MONTEREY, CA (April 22, 2022) – Darin Mock is riding and racing with
two new aspects in Saturday’s Trans Am Series TA2 Class at Weather Tech
Raceway Leguna Seca.
First, he’s carrying a very special paint scheme reminiscent of when his
dad, Butch Mock, was a NASCAR team owner with Rahmoc Racing.
Changing from his traditional No. 51, Mock will race with the No. 75
Hodgdon Ford Mustang. This is the same number and sponsor scheme Neil
Bonnett drove to victory lane for the elder Mock’s team.
Second, he’s truly going to live ups to his Rookie status in the TA2 Class
because he’s never raced the legendary 2.238-mile course.
“When we announced the special Hodgdon scheme for this weekend the
positive response was incredible,” said the 19-year-old Mock. “It has
brought back a lot of memories of my dad’s team, Neil Bonnett and the
success they had in NASCAR.
“I have personally received messages from NASCAR drivers like Dale
Earnhardt, Jr., Mark Martin and many others. It’s amazing the reach and
memories this No. 75 scheme has brought back.
“Special thanks to Aaron and Justin Hodgdon for coming on board for this
race and next week at Sonoma Raceway. Also, to Mike Cope Racing for
working with us on the number and scheme change.”
In addition to the car, Mock is wearing a replica firesuit like Bonnett had
when he drove the Hodgdon car. And, word is Butch found some original
Hodgdon uniforms which will make an appearance this weekend, as well.
Mock did some preparation via simulators to get a feel of the twists, turns
and The Corkscrew of Turns 8 and 8a. Upon his arrival and seeing the 11-
turn track in person, he knows seat time is going to be of utmost value on
the actual track.
“With this being my first time at Leguna Seca, its way different in person
than the simulator,” Mock shared “This isn’t my first time coming to a track
for the first time in my young career. But, this is my kind of track in regards to the layout and type of racing. I feel like we’re going to do pretty well.
“Helping me with this all-new experience here is an accomplished winner in
Thomas Merrill. He’s won TA2 races here, sent me videos from his in-car
when he raced and provided helpful data for me and the team.
“We discovered a few things about the car during Road Atlanta that are
really going to be helpful.”
With the few weeks between races, Mock has kept his driving skills honed
by racing Go-Karts at the Go-Pro Complex in Mooresville, NC. Every little bit
of seat time helps, and he welcomes any chance he has an opportunity.
For the entire season, Mock will be honoring a family friend, Gavin Cox who passed away in March. Donations to Mitchell Community College for the "BLET Gavin Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund" can be made here-https://mitchellcc.edu/give-online?fbclid=IwAR3Mnt44lNxugpg3c9082VkDiEGRU2g7ntCTPg-bv8wMzBXO-_gzV2WMhiI
For more information and how to watch Saturday’s race, log on to
www.GoTransAm.com and for info on Mock, check out
www.DarinMockRacing.com