very exciting going forward that we have a good race car for the upcoming events.”

Don’t miss out on the action!
Randy will air on WFO Radio tonight for their NHRA Nitro section at 7:00 PM ET. Download their mobile app, or listen in at www.wforadio.com.
This race will air on ESPN2 on May 4th, 2014 at 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ET/9:30 AM - 10:30 AM PT.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook (/RandyMeyerRacing) for the latest news and updates from the RMR Team.

Randy and his team would like to thank their sponsors for their support and dedication to the RMR Team: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, MOTOR MEDIC, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso

Randy Meyer Racing Kicks off 2014 in Texas

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

Baytown, TX – The Randy Meyer Racing Team visited Baytown, Texas for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series NHRA South Central Divisional Showdown at Sundown event at Royal Purple Raceway this past weekend to kick off their 2014 race season.

Team-owner Randy Meyer and his two Top Alcohol Dragster team struggled to go rounds at this event. The bad weather caused many problems, including canceling the crucial testing session before the race. For the first qualifying session on Friday, Randy wasn’t able to make the 8-car field as he struggled to get off the line. Chase Copeland, the driver of the team’s second A/Fuel Dragster, also struggled with his first qualifying pass, but was able to make the field with a 6.52 e.t. at 257 mph.

The race schedule was moved up to finish the event on Saturday to make up for the incoming rainstorm on Sunday, which caused racers to lose the third qualifying session. With only one more chance to qualify, the team did what they could to step it up in the cold temperatures. Chase claimed the sixth spot with a quicker pass of 5.64 e.t. at 264 mph, while Randy was also able to enter the field in the seventh spot with a 5.67 e.t. at 256 mph.

For the opening round of eliminations, Randy was up against Duane Shields, the number two qualifier. Randy launched off the starting line first, but immediately spun the tires. He managed to backpedal to recover the run, but Shields was too far ahead to catch. Chase faced David Brounkowski, the third qualifier, but lost due to a late reaction time. Although Brounkowski hurt his motor on the run, Chase wasn’t able to get around him, but he was able to make a clean run with an improved time of 5.48 e.t. at 261 mph.

“Because of the rain and cold, we weren’t able to get data from testing,” Said Randy. “We plan to test in Valdosta, Georgia to get it sort out. The car acts like it wants to run good again, it has lots of power, but we are not quite there yet.”

Chase added, “The first outing went very well. We really needed our testing days that were rained out, but for no data on the second car the team did great. I look forward to Gainesville; with the information we got at the regional event the car shows great potential! Thanks again to Randy Meyer Racing, Lucas Oil, NGK, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner Trailers, and Gunk for this great opportunity!”

The team is excited about the start of the season with both cars running strong. Their next race will be in Gainesville, Florida for the NHRA GatorNationals. Sportsman racing will air on ESPN2 March 29th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET/7:00 AM – 8:00 AM PT. Make sure to visit our Facebook Page (/RandyMeyerRacing) for race updates.

The Randy Meyer Racing Team would like to thank their partners: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Motor Medic, Belzona Industrial Solutions, Rezner trailers, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, and Moroso.

RMR Prepares for First Race with New Partnership

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

Houston, TX – The 2014 drag racing season has come quickly for the Randy Meyer Racing Team after preparing not one but two Top Alcohol Dragsters in the off-season. Team owner Randy Meyer will debut his second A/Fuel Dragster, driven by Chase Copeland, at the NHRA Showdown at Sundown held March 7-9th at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, Texas, for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Central Region Event.

At this event last year, Meyer struggled to get his car down the track due to cold temperatures. Returning to this race is showing similar patterns to last year’s race as the scheduled testing session held before the race has been postponed because of the rainy weather. The race is planned to continue this weekend, although there is a chance of rain on Saturday, which may cause the team to lose a much needed qualifying session.

“I am excited to try out our new changes for 2014,” said Meyer. “We plan to put them to the test this weekend and see how well it works out. We will try to get our second car running and bring it up to par and get Chase, our new driver for the second car, familiar with our program.”

Friday hosts the first qualifying session for Top Alcohol Dragster at 4:00 p.m., and the second session will be on Saturday. Elimination rounds start Sunday at noon. Make sure to check our Facebook Page (/RandyMeyerRacing) for immediate track updates and results.

Joining the Randy Meyer Racing Team this year will be Quik-Latch Products, LLC, based out of Plano, Texas. Quik-Latch Products, LLC, offers innovative hood pins and multi-purpose push button quick release fasteners for automotive, marine, and industrial use.

“We are excited to try out these new products as they will help our turnaround speed,” claimed Meyer. “We will be able to take the body off more quickly and easily without tools required, which is important when there isn’t a lot of time between rounds, especially on race day.”

Rob Camp, President of Quick-Latch Products,LLC, added, “Quik-Latch Products is extremely excited to have joined forces with Randy Meyer Racing to promote and display the unique latches.”

The Randy Meyer Racing Team would like to thank it’s other partners on board for the 2014 season: Lucas Oil, Smart Chicken, NGK Spark Plugs, Quik-Latch Products, Boninfante, Taylor Cable, Motor Medic, ARP, MAHLE Clevite, Hedman Hedders, Moroso.

Quik-Latch Products, LLC: Quik-Latch Products, LLC was founded in 2009. A simple idea has turned into an ingenious multi-purpose "Patent Pending" latching system called Quik-Latch. Push button release, 100% Made in USA, 100% mechanically guaranteed for life, and yet simple enough for anyone to operate! The uses for this clever product are endless and being discovered on a daily basis, and were accepted for NHRA competition in 2011. Hoods, body panels, deck lids, air cleaners, cabinets and banners are but a few of the applications. There are 2 different sizes and multiple finishes are available for both sizes.

Chase Copeland Selected to Drive Second Randy Meyer Racing Dragster

Courtesy of Randy Meyer Racing

January 29th, 2014 – Texas resident, Chase Copeland, has been selected to drive the Randy Meyer Racing Team’s second Top Alcohol Dragster at select NHRA and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) event races for the 2014 season. Chase, who is new to the Kansas-based team, was accepted by owner Randy Meyer, for his previous driving experience and proven winning record in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Fielding two A/Fuel Dragsters is not new for Randy Meyer; he believes adding a second Top Alcohol Dragster, and fourth race car to team, will help guide him in the future when his daughters, Megan and Rachel Meyer, step up from the Super Comp ranks, to Top Alcohol Dragster.

“After talking to several potential drivers, I felt Chase had the best credentials to drive my second car. His driving record speaks for itself; he is a well experienced and diverse driver, and he has the ability to win races with an A/Fuel car, and skills to help the crew,” Randy said. “We welcome him to the Randy Meyer Racing Team, and we are excited to see what 2014 holds for us.”

Chase got his start with drag racing at the age of 12 in the Junior Dragster field. He then moved on to compete in Drag Boats and in the NHRA Pro Mod class until 2009 when legendary Gene Snow asked him to pilot his Top Alcohol Dragster. Chase, who drove for Snow until 2012, won his first LODRS divisional and two NHRA national events, as well as multiple runner-up finishes. He also earned the 2010 Division 4 Points Championship, and held a consecutive top 10 points finish in the NHRA national points championship from 2010-2012.

"I am honored to be considered by Randy Meyer Racing to drive the second car for their team,” said Chase. “I haven't been in the seat in a year, and I am excited to get back behind the wheel. I think 2014 is going to be a great year and can’t wait to get back to the track!”

With Chase as the pilot, Clay Copeland, Chase’s father and knowledgeable racer, will also join the Randy Meyer Racing Team to be the crew chief and team leader for the second dragster. Chase and Clay plan on bringing several sponsors to NHRA drag racing.

For more information about the team, visit www.randymeyerracing.com
Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/RandyMeyerRacing

Copeland is Living the Dream

Courtesy of Pro Sportsman Association/Todd Veney

Chase Copeland is living every kid's dream - driving a five-second race car, winning national events, and contending for championships in his early 20s.

At the wheel of drag racing legend Gene Snow's A/Fuel Dragster, Copeland has finished in the top 10 in the final NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster standings in each of the past two years, and both times he has won his hometown race, the Texas Motorplex national event.

"Gene had never won at Dallas before, and it was a big achievement in my life to do that for him," says Copeland, who made one of the great runs in Top Alcohol Dragster history, 5.21, to defeat Marty Thacker in the final. "To do it two years in a row was unbelievable."

Copeland, 23, can do a lot more than just drive. He works for chassis builder Joe Monden, who has built most of the top A/Fuelers in the country. "Joe's the one who got me in the driver's seat," Copeland says. "He taught me just about everything I know. I couldn't do anything on the chassis side when I got there. He taught me everything, and he's pretty much the whole reason I'm out here doing this."

Copeland's only previous experience in drag racing had come in Jr. Dragsters. "I ran them from when I was about 12 until I was 15, and it was a lot of fun," says Copeland, now 23. After that, he and his dad, Clay, got their feet wet, so to speak, in drag boats.

"Those things are really coming back around right now, really on their way up," says Copeland, who married wife Brittany a few weeks ago and just returned to the U.S. from their honeymoon in Antigua. "We ran one for three years - nine-second Top Eliminator boats that went about 130, 135 mph - and we won the championship twice."

Right out of high school, Copeland went to work on Scott Palmer's Top Fuel dragster just as his friend, Spencer Massey, who's about five years older than him, had done. After that, Monden asked Copeland, an Oklahoma native, if he wanted to work in his chassis shop in north Texas.

"I didn't know how to weld or how to build a car, but I figured why not?" says Copeland, who also has seat time in a Pro Mod. "Joe introduced me to Gene, and that's how this whole deal with me driving got started. With a Pro Mod, you're just trying to keep it in line. This thing isn't that hard to keep straight, but there's a lot to do before you stage. There's a lot that you have to have right or the car's not going to make it - especially now that we're only allowed to run 94 percent [nitro] and now that the fuel has to be at least 50 degrees. The tuning window is very narrow."

Copeland, who's quick on the lights - just like Massey - was a quick study. He won the Houston divisional over Michael Manners in 2009 and was runner-up at back-to-back-to-back Division 4 events Belle Rose, Tulsa, and Houston in 2010. Then came the consecutive national event titles in Dallas.

"I've seen a lot of people come along, and Chase is just like Spencer - really good on the lights," Snow says. "His reaction times are unbelievable and they just keep getting better, and it's for one reason: confidence. He has complete confidence when he's in that car."

As an integral part of a crew that consists of himself, father Clay, Vernon Wilde, and the "Snowman" himself, Copeland does the clutch between rounds and "normal driver stuff, like pack the chutes." Massey, when he has time between driving the Fram/Prestone Top Fuel dragster on the NHRA tour for Don Schumacher Racing, pitches in sometimes, too.

"He was pretty good, right from the beginning," Massey says. "I was there, and it took him just a few runs to be smooth."

"When I started driving Gene's car four years ago, Spencer taught me the ins and outs of driving an A/Fuel car and just how Gene likes things on his race car," Copeland says. "The quicker the run is, the smoother the ride is going to be. You can really tell when it's on a good run because the front end is hiked up for 60 or 100 feet on a low-or mid-5.20. You can feel the chassis arch up. On a .40 run, it just doesn't get up on the tire like that. People always tell me, 'You're following in Spencer's footsteps.' Well, I'd love to. One day, I'd love to be exactly where he's at right now, driving a Top Fuel car. These last few years have really been a whirlwind, and I've been blessed to be involved with people like Joe and Gene and Spencer. If you don't have any experience driving something like this, who's ever going to let you do it? It's a dream that a kid always has, but you never think it's really going to happen like this."

David Smith photo