The Ohio short-track community is mourning the loss of one of its own this week. Jim Copper, a native of Bucyrus and a beloved figure both on the local circuits and in the virtual racing world, passed away on Saturday, May 16th. For those who remember the roar of the engines and the electricity of Saturday night racing, Copper’s name is inextricably linked with an era of fierce competition and unforgettable moments at Mansfield Speedway.
In his heyday, Copper was a true star at Mansfield. Whether he was wrestling his car through the corners or battling side-by-side for the lead, he possessed the kind of raw talent and relentless drive that made him a fan favorite. Those who watched him compete on the pavement knew that when Copper strapped in, he was always a threat to take the victory. He was a quintessential Ohio short-track racer—gritty, determined, and deeply respected by his peers in the pit area. He knew what it took to get the most out of a car and never backed down from a hard-fought battle for position.
But Copper’s love for competition didn’t fade when he finally hung up his helmet and stepped away from the physical driver’s seat. In his retirement, he seamlessly transitioned his passion from the track to the digital realm, becoming an avid and highly active member of the iRacing community. For Jim, the simulator wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way to keep his racing instincts sharp and stay deeply connected with the motorsport world.
In the virtual lobbies, he was known for applying the same meticulous setup knowledge and veteran racecraft to his digital rides as he did to his real-world cars. He embraced the technology, proving that a true racer’s heart never really slows down, and he frequently shared his decades of real-world experience with a new generation of sim racers.
His presence will be sorely missed by those who knew him. Jim Copper bridged the gap between the golden days of local Ohio racing and the modern era of sim competition, leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship and speed.
Our thoughts are with the Copper family, his friends in Bucyrus, and everyone who had the privilege of racing alongside him—whether trading paint under the lights at Mansfield or drafting in the virtual slipstream.
Visiting hours are Friday May 22, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the conclusion of visitation and burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Crawford County Humane Society and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com
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