Jeg’s Foundation’s “Racing for Cancer Research” program celebrates two years

The Jeg’s Foundation’s “Racing for Cancer Research” program celebrated its second anniversary last weekend. The Foundation, which benefits the Ireland Cancer Center in Cleveland and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, has received far-ranging support from the drag racing community in its first two years, something that humbles driver Jeg Coughlin.

“The entire Jeg’s family was so proud to bring this type of effort to the NHRA,” Coughlin said. “I knew people would respond because so many of us have been touched by cancer in some way during our lives. But as usual the generosity and caring of the NHRA drivers and fans has totally blown us away. We’ve been overwhelmed to say the least and we truly feel like we’re just getting started.

From the onset, the Jeg’s Foundation’s “Racing for Cancer Research” program has been recognized as an official NHRA charity. The Foundation’s multi-colored ribbon logo, which brings attention to 30 types of cancer, graces the covers of Drag Racer and Drag Racing Action magazines each month, as well as the racecars of Cory McClenathan, Whit Bazemore, Gary Scelzi, Ron Capps, Ken Koretsky, Richie Stevens, and all the Coughlin brothers, plus the Pro Stock Motorcycles of riders Karen Stoffer and Steve Johnson and several Sportsman-level entrys. Additionally, Pro team owner Don Schumacher placed the ribbon on the crew uniforms of all eight of his pro teams.

Schumacher and his wife Sarah, along with Funny Car driver Whit Bazemore and his wife Michelle, and crew chief Lee Beard and his wife Rhonda, also have all pledged financial support that corresponds with their success on the racetrack. Others, like photographer Randy Anderson and companies such as Shift-Cahan, Horizons, and Mac Tools have supported the project through donations of time, work, and products.

Drag Racing Action magazine donates a third of a page in each issue for a “Cancer Survivor Story,” while RTM Productions made a 30-second public service announcement that airs free of charge on Spike TV’s Power-hour block shows. Engine builder Jon Kaase also donated his winning Engine Masters powerplant, which was auctioned off for $48,000. Further, all monies raised through the sales of Jeg’s Racing merchandise is committed to the cause.

“We recently established a Chair with The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University in my father’s name,” Coughlin said. “The money for the Chair all went to the hospital’s Children’s Pediatric Center for research and development and we’re very proud of that. My wife Karen, who is a cancer survivor, should be commended for all of her work. She’s taken control of the Foundation and she works tirelessly on its efforts.”

Aside from Karen Coughlin, Jeg Coughlin Sr., team chef Nicky Morse, and both Troy and John Coughlin’s mother-in-laws have all battled some form of cancer in the past, making the fight to find a cure a very personal issue with the entire Coughlin family.

“We encourage everyone to stop by our trailer at any race and pick up literature on cancer, its effects, and what people can do to help,” Jeg said. “Hopefully, we’re making a difference out there. But we know none of this would happen without the support of the racing community. Here’s to another successful year!”

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Media Contact:

Scott “Woody” Woodruff
Director of Media & Motorsports
Office: 800.345.4545 (3.412)
Mobile: 614.595.1820
Fax: 740.362.4385
Email: jegspr@aol.com -or- scott.woodruff@jegs.com
Web Site: www.teamjegs.com -or- www.jegs.com