Returning to Copeland Motorsports for the 2019 season, Japanese driver Racer Kashima is set for another season in the Battery Tender Global MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich Tires. Returning to the team with a colorful resume, Kashima and his Copeland Motorsports outfit are looking towards their upcoming campaign with race wins, podium results and the series title on their minds.
“To have Racer return to our program in 2019 is not only exciting but very promising to our younger drivers,” explains Dean Copeland. “Racer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and is a very valuable asset. Not only is he talented on the track, but he also provides the series and our team with added promotion in Japan.”
Racer Kashima has a long history of racing dating back to 1995 where he won several karting championships in Japan. Participating in the Formula Toyota Japanese Endurance Race as part of the Toyota Team, Kashima has experience in not only national level events, but also with manufacturers. In 2001, Racer started challenging in the United States including the Firestone IndyLights program in 2004 with Sam Schmidt Motorsports. He returns to Copeland Motorsports after a strong Mazda MX-5 Cup program in 2018 and after garnering success in 2017 when he placed second overall in the All Japan EV Grand Prix of Electric Vehicles scoring several class wins.
With three drivers confirmed for 2019 including rookies Tyler Gonzalez and Tyler Maxson straight from the karting ranks, and now with Racer Kashima on board, 2019 is looking to be another strong one for Copeland Motorsports.
Copeland continues, “We don’t want to just go out there and race. We want to challenge for wins and podiums, make a run at the series championship and with two rookies in our program, see if we can claim the Rookie of the Year honors. If you are interested in joining a winning program, be sure to contact us as well have several test opportunities available.”
With a growing program for 2019, Copeland Motorsports has an intense winter testing program planned for both new and experienced drivers throughout the country. With the goal to be the premier team in 2019, the Copeland Motorsports program is very fluid and will work with drivers to better their complete racing program and provide the best trackside experience possible. Unique opportunities for both arrive and drive as well as car ownership can be established.
Available Testing Dates
December 15-16 – Sebring International Raceway (NASA)
January 5-6 – Sebring International Raceway (Chin Track Days)
January 25-26 – Circuit of the Americas (Chin Track Days)
February 9-10 – Barber Motorsports Park (Chin Track Days)
*With multiple testing opportunities available, any interested driver is asked to contact Copeland Motorsports.
For more information on Copeland Motorsports, please contact Dean Copeland at CopelandMotorsports@yahoo.com or by phone at 301.335.7613. Copeland Motorsports is also going through a complete revamp of their website and social media programs over the next few weeks but can be followed on both Facebook and Instagram via Copeland Motorsports.
Photos by: Copeland Motorsports