JEGS – Notebook Items (July 26-29th)

>>> Time flies when you’re having fun and Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s summer has included many smiles as the JEGS.com Chevrolet Cobalt race team, which is owned by Victor Cagnazzi, has experienced two national event victories, a runner-up result, and more elimination-round wins (14) than anyone else in the Pro Stock class since the Chicago race. Coughlin has also secured a spot in the Countdown to the Championship eight-car playoff field.

With 36 Pro Stock wins and 13 sportsman titles in his career, Coughlin also sits on the verge of a landmark 50th NHRA title, a plateau very few racers have ever reached. He’d love to finish his “Summer Swing” with No. 50 at one of his favorite tracks on the circuit — Infineon Raceway.

“The hair on my arms stands up every time someone mentions 50 wins,” the 37-year-old from Delaware, Ohio, said. “I never would have imagined I’d have so much success. It’s been a blessing and a tribute to the great people we’ve surrounded ourselves with over the years. If I sit and think about it, I can remember every win and they are all very special to me and the entire JEGS family. I’m honored and humbled.”

>>> After a grueling three-week road trip that included events in St. Louis and Indianapolis, brothers John and Mike Coughlin return to their home track in Columbus, Ohio, for this weekend’s Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at National Trail Raceway. It’s a pivotal race for both drivers, who are currently in contention for divisional championships in three eliminators — Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, and Super Stock.

John has won two events this season with his new Undercover Chassis Top Dragster entry and currently enjoys a sizable lead over second-place Dean McIlvain of New Carlisle, Ohio. Following a late round finish at last weekend’s race at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, John also has moved into contention for the Super Stock title, just 54-points behind current leader Gary Tompa of Saginaw, Mich.

Mike Coughlin, who joined his brother in the winner’s circle at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, is currently ranked second in the Top Sportsman class with his Jerry Bickel-built Chevy Cobalt, 43-points behind leader Billy Vaughn of Knoxville, Tenn. Coughlin has competed in one less event than Vaughn has, so he’ll have an excellent chance to make up ground at this weekend’s race.

>>> When two-time ASA world champion Gary St. Amant made the switch to the USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup Series, his first win on the new circuit came at Lake Erie Speedway. If the seasoned veteran can repeat that feat at this Saturday’s BFGoodrichTires.com 250 — or even finish near the top of the ladder at Lake Erie Speedway — he’ll all but clinch the Northern Division title for the first time.

Driving his No. 7 JEGS.com/Speedco Chevrolet Monte Carlo to a win, two third-place finishes, and a fifth-place result (plus a 10th and 12th place ending) in the first six races of the season has St. Amant comfortably in the Northern Division lead. He currently has a 91-point advantage over rookie Brandon Ward, who in turn is nine points ahead of three-time Northern Division champ Benny Gordon.

>>> Team JEGS chef Nicky Morse has prepared meals for royalty, distinguished diplomats, and Ohio’s ultra wealthy at the only four-star restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. He’s cooked for country music’s brightest stars as part of the support crew for CMT’s “Showcase” program. He’s mentored young apprentices at Ohio State University, and worked elbow-to-elbow with Wolfgang Puck to raise money for cancer research.

Now motorsport’s most decorated chef has opened his personal cookbook to race fans and members of the media by featuring one of his creations each week of the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Complete with step-by-step instructions, Morse divulges a complete recipe on teamjegs.com and NHRA.com that allows budding cooks a chance to create a masterpiece of their own at home.

For this weekend’s event in Sonoma, Calif., Chef Nicky reveals Dark Chocolate Fondue, and hints that using the correct chocolate makes all the difference.

>>> Team JEGS Chef Nicky Morse joins Jeg Coughlin Jr. on SpeedFreaks TV on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. EDT this Thursday. Coughlin gets grilled about the Countdown to the Championship, while Morse shows off his skills on the grills to Crash Gladys as they discuss what foods help Coughlin be a better driver.


Information regarding JEGS Mail Order can be found at www.jegs.com and for media/fan resources check out www.teamjegs.com.

Media Contact:

Scott “Woody” Woodruff
JEGS, 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