Late Model - Cody Coughlin Coming Home To Columbus Motor Speedway

DELAWARE, May 25, 2011: Late Model Stock Car racer Cody Coughlin returns to the friendly confines of Columbus Motor Speedway Saturday for the second race of the 2011 JEGS/CRA Allstars Series.

The 100-lap race around the one-third-mile oval is actually the third on the schedule for the brand-new tour, but after a rainout May 15 at Illiana Speedway, it will just be the second time the pros hit the track this year.

"Being this close to home, this obviously is a racetrack we know very well and one we've tested at more than any other place in the country," Coughlin said. "We're as prepared as we can be and I'm excited to get in my JEGS.com Chevrolet and fire up the engine."

Although the rookie racer is just 15 years old, he's savvy enough to realize the significance of racing in a series sponsored by the family business.

"It's going to be a big weekend for everyone at JEGS," Coughlin said. "We have more than 350 associates, plus hundreds more people in the greater Columbus area, that have worked for my grandfather or my dad and uncles over the years. The track will have plenty of yellow and black support, and that's really neat.

"My mom and dad (Di and John Coughlin) have made our race team an extension of home, and my sister Kennedi always comes along to cheer for me. They make this so special. I wouldn't want to race without them."

A past class champion in USAC .25 Midgets, which he often raced at Columbus Motor Speedway, Cody says there's no pressure to live up to the lofty accomplishments of his multi-time champion father, uncles, and grandfather.

"The focus right now is on having fun," Cody said. "Of course, I want to race as hard as I can and do well, but right now it's more about learning how to race. I'm having a blast and I know this weekend is going to be a highlight of the season so we'll be ready to go."

Pits open at 12:30 p.m. with practice beginning at 3 p.m. Qualifying for the main event is slated for 5:30 p.m. and the race program begins at 7 p.m.