ANDERSON, CALIFORNIA (September 22, 2016) – Dave Reed Racing will enter the inaugural race for the West Coast Sportsman, entering the #44 Approved Memory TOYOTA with Anderson, CA's Derek Copeland behind the wheel. 75 laps are scheduled for the West Coast Sportsman iPull-u-Pull Challenge at LoanMart Madera Speedway on Saturday October 1st. The non-points race unveils the series that is a team-driven initiative to utilize cars formerly used in the West Series.

Copeland, 25, comes to the series with extensive experience as both as a driver and a crew member, competing in Outlaw Karts, Legends cars and Late Models throughout his race career. He is a two-time Outlaw Kart champion, 2007 California State Legends champion and Legends of the Pacific champion, and multi-time Shasta Speedway Late Model main event winner.

He has crewed for teams in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West and Pacific Challenge Series among others, currently holding a role on the JD Motorsports team that leads the PCS standings.

"I think the series is a great idea," Copeland said. "There's a lot of cars out there sitting. I think that the series will bring good affordable racing and can be a good stepping stone into the West Series. My goals for this race are to put on a good race for the fans and compete for the win."

The West Coast Sportsman 75 will be a split feature, with 50 laps around the one-third mile Madera Speedway, followed by several other divisions running their main events, before the final 25 lap segment. Teams can make any adjustments they desire during the break but they must use the same set of American Racer Tires throughout the entire day's practice, qualifying, and race.

"We are really excited to have the opportunity to participate in a brand-new series," Reed said. "This is going to give a lot of people the chance to use existing equipment to give deserving drivers an affordable opportunity to compete. Derek fits that mold perfectly for us as a springboard to next year."

A full 2017 season is being planned for Dave Reed Racing and the West Coast Sportsman, pending the performance of the series in this debut race. All indications are for a strong first race with the support of Kenny Shepherd at Madera Speedway including the possibility of MAVTV television coverage as well.

Dave Reed Racing is presented by Approved Memory, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Ringer Gloves, Fluidyne High Performance. Race fans can follow the weekend's activities at Dave Reed Racing or Derek Copeland Racing on Facebook. Madera Speedway is located on the Madera Fairgrounds in central California. The event will be combined with a $3000 to win national Winged Sprint Car show for a very exciting night for the fans.