CRA All-Stars - Rising Star Coughlin Ready To Take His Shot At Winchester

WINCHESTER, Aug. 18, 2011: Coming off a career-best finish, JEGS.com Chevrolet driver Cody Coughlin looks to build on his momentum in Saturday's Winchester 100 presented by JEGS.com at historic Winchester Speedway.

The 100-lap race is the seventh event of the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts.

The 15-year-old Coughlin finished second in the series' most recent race at Rockford Speedway, building his lead in the Howie Lettow Rookie of the Year standings and gaining respect from other drivers.

The next goal is simple -- Coughlin wants to improve one position at Winchester.

"We've got some good momentum going after our good finish at Rockford," Coughlin said. "That was a big race for us, and it'd be awesome if we can keep that going this weekend. Hopefully, we can get a win."

Winchester is one of the oldest short tracks in the United States, with racing dating back to 1915. The facility boasts a half-mile track, with banking as steep as 37 degrees. It bills itself as the "World's Fastest Half-Mile," and the combination of high speeds and tight turns can be difficult.

Coughlin, however, is ready for the challenge.

"I'm excited about it," Coughlin said. "It's a famous, historic race track, and it has a lot of banking, even more than Bristol. I'm really looking forward to it. I know it won't be an easy track, but we've got a really good race car, a great team, and it will be a fun challenge."

Coughlin heads to Winchester eighth in the overall JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour points standings, 24 points behind seventh place. In addition to being backed by the JEGS team led by crew chief Rich Lushes, Coughlin will also have his dad John, mom Di and sister Kennedi on hand for support.

"I want to thank the Lord for all he's done for us," Coughlin said. "And I have to thank all my family for coming and supporting me. I certainly wouldn't be here without them, and I love having them with me. They make it all worthwhile."