Stanton Barrett Motorsports, Mike Cope Racing, Rafa Matos Unite for Three-Race 2026 Trans Am TA2 Program

A unique and strategic partnership is set to take shape in the 2026 Trans Am TA2 Championship, as Stanton Barrett Motorsports, Mike Cope Racing, and three-time series champion Rafa Matos join forces for a three-event collaboration.

This program represents a powerful blend of emerging team momentum and proven championship-winning experience, combining Stanton Barrett Motorsports’ growing presence in the series with the deep technical expertise and race-winning pedigree of Mike Cope Racing.

At the center of this collaboration, Rafa Matos will take the wheel of the Ford Mustang, one of the most iconic and competitive platforms in the TA2 field, known for its aggressive styling and performance capabilities.

A Strategic Collaboration Built on Experience and Performance

This three-event initiative will include Sonoma, Road America and VIR and is designed to maximize performance through technical alignment and shared knowledge. With both organizations utilizing Cope chassis, the collaboration allows for seamless integration, data sharing, and performance development.

Rafa Matos will play a key role not only as the driver but also as a performance leader, helping ensure continuity, communication, and execution between both teams.

Driver Quote — Rafa Matos

“This is a very special opportunity for me. This ride belongs to Thomas Merrill, and he’s currently committed with his IMSA program. I have total respect for Thomas and for everything Mike Cope Racing represents in this paddock.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step in for these three races, but my main commitment in 2026 remains with Stanton Barrett Motorsports. Stanton has been extremely supportive in allowing me to collaborate with Mike and his team.”

“The fact that both teams run Cope chassis makes this partnership very natural — everything just fits. This is about combining strengths, sharing knowledge, and extracting the maximum performance out of both organizations.”

“I’m excited to drive the Ford Mustang. It’s an iconic platform in TA2, aggressive to drive, and incredibly rewarding when you get everything right.”

“Our goal is to contribute immediately, score strong points in the Driver’s Championship, and recover from what we lost earlier in the season. With Concord American Flagpole on board, we’re pushing hard to bring the No. 26 to the top.”

Team Owner Quote — Mike Cope

“We are all excited to have Rafa fill in for Thomas while he is fulfilling his IMSA commitments this season,” stated Cope. “Rafa and I have talked about this for a very long time and are both equally excited. It couldn’t happen without the support of HP Tuners and Concord American Flagpoles both of which are staunch supporters of Trans Am.”

“It will be a chance to work directly with Stanton and Stanton Barrett Motorsports, a team of great people he has assembled. We are looking to put the 26 car into victory lane.”

Looking Ahead

With a shared vision of performance, professionalism, and growth, this collaboration highlights the power of strategic alignment in the Trans Am TA2 Championship.

About COPE Race Cars, LLC:

COPE Race Cars has been approved Chassis Builder for the Trans Am presented by Pirelli Cube 3 Manufacturing TA2 series since 2012. However, the COPE ties to the series dates to 2010 when a COPE built car made its debut in the first TA2 event at Road Atlanta in Petit Le Mans. With safety and innovation at the forefront, COPE Race Cars is the leader in the TA2 series for a reason. You can find our COPE Chassis at the front of the field every weekend entrusted to the best drivers and teams.

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 Enterprises partners include: Keyser Manufacturing, FiveStar Race Car Bodies, Brembo, Wilwood Brakes, Pyrotect Racing Cells, ProMotor Engines, Bassett Wheels, Ultimate Performance, Swift Springs, Tilton and HP Tuners.

Parties interested in the 2026 MCRE “Arrive and Drive” Program in TA2, or would like to purchase a Cope Race Cars Chassis can contact the team office at 727-201-8910 or email megan@mikecoperacecars.com