TEAM REPORTS (BRAINERD) - JEGS NOTEBOOK

The focus of a cover story on NHRA.com, Jeg Coughlin Jr. is under drag racing's brightest spotlight this week after winning his 50th NHRA national event title Sunday in Brainerd, Minn. Only 10 other men have reached the 50-win mark and the list reads like a "who's-who" of drag racing royalty. Only John Force (125 wins), Warren Johnson (96), Bob Glidden (85), Pat Austin (75), Kenny Bernstein (69), Frank Manzo (69), David Rampy (67), Joe Amato (57), Bob Newberry (50), and Greg Anderson (50) preceded Coughlin into the exclusive 50-win club. "To be on the same list with these great drivers makes me fell exceptionally blessed," Coughlin said. "I thank my team owner Victor Cagnazzi and all the people in his organization, as well as the many other crewmen that have helped me along the way. I didn't win 50 races by myself; it happened as the result of a lot of hard work and long hours by countless professionals." >>> Becoming just the 11th competitor in 56 years of NHRA Championship Drag Racing to win 50 national events, Jeg Coughlin Jr. has done something he rarely does -- stop and enjoy the moment. "Then I got into work Monday morning and the employees of JEGS just blew me away with their support and messages of congratulations," Coughlin said. "I get accused of not stopping to smell the roses but I couldn't help it this week. It made me feel very special and I can't thank everyone enough." >>> Jeg Coughlin has collected two of his 50 trophies at Maple Grove Raceway, the site of this weekend's 23rd annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals. He won the Super Gas title there in 1996 and the Pro Stock trophy in 1999. >>> It's good times at JEGS headquarters. Not only did Jeg Jr. collect his 50th win last weekend, but JEGS.com short track racer Gary St. Amant locked up the Northern Division title on the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. St. Amant, who led the points from the second race of the year, now carries a 25-point bonus into the five-race Championship Series that will decide the 2007 USAR Champion. "It's a thrill and an honor to present my great friends at JEGS and Speedco with this Northern Division title but the real goal in the championship," St. Amant said. "The season is already a big success but we've still got some racing left to do and I can't wait to get started." >>> Team JEGS chef Nicky Morse has prepared meals for royalty, distinguished diplomats, and Ohio's ultra wealthy at the only four-star restaurant in Columbus. He's cooked for country music's brightest stars as part of the support crew for CMT's "Showcase" program. He's mentored young apprentices at Ohio State University, and worked elbow-to-elbow with Wolfgang Puck to raise money for cancer research. Now motorsport's most decorated chef has opened his personal cookbook to race fans and members of the media by featuring one of his creations each week of the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Complete with step-by-step instructions, Morse divulges a complete recipe on teamjegs.com and NHRA.com that allows budding cooks a chance to create a masterpiece of their own at home. For this weekend's event in Reading, Pa., Chef Nicky reveals Gazpacho. "This is a perfect recipe for a hot summer day," Morse said. "If you don't have a garden, stop by your local farmer’s roadside stand and grab the freshest ingredients that you can."