A New Kopp Kar!
Rick Kopp is achieving a life long dream this season after taking delivery of (for him) a new nitro-burning Nostalgia Funny Car…
Kopp, who is from Burlington Ontario, and who had been a serious force to be reckoned with within Eastern Canada’s Napa Quick 32 racing scene acquired a very cool 1970 Plymouth Satellite-bodied during the off season. That car had been campaigned by Delaware’s Eric Martin for about four years previously.
Rick Kopp with his new Plymouth Satellite Nostalgia Funny Car
“I had been racing my mid-six second dragster for a few seasons — but I have always wanted to get myself into a Funny Car,” Rick confided. “As a kid that is something I had always dreamed about – so I’m very happy that it’s now come to be. I plan to have a lot of fun with it.”
Kopp’s Funny Car features an original chassis from the 1970’s era which has received numerous upgrades. Power comes from an approximately 3000 HP nitro-burning TFX engine equipped with a 6-71 supercharger. Kopp will continue a racing alliance with Western New York’s Billy Leveritz who will serve as his team’s tuner and crew chief.
Rick made his first ever laps in the car at Cayuga Dragway recently.
“I have a cross over for the 6.0 license and I need to make one 1/2 pass and two full runs to complete the upgrade,” he confirmed.
Kopp revealed that his plans for 2013 are sensible — first walking before running — before then doing some exhibitions and match racing.
“Initially I am going to dip my feet in the class – stay safe and learn about the car,” he added. “After that we have some dates booked already at the drag strips in Elliott Lake and North Bay in Ontario and at Lancaster Dragway in New York. I expect to add 3 or 4 more racing gigs to that later in the summer.”
Rick’s operation is a self-funded affair thanks largely to valued associate backing received from sponsors We-Install-It, G&K Services, Dewalt, Stanley Tools, Aulwand Graphics and Creative Edge.
His racing website is: www.KoppMotorsports.ca
Posting by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Bruce Biegler & Brennan Shortall
