Racing
Jeg Coughlin Sr.’s legacy looms large
By GREG ZYLA

Drag-racing fans will quickly recognize the name Jeg Coughlin Jr., the former NHRA Pro Stock champion and current driver of the Slammers Ultimate Milk Chevy Cobalt Pro Stock. However, the current “Jeg” is actually the son of the original Jeg Coughlin, a former racer and automotive aftermarket pioneer.

Recently named Grand Marshal of the fifth annual NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, Jeg. Sr. is looking forward to the popular nostalgia event, which will be held June 15-17, 2007 at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

Coughlin’s contributions to the sport of drag racing are many. As a driver, he actively competed more than 30 years in every type of class, from his notable AA/Gas Supercharged gassers to the ultimate Top Fuel division.

Although he never won a professional NHRA National event, he did win three divisional Top Fuel titles (1977, ‘78, ‘80) when nitro racing was part of the divisional series. He is one of just a handful of drivers to race in all three professional classes of Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. He also won a Pro Comp title in 1976 with his alcohol dragster. His very first win in drag racing came in 1969, when he won Super Eliminator at Windsor Dragway in Detroit.

Eclipsing his prowess on the drag strip, however, is Coughlin’s business acumen. He is the founder of Jeg’s Automotive Inc, one of the world’s largest aftermarket performance-parts suppliers. Along with companies like Bill Smith’s Speedway Motors in Lincoln, Neb., Jeg’s legacy dates back many decades. He first opened for business in 1960 as Jeg’s Automotive, a small auto repair and parts business housed in a rented $400 per month, 4,000 square-foot garage in downtown Columbus. Under Coughlin’s watchful eye, and with the help of his family and employees, the business grew to its current 225,000 square-foot, state-ofthe art facility with more than 400 full-time employees.

Now retired, Coughlin mentors his sons, John, Troy, Mike and Jeg Jr. He also spends time with the third generation of Coughlin children, making it truly a family affair for all ages.

Coughlin’s selection as the Grand Marshal for the Hot Rod Reunion is the latest in a series of honors for the 68-year-old legend. Last January, the board of directors at Ohio State University Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute established the “Jeg Coughlin Chair in Childhood Cancer Developmental Therapeutics” after receiving a gift in perpetuity from the JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research. A month later, Coughlin was honored with an induction into the Olentangy Business Hall of Fame in Powell, Ohio. He is also a member of the NHRA North Central Division Hall of Fame and the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame. Coughlin has also received the Car Craft “Ollie Award” for lifetime achievement, among other honors.

“One of the things I enjoy most is giving back to the community,” said the senior Jeg. “Of all the things we’ve done, I think I am most proud of the Jeg’s Foundation for Cancer Research. It’s a great feeling to know that you’re doing something to make a difference in people’s lives.”

We’d also like to congratulate Jeg Sr., who for the past 46 years of successfully balancing his roles as father, entrepreneur and drag racer. He deserves all the accolades that come his way.

Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.