Grandson Makes Grandpa Proud in NASCAR South West Tour Truck Series
- 9 Nov 2009
There are young racers who go for the glory, and there are the young racers who give that glory to others. Christian Copley is one who gives. His grandfather, Mike Kappmeyer helped Copley discover his need for speed when he was only 11-years-old. Kappmeyer also helped Copley understand how important it is to help underprivileged teens and kids with cancer.
Orange Show Speedway win for K&N supported Christian Copley, photo by Ms. Mary, Mary Secord
MRK Motorsports helps to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation
“I started my grandson in Go Karts,” said Kappmeyer. “At the time, there wasn’t a program for kids at Ventura Raceway or Santa Maria Speedway in California. Those are the closest tracks to our home.”
Christian Copley of MRK Motorsports drives in the NASCAR South West Tour Truck Series
Christian Copley hopes to drive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Kappmeyer eventually built junior midgets for kids from 10 through 16. The midgets were safe enough to satisfy the track owner at Ventura Raceway and that’s how everything started for the MRK Motorsports Team. Within the first year there were junior midgets everywhere. “We branched out from our friends at the track and took trouble kids and put them behind the wheel,” said Kappmeyer. “As Christian progressed with his racing skills so did our benefit program. We eventually started raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation to help children with cancer.”
Copley moved up to Junior Midgets when he was 13-years-old and by 15 he became the youngest driver to compete in the adult division half-mile track series. At 18-years-old he has enough points to win in the NASCAR South West Tour Truck Series. He just has to show up at the next race for the win.
“Every year we have a special charity event to benefit children with cancer,” said Copley. “I have received this big gift, the gift of racing, from my grandpa. This is a way for me to give back to others.”
Copley races his Chevrolet Silverado with a 602 Chevy Crate engine. “There are so many things I like about racing,” he said. “It’s the speed, the adrenaline rush of knowing I can go a half of a tenth of a second faster. I use K&N air and oil filters on the track. K&N protects my engines from debris and gives me the boost I need to help make it to the winner’s circle.”
Grandfather and grandson are in the process of putting together another charity event for the kids. They want to raise more money for Make a Wish. Copley also wants to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“The more you give, the more you get back,” said Kappmeyer.
Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.
Orange Show Speedway win for K&N supported Christian Copley, photo by Ms. Mary, Mary Secord
MRK Motorsports helps to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation
Christian Copley of MRK Motorsports drives in the NASCAR South West Tour Truck Series
Christian Copley hopes to drive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Kappmeyer eventually built junior midgets for kids from 10 through 16. The midgets were safe enough to satisfy the track owner at Ventura Raceway and that’s how everything started for the MRK Motorsports Team. Within the first year there were junior midgets everywhere. “We branched out from our friends at the track and took trouble kids and put them behind the wheel,” said Kappmeyer. “As Christian progressed with his racing skills so did our benefit program. We eventually started raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation to help children with cancer.”
Copley moved up to Junior Midgets when he was 13-years-old and by 15 he became the youngest driver to compete in the adult division half-mile track series. At 18-years-old he has enough points to win in the NASCAR South West Tour Truck Series. He just has to show up at the next race for the win.
“Every year we have a special charity event to benefit children with cancer,” said Copley. “I have received this big gift, the gift of racing, from my grandpa. This is a way for me to give back to others.”
Copley races his Chevrolet Silverado with a 602 Chevy Crate engine. “There are so many things I like about racing,” he said. “It’s the speed, the adrenaline rush of knowing I can go a half of a tenth of a second faster. I use K&N air and oil filters on the track. K&N protects my engines from debris and gives me the boost I need to help make it to the winner’s circle.”
Grandfather and grandson are in the process of putting together another charity event for the kids. They want to raise more money for Make a Wish. Copley also wants to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“The more you give, the more you get back,” said Kappmeyer.
Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.
