Second Verse Same as the First for Cody Coughlin at Lebanon I-44 Speedway
(Delaware, OHIO – July 1, 2015) – “Second verse. Same as the first…” Those are some lyrics to the old Herman’s Hermits song, “I’m Henry VIII I am” from 1965. 19-year-old Cody Coughlin has probably never heard that song, but it accurately describes the weekend that’s right in front of him.
The Delaware, Ohio native is headed back to I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri for the Mercy Masters of the Pros 144 JEGS All-Stars Tour race that was originally supposed to be held on May 30.
Instead, the race is now on Independence Day, this Saturday night, July 4. Coughlin is hoping to have fireworks exploding above him as he dons the green jacket that’s awarded to the winners. And he especially wants that jacket, since Coughlin is a huge fan of golf.
“That would be awesome to win the green jacket,” exclaimed Coughlin. “I really enjoy golfing during my downtime and Augusta National Golf Course (home of The Masters) is one course I hope to play someday. To win something like that in an auto race, and be part of a small group of drivers to win it, would be incredible.”
The Joe Gibbs Development driver is going back to the series he was a champion of in 2013. He is also looking forward to returning to the 3/8-mile high-banked oval in this marquee event that pays $8,000 to the winner.
“We are excited about racing at I-44 again; we had a strong run when last visited the track in 2013,” recalled Coughlin. “We started seventh and finished sixth. This time I think we can go back there and be in contention for a win.”
It will be Coughlin’s 36th start in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour. He has two wins, 13 top-five’s, 21 top-10’s and two fast-qualifier awards in the series.
Joining Coughlin will be his Team JEGS crew featuring Kevin Hamlin (Team Manager), Nick Easton (Crew Chief), Scott Wimmer (Spotter) and Dave Holt (crew member).
His family will also make the trek to Missouri to cheer on Cody this weekend. This includes is parents, John and Di, his sister Kennedi, and other family & friends.
“My family is part of the team and they do their part to help us be successful,” explained Coughlin. “They provide great spiritual motivation to all of us and that shows with the success on the track.”
Coughlin will take to the race track on Saturday for the first time at 12:30 p.m. CT for the first of two 40-minute JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour practice sessions. Qualifying will take place at 3:30 p.m. CT with an on-track autograph session to follow at 4:15. Racing will begin at 5:30 p.m. starting with I-44’s local divisions with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Mercy Master of the Pros 144 to begin soon after.
For more information on Cody Coughlin and Team JEGS, visit www.teamjegs.com and follow Cody on Twitter, @cody_coughlin. You can also follow Team JEGS on Twitter, @TeamJEGS and “Like” JEGS Performance on Facebook.
Sources: Bob Dillner/Coby Coughlin PR