Rafa Matos Returns to Competition at Watkins Glen with Mike Cope Racing

Three-time Trans Am TA2 Champion Rafa Matos will make his long-awaited return to competition at the Watkins Glen International doubleheader event July 16-19, driving the No. 9 HP Tuners / Concord American Flagpole Toyota Camry for Mike Cope Racing.

The event marks Matos’ first race back since suffering a severe accident at Lime Rock Park that resulted in two fractured ribs and a punctured lung. After weeks of intensive rehabilitation, the Brazilian driver is ready to get back behind the wheel at one of the circuits where he has enjoyed the greatest success of his career.

Watkins Glen has been a special venue for Matos, who captured three TA2 victories there—in 2018, 2019, and 2021—with the 2021 win playing a key role in his second TA2 championship.

“I’m truly excited about this opportunity,” said Matos. “Watkins Glen has always been one of my favorite racetracks. I’ve been fortunate to win there three times, and every time I drive through those gates, it brings back incredible memories.”

“Coming back from a pretty nasty injury, my priority on the first day is simply to get reacquainted with the race car, make sure my body feels good, and build confidence again. Once I know everything feels right, then we can focus on racing at the front.”

Matos will substitute for Keith Prociuk in the iconic No. 9 Toyota Camry, one of the most recognizable cars in the TA2 paddock.

“I couldn’t be more thankful to Mike Cope Racing, Keith Prociuk and HP Tuners for trusting me with this opportunity,” Matos continued. “The No. 9 has become one of the most iconic liveries in the TA2 paddock, and it’s an honor to be behind the wheel.”

Mike Cope, owner of Mike Cope Racing, is also eager to have Matos back behind the wheel of a Cope Race Car.

“To roll into Watkins Glen with both Rafa Matos and Thomas Merrill under the Mike Cope Racing banner is something we’re really excited about,” said Cope. “These are two of the fiercest competitors in TA2 — proven winners who show up every event with one goal in mind — and having both of them behind the wheel of HP Tuners Cope Race Cars is going to make for an incredible doubleheader.”

“Keith Prociuk has been a huge part of our program, and when the opportunity came for Rafa to step into the No. 9, Keith was just as excited as we were to see what he could do with it. There’s a lot of pride in knowing our customers believe in the equipment, the team, and the people we put around them.”

“There’s no doubt Rafa and Thomas will push each other from the moment they hit the track,” Cope continued. “They are teammates, but they’re also racers — and neither one of them is heading to Watkins Glen to settle. We’re coming in guns blazing, and it’s going to be a lot of fun watching these two battle at the front.”

The return also continues Matos’ long-standing partnership with Concord American Flagpole, whose branding will once again appear on the race car.

“Carrying the Concord American Flagpole colors is a tremendous source of pride,” states Matos. “Chris Dyson and everyone at Concord have stood by me through the highs and the lows over the last few years, and I can’t thank them enough for their continued belief and support. Having them with me as I make my return means a great deal.”

While the primary objective is a successful and healthy return to racing, Matos knows the opportunity is there to add another chapter to his Watkins Glen legacy.

“I’m tremendously grateful to be back in a race car. After everything that’s happened, just being able to compete again is something I don’t take for granted. But once the visor goes down, we’re racers. We’ll work our way into the weekend, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to chase that fourth Watkins Glen victory.”

Matos enters the weekend as one of the most accomplished drivers in TA2 history, with three championships, 26 career victories, and three Watkins Glen wins.

About Rafa Matos

Rafa Matos is a three-time Trans Am TA2 Champion, Indy Lights Champion, IndyCar Rookie of the Year, and winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He continues to compete professionally while coaching and developing the next generation of racing talent through Matos Motorsports.

About Mike Cope Racing Enterprises, Inc:

Perhaps no other team has worked so diligently to achieve success over the course of 30 years as MCRE. Over the years, they have successfully launched corporate sponsorships in national series, developed short track and SCCA Road race champions and mentored young upcoming drivers. Lead by Mike Cope, he brings the same enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge to his race team that made him victorious in his own racing career. MCRE offers a variety of services for drivers interested in the Trans Am Series’ TA2 program, including custom builds, arrive and drive programs, maintenance programs, consulting, driver mentoring, set-up and shock dyno. Mike Cope Racing Enterprises is based in Clearwater, Florida. Learn more at www.mikecoperacecars.com.

-Mike Cope Racing Release