VOLUME ISSUE MARCH , P99
backing of an all-star crew in
the title-winning combo of Dave
Zanotti and Michelle Disalvo and
the watchful guidance of team
owner George Latus, who has
supported Kopp's career since
its earliest days.
While the 2026 Mission AFT
SuperTwins title chase has been
framed as a rematch between
reigning champ Dallas Daniels
and two-time GNC Briar Bauman,
Kopp was widely identified as a
potential spoiler with the talent
and equipment to score wins
even as a rookie.
While those were lofty ex
-
pectations to saddle on a class
newcomer a year removed from
full-time dirt track competition,
it turns out they weren't lofty
enough.
At Thursday's Daytona season
opener, the Latus Motors Racing
prodigy did what no flat track
rider has done in the long history
of the Grand National Champion
-
ship, winning in his debut.
And then for an encore, he
went ahead and did it again on
Friday.
Thursday's opening salvo saw
Kopp start from pole after post
-
ing the fastest time in qualifying,
running away with his heat race
by nearly four seconds, and then
taking the win in the first Mis
-
sion #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of
the season.
Is Back!
