DELAWARE, Ohio (March 19) — Three of Team JEGS brightest Sportsman stars — Mike, Troy Jr. and Clay Coughlin — are ready to make their 2014 season debuts this weekend at the 11th annual JEGS Cajun SPORTSnationals at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, La.
The three champions will begin racing Thursday during a test-and-tune outing to get their racecars dialed in properly for the first of three JEGS SPORTSnationals, the most high-profile events of the year for Sportsman racers.
Mike, a multi-time champion in the Top Sportsman class, has his Camaro prepped for action, while his nephew Troy Jr. is set to battle in both Super Gas and Super comp, where he's also achieved great successes, including divisional titles and national event victories.
Youngster Clay, a newly minted Jr. Dragster champion at National Trail Raceway, will be shaking out his half-scale rail and making a handful of exhibition runs.
"Belle Rose is one of my all-time favorite races," Mike said. "It’s always a laid back deal and a nice change of pace from hard core competition. The action is intense, but the atmosphere is so fun that the emphasis is on family and friendships. It's great to be starting the year down here and to have T.J. and Clay with me."
Like his uncle, Troy Jr. knows a generous dose of Southern Hospitality will be the order of the day in Louisiana.
"I'm looking forward to three things — warm weather, great food and to get back in my racecars and turn on some win lights," T.J. said. "It's been a long winter and I feel like we're all anxious to get to racing again. It's time, and having a race with our family's company name on it makes it even more special."
Qualifying begins at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday with eliminations beginning Sunday morning.