Travis Cope wins at New Smyrna

Travis Cope (26) holds off Tim Russell (36) to win at New Smyrna Speedway Saturday. (photo by Rodney Meyering)

Travis Cope enjoys a Saturday night in the winner’s circle at New Smyrna Speedway with his Dad, Mike Cope. (photo by Rodney Meyering)

New Smyrna, Fla. — (RSEN) Young Travis Cope, a fourth generation driver from Harnando Beach finally got his first victory at New Smyrna Speedway Saturday night September 3rd, 2011 .  Cope has been trying to win at New Smyrna for years, running fast, but always seemed to have some sort of problem.  There were no problems Saturday night as Travis set the fast time in qualifying and started fourth.  By the time the first caution flew on lap 20, Cope had move to second, trailing early leader TimRussell.  The twenty-three year old Cope wasted little time, getting the jump on Russell and lead the rest of the night.  Cope was able to hold off Russell on a couple of later restarts, and no one had anything for him, as he pulled away to a multi-car length lead at the end.