Derrike Cope crashes out of Daytona 500

1990 Daytona 500 champion Derrike Cope’s return to the Great American Race lasted three laps.

Cope, piloting the No. 15 for Rick Ware Racing in his first Cup Series start since 2018, cut a tire in Turn 3 of the third lap of the Daytona 500 Sunday, ultimately making contact with the outside retaining wall.

Derrike Cope cuts a tire in Turn 3 during the Lap 3 Dale Earnhardt tribute. I'm not saying that The Intimidator's ghost just got revenge for 1990. But I'm also not saying that it didn't. #DAYTONA500

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 14, 2021

Cope was credited with completing three laps.

The 62-year-old driver had said the Daytona 500 would likely be his final start in NASCAR’s premier series.

If the 2021 season opener is his final race, Cope will retire with 428 starts, 1 pole, 2 wins, 6 Top-5 finishes, 32 Top-10 finishes and 282 laps led.