Jack Beckman to drive Jeg’s Mail Order dragster in Joliet (NHRA/JEG’S)

Former NHRA Super Comp World champion and current Top Fuel pilot “Fast Jack” Beckman will be pulling double duty at this weekend’s Ameriquest NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway. In addition to his current ride in Dexter Tuttle’s Menards/Mail Terminal Services Top Fuel dragster, the multi-talented Beckman also plans to race John Coughlin’s Jeg’s Mail Order Super Comp dragster in the prestigious Jeg’s Sportsman Allstars, a special race-within-a-race which will be held on Saturday, October 1, in conjunction with the Ameriquest NHRA Nationals.

The Jeg’s Allstars is a special event that features 64 of the best sportsman racers from each of NHRA’s seven geographical divisions, competing in eight categories. Allstars compete for individual and team honors and a share of a $100,000 purse. In addition, any driver who wins the same eliminator title in the Jeg’s Allstars race and the Ameriquest NHRA Nationals will earn the Jeg’s Double-up bonus, which doubles their prize money from Jeg’s.

Beckman, of North Hills, Calif., was runner-up in the Jeg’s Allstars competition in 2004, and has earned the right to return to the event as a blocker in 2005. When logistical problems prevented Beckman from bringing his own Super Comp dragster to Joliet, Coughlin graciously offered the use of his Mullis-built dragster for the weekend. Beckman now hopes to follow the lead of Brad Plourd, who drove Coughlin’s dragster to the Super Comp title at the recent Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

“I can’t begin to thank John and the entire Jeg’s Mail Order team for allowing me to drive their car in Joliet,” said Beckman. “I had a great time racing in the Jeg’s Allstars race last year and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return again this year. I haven’t driven this car before, but I know that the Jeg’s team has the finest equipment available so I don’t feel that it diminishes my chances for success. I’d love nothing more than to have the Jeg’s Mail Order dragster and the Menards/Mail Terminal Services Top Fueler parked together in the winner’s circle this weekend.”

To celebrate the special event, the Jeg’s Mail Order dragster will feature a special paint scheme in Joliet that highlights some facts about cancer prevention that everyone should know. The car will be used to promote the Jeg’s Foundation for Cancer Research, a cause that is very near and dear to Beckman, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2003. Beckman’s cancer is currently in remission, and he has dedicated himself to helping others who are stricken with the disease. While racing on the NHRA POWERade tour, Beckman often visits children’s hospitals and cancer centers.

“The Jeg’s Foundation and I are both working hard to support cancer research and awareness,” said Beckman. “That’s what makes this program a perfect fit for us. I believe this is a great opportunity for us to promote the Jeg’s Foundation and their philosophy.”

Coverage of the Jeg’s Sportsman Allstars competition will air on ESPN2 on October 9 at 1 p.m. EST.

Additional information found at: www.teamjegs.com

Media Contact:

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