Drag racing’s best descend upon Route 66 Raceway near Chicago to compete in a multi-series battle this weekend.
JOLIET, Ill. (May 30, 2018) – Whether you are a longtime fan of drag racing, have been meaning to check it out for the first time, or a hot rod enthusiast looking for excitement this weekend—the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals and Allstar Race, May 31-June 3, is sure to satisfy. JEGS Automotive, Inc. (JEGS), one of the largest e-commerce and mail order high-performance auto parts retailers worldwide, and title-rights sponsor of the race, along with the NHRA and Route 66 Raceway, offer a Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national race event and a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series “clash of the titans” in one action-packed drag racing weekend. The event will also give fans a chance to see their favorite racing legends, including JEGS Founder, Hall of Fame Drag Racer and Grand Marshall of the Race, Jeg Coughlin Sr.
JEGS’ sponsorship is the latest in a decades-long tradition of investing and participating in drag racing; from primary sponsorships in the NHRA’s Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Top Dragster vehicles, being a 12-year title sponsor for the JEGS SPORTSNationals, to becoming the title sponsor of the JEGS Route 66 NRHA Nationals and Allstar Race—to name a few. Over the year, JEGS’ investment into motorsports has grown outside of drag racing, to include sponsorships for the Champion Racing Association (CRA) series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
“JEGS has deep roots in drag racing that have existed since our founder, Jeg Coughlin Sr. was speeding down the strip,” said JEGS CEO, Jeffrey R. Hennion. “Our business aligns with the needs and interests of racing teams and fans, so we are proud to partner with the NHRA and Route 66 Raceway to bring multiple series together and showcase the highest level of drag racing competition.”
In addition to its founding legacy, JEGS has remained family-owned for more than fifty years, maintaining the authentic tie between JEGS, as a business, and drag racing. The Coughlin family has competed, or actively competes in multiple motorsports formats, and is one of drag racing’s most winningest families.
The JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals
The JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals is the ninth of 24 events on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and is the first of four consecutive events that will prove critical for NHRA teams with title aspirations. Route 66 Raceway features the first true stadium of drag racing and has witnessed impressive performances by the top racers in the sport. Fans watching from home can catch the action on FS1.
Team JEGS will be well represented at the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals, including six-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., his brother, Mike Coughlin, nephew, Troy Coughlin Jr. and niece, Paige Coughlin. Jeg Jr. will be racing in Pro Stock as a member of the Elite Motorsports team. Mike is one of the leading contenders in Top Dragster. Troy Jr. is racing in Top Alcohol Dragster. In addition, Samantha Coughlin, wife of Jeg Jr., will join Paige in the Super Comp class.
The 2018 JEGS Allstars
This race-within-a-race will pit the top points earners from NHRA’s seven geographic divisions of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and four Top Alcohol regions against each other in the culmination of a yearlong points battle.
Competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Stock, and Super Street will compete for team and individual honors as well as a share of the $124,000 purse.
“I consider this one of the biggest events on the year, outside of the World Championship. We do a lot of tuning and studying to prepare, and I am hoping for a big win in my third year participating in the race,” said Jeff Strickland, Super Stock and Top Dragster Competitor. “JEGS steps-up for drag racing and sportsman, so I am proud to be a part of the action.”
Local favorite Bruno Massel Jr., announcer for NHRAonFOX and past NHRA Champion, who will be racing in Comp Eliminator this weekend.
“I have known the Coughlin family since I was a kid, and although we are competitors, we are also friends. I am a huge fan of JEGS—the company and the race team,” said Bruno. “The JEGS Allstar Race is the second biggest race, after the U.S. nationals. My dad won the JEGS Allstar Race in 1989 when it was held Columbus, Ohio. Now, with the race running out of Chicago, my home track, I am proud to have won the race three times and would sure like to win number four.”
For race event and ticket information, visit https://www.NHRA.com
For venue and seating information, visit http://www.Route66Raceway.com/NHRA/NHRA-Route-66-Nationals.aspx
To learn more about JEGS Automotive, Inc., call (800) 345-4545 or visit us at www.JEGS.com.
Follow JEGS on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/JEGSPerformance, Twitter: www.twitter.com/JEGSPerformance, Instagram: www.instagram.com/JEGSPerformance, YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/JEGSHighPerformance
Meet Team JEGS, follow the Team JEGS race schedule and results, and learn more about racing by visiting www.TeamJEGS.com.
