For Pope, Peach State Speedway is special for several reasons. He cut his teeth in Late Models on the high-banked, half-mile track. It was also the site of Pope’s first career Late Model win.
“It would mean a lot to me to win the World Crown,” said Pope. “It would also mean a lot to my mom and dad (Irvin and Debbie Pope). They would be so proud of me, and it would be cool for all of us after all that has happened this season.”
This year’s World Crown will be different than the ones in years' past. Each driver will qualify form one of the two 100-lap qualifying races. The top-18 from each of the two races will then transfer to the final-100 lap race, which will be for all the money.
“I think that the new format will be interesting,” said Pope. “It will make things real important as far as how the car handles during the final 100 laps. It just means that you will have to have one of the best cars to make the final race.”
Michael Pope will be at Peach State Speedway for the World Crown 300 weekend starting on Friday, November 7th, for practice. Qualifying will be on November 8th and racing will be on Sunday, November 9th.
“I am really excited about running the World Crown at Peach State,” said Pope. “We haven’t gotten to run there this season, but it's one of my favorite places to race. I think the whole team is pumped up and ready to go.”
Pope will head to Peach State with his best chance ever to win the World Crown 300. Legendary short track driver Mike Garvey has been helping Pope with the setup on his number 44 Builders Concrete Chevrolet. Garvey helped fellow Georgian Matt Hawkins to a second-place finish in 2007. Pope is hoping for one spot better this year.
“Mike (Garvey) really had us going good at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) a few weeks back,” said Pope. “We have run great at Peach State in the past, and with his help I know we are going to be strong.”
Michael Pope Looks Forward to the World Crown 300
Dublin, Georgia, Native Looks to Return to Victory Lane at Peach State Speedway (GA)
Michael Pope is a true southern boy who learned at an early age that Georgia Bulldogs football is king in the Peach State. Pope will never suit up in red for the Bulldogs, instead he has a different dream. He wants to suit up in red alright... his red and black firesuit. He also wants to be king, and the only way to be king of Late Model racing in Georgia is to take the throne and win the World Crown 300 at Peach State Speedway.
