Thanks to Mod Series Scene for the following:

Palmer, MA: Whelen Modified Tour competitor Chris Kopec of Ware, MA announced today that he would relinquish the driving duties of the Flamingo Motorsports #16 effective immediately. Kopec sights continuing health concerns as the contributing factor for his decision.

“It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision,” said Kopec. “Racing is a huge part of my life and has been for many, many years. Eric (Sanderson-car owner) has had a tremendous impact on my life. But I believe that this is the right decision for me, my family and Flamingo Motorsports. “

In 2003, Kopec sustained a head injury at the season-finale at Thompson International Speedway and sat out the 2004 season. He has made a successful return to active racing this season having scored three top-ten finishes in nine starts thus far in 2005. His best finish was a sixth-place in the season-opening Icebreaker at Thompson. Kopec currently sits in eleventh in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour point standings.

Kopec aggravated his injuries in an incident at Stafford Motor Speedway in the Haynes Material 150 on July 3, 2005. He has had health concerns ever since.

“I am a pretty healthy guy and I want to stay that way,” continued Kopec. “I want to enjoy my life with my children.”

Chris has two children-Melissa and Dylan.

“We all appreciate how hard this decision has been for Chris,” said crew chief Stan “Sly” Szaban. “We respect Chris and his decision. He is a part of our family and we want what is best for him. The entire crew stands behind him 100%.”

Kopec has a long and successful career that dates back to his days as a Modified competitor at the now defunct Riverside Park Speedway. The 1994 Riverside Park Modified Track champion also has 24 top-five and 59 top-ten finishes in 172 career starts in Modified Touring competition including two victories. His most recent win came in 2001 at Seekonk Speedway.

Kopec has driven for car owner Eric Sanderson of Flamingo Motorsports for over 10 years.

Kopec will still remain an active participant in auto racing. He will stay on as the Team Manager for the Flamingo Motorsports racing team (as well as General Mgr. of Flamingo Motorsports in Palmer). His most important role will be served as he continues to work with his son Dylan, who competes in a Tiger Sprint.

Chris’ son Dylan is following in his father’s footsteps. He is a talented young racer with impressive credentials in his own right.

“I am very excited to be able to dedicate myself to Dylan and his career. I think he might just be a better driver then me anyway,” said Kopec with pride. “This will also allow me to spend more time with my daughter Melissa. She is in college now, so the time that we can spend together over the summer is very precious to me.”

The Diversified Metals #16 is expected to compete at Riverhead Raceway this coming weekend. An announcement on the team's new driver is expected later this week.