Local stock car racer Lauren Cooper is set to move up in another division yet again. At age 17, it will be the sixth time in seven years that she will again be competing as a rookie competitor in a racing division. Lauren will be moving up to the SK Light Modified Division for the 2009 racing season.
The 2007 season was a year of many changes for Lauren, going from racing her 1st National karting event in April, to practicing at Thompson Motor Speedway in full size race cars in July & August with the help from The Racing School. Then competing at Stafford Motor Speedway in 4 races during the 2007 season in the Dare Stock Division. Her best finish was: 15th out of 26 cars. The Dare Stock division was a great starting point to get into full size stock cars, as they run smaller engines with a restrictor plate and automatic transmissions. The speeds are slow and it allows you to get a feel for the 3,100 pound car vs. a 350 pound kart.
She ran the Limited Late Model division in 2008 for a total of 10 races. This car had an open rear, 350 CID engine and a standard transmission allowing for much faster speeds. The handling and braking in this division is a huge part of being competitive, as well as having a smooth driver.
The Stafford Motor Speedway is also a challenge in itself as it has long straight-aways and flat tight corners. With the narrow tires that they require it definitely makes it a driver’s track. Although Lauren was a rookie again, she took it all in stride as she knows every time you move up a division the competition gets tougher. “I have raced with and beaten racers from the National ranks in karting in my rookie years and I feel confident that this year will be no different, it’s just it will be in stock cars,” said the 17 year old.
“We hope to compete for the full season at Stafford and compete for Rookie of the Year. It will be tough as I am in my senior year now and involved in High School sports. I don’t want to pass up the best years of school and I know there will be tough decisions to make between school sports and racing, but I also know that racing for NASCAR is my ultimate goal and I’m willing to give some things up to take bigger steps in reaching it.”
Laurens Race season will begin in April with the Spring Sizzler and Pit Party. It will then run on consecutive Friday nights through September and end with The Fall Final on a weekend near the end of September. The spring sizzler and Fall Final have what the track calls a Pit Party, allowing for fans to come onto the track and see the race cars up close and meet the drivers. It allows the drivers to promote their sponsors and give out autographs to their fans.
If you would like to follow Laurens race season be sure to check out http://www.staffordspeedway.com under Teams: The Limited Late Model division for 2008 & SK Lights for 2009. Also for sponsorship opportunities we can be reached at coopermotorsports25@yahoo.com. Laurens long time sponsors and supporters are: The Laurel Diner, Jason’s - The Southbury Salon, HookerzTackle.com, Ken Schielke Jr. & Family, Ken Williams & Family , The Racing School, Grandma & Poppy Cooper, Uncle Bill, Newtown Car Care, and of course Mom & Dad. New sponsors who have joined us this 2008 race season are: Brookview Heavy Equipment Repair LLC, A & L Eastern Hydraulic, Inc., and Body Physics Personal Fitness Solutions.
“Racing isn’t just a hobby, it’s what I want to pursue and it’s what I love to do. When people say they don’t think I can make it; it makes me work even harder because I know I can prove them wrong.”
Lauren Cooper #25
