Cody Coughlin is more than ready to get back to racing after Mother Nature prevented his opportunity to compete at his last two scheduled events.
The 17-year-old from Delaware, Ohio is getting ready to compete in the Mercy Master of the Pro’s 144 this Saturday at I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, MO, the first 2013 event on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour schedule.
On Monday, Coughlin and his team had the opportunity to test at the 3/8-mile, high-banked oval.
“This is a really cool facility and the racetrack is really nice,” said Coughlin. “It has a lot of grip and it is a unique place. I really can’t compare to another track we have competed on. I think this is the kind of track that where you will need to be aggressive and stay up on the wheel.”
In the test, Coughlin was quick from the time his JEGS No. 1 first hit the track. Crew chief Nick Easton and the rest of Team JEGS continued making adjustments to the Chevrolet throughout the session. Coughlin now feels that the team has a strong baseline to start the weekend.
“This might be one of my new favorite tracks,” Coughlin added. “You need to have a good-turning car. The track has a lot of grip and it has a unique line to get around. I think this could be a very competitive race this Saturday night.
“We have the best people working on my car from Freddie Query (Consultant), Nick Easton (Crew Chief), and Scott Wimmer (Spotter), giving their expertise. I am confident that we will have one of the cars to beat.”
The whole team is ready to get back into full race mode this weekend after the last two events were rained out.
“We have had some great opportunities to test, so we are not rusty at all,” Coughlin said. “Plus I have been doing everything I can to stay in shape by working out with a personal trainer, playing golf and tennis. I’m blessed to have the opportunities I have with such a great car, team and support from my entire family. I’m looking forward to heading back to the track and having a good run to start off our title chase this season.”
Coughlin and his Team JEGS will have another opportunity to dial in his JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour car this Friday with an open practice with the Mercy Masters of the Pros 144 on Saturday night.
For more information on Cody Coughlin and Team JEGS, visit www.teamjegs.com. Follow Team JEGS on Twitter, @TeamJEGS and “Like” JEGS Performance on Facebook.