JEGS – Notebook Items (May 28-June 3)

>>>True colors shining through: Two-time POWERade champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., who is currently a lofty third in the world rankings, will unveil a new but familiar look this weekend in Topeka, Kan., as his Victor Cagnazzi Racing Chevrolet Cobalt will now sport the famous yellow-and-black of JEGS.com. The internet home to the country’s premier high performance mail order parts giant moved from major associate to primary backer in the three weeks since the last event in St. Louis.

“The yellow and black is back,” Coughlin said.


>>> A long time coming: It’s been almost a month since the NHRA has raced due to some problems with the track surface in Bristol, Tenn., that caused that event to be moved back in the schedule. There will now be eight races in the next nine weeks.

“We’re ready, and that’s a good thing, because this stretch of races will set the Countdown for the Championship,” Coughlin said of the new points format that will decide this year’s champions. “Basically, if you want to be a player in the title hunt, it’s time to get to work.”


>>> The people’s champion: Pro Stock racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. has visited Heartland Park Topeka’s winners circle two times in the past. The 47-time national event winner claimed the Super Stock title there in 1994 and the Pro Stock crown in 2000.

“There’re lots of things to like about Topeka but if I had to pick one thing I like the most about this race it’s the fans,” Coughlin said. “People there are so into racing and they are always fired up when we’re in town. I love it. It’s nice to roll into a city and be the main attraction and we definitely get that in Topeka.”


>>> JEGS U.S. Open Bracket Championship, one of the richest E.T. racing events in the country, will take place May 31-June 3 at historic Tri-State Dragway near Cincinnati, Ohio. The JEGS U.S. Open Bracket Championship is the brainchild of veteran sportsman racers Mike Fuqua and Dave Szerlag and features four separate high stakes events; a $5,000 to win race on Thursday, a pair of $20,000 to win races on Friday and Saturday, and a $10,000 final, which will take place Sunday. There are also numerous bonus events, which will help bring the total payout for the event to more than $300,000. Last year, Coughlin’s younger brother, Jeg claimed the $10,000 top prize by winning Sunday’s main event.

“There is a lot of money at stake at this race and if a racer gets hot at the right time, he or she could really have a really unforgettable weekend,” said Coughlin. “Because there is so much money at stake these big bracket races attract the best racers in the country and they are very competitive but at the same time, they are also a lot of fun. Once the racing is done for the day, there is a very relaxed atmosphere in the pits and everyone gets together and has a good time. That makes for a very enjoyable weekend.”


>>> View from the top: JEGS.com short track superstar Gary St. Amant finds himself atop the USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup Series Northern Division points after his second top-three finish in as many races. The two-time world champion drove his JEGS.com/Speedco Chevy around several wrecks in Madison, Wis., this past weekend to secure a third-place finish. His steady racing this season — three top-five finishes in the first three races — has him leading the points by 46 markers.

“It was another strong race for our team and to start the year with three straight top-five finishes is a real credit to this crew and our sponsors,” St. Amant said. “We’re very pleased and honored to be in the points lead at this stage in the game and we’ll continue to work hard to stay there.”


>>> Eat at Nick’s place: Team JEGS chef Nicky Morse has been sharing recipes with readers of NHRA.com before each national event in a special section entitled “Quarter-mile Cuisine.” For Topeka, Morse unveils his Jeg and Sue’s Frittata, a special breakfast item named for JEGS patriarch Jeg Coughlin Sr. and his wife Sue. Click on the “Features” button on NHRA.com’s home page and then select “Quarter-mile Cuisine” for the recipe.


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