CRA All-Stars - Coughlin Looking To Impress

CLIO, Aug. 16, 2012: The evolution of stock car racer Cody Coughlin continues Thursday night with the Brad 100 presented by JEGS at historic Auto City Speedway in central Michigan. The race, hosted by NASCAR superstar Brad Keselowski, is the 12th of 16 in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour.

"I'm excited to race this track," Coughlin said. "It will be a learning experience for most of us because this is the first time our series has raced there, but that makes it fun. We should have a level starting point and we'll go from there.

"In my opinion, we have one of the top teams in the sport. The guys have given me a great racecar every weekend and I have complete confidence in our ability. Maybe we can be the first JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour winner at this track. That would be really neat."

Coughlin's team, owned by his parents John and Di Coughlin, is loaded with talent. NASCAR veterans Kevin Hamlin and Scott Wimmer serve as team manager and spotter, respectively, while three-time and reigning championship tuner Butch VanDoorn fills the role of crew chief. For good measure, Coughlin is coached by short-track legend Andrew "Bubba" Pollard.

The group routinely records top-five finishes in their #1 JEGS.com Chevrolet and they all feel a win could happen at any time.

"Cody is only 16 but he's driving well beyond his years," said Wimmer, a multi-time winner in NASCAR's Nationwide Series. "I've been really impressed with him."

In an effort to get as much seat time as possible, Coughlin has competed in various short track races this year, beyond the scope of the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour.

"I'm really blessed," said Coughlin, the 2011 Howie Lettow Rookie of the Year. "First of all, I get to race with my family, and that means more to me than anything else. Having Mom and Dad and my sister Jelly (Kennedi) at every race is special. I can't imagine racing without them.

"My Mom and Dad have given me all the tools to be successful. I can't wait to win that first trophy from the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour and share that moment with them. Butch, Kevin, Scott and Bubba have been so patient with me and it's awesome knowing I have those guys at my side. Now all we need to do is go out there, have a little racing luck, and get it done."