The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Coughlin Unveils Support, New Sled, For Bodine Bobsled Challenge


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

LAS VEGAS October 31, 2008: The fourth annual Whelen Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge will have distinct yellow and black overtures this year as industry giant JEGS Mail Order steps in as one of the main sponsors of the charity event. Reigning world champion Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin Jr. used this weekend's drag race in Las Vegas to announce the support and unveil his own JEGS.com sled that he will drive in the upcoming race, which is slated for Jan. 2-4, 2009, on Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, N.Y.

During last year's race, which marked Coughlin's first time to ever to pilot a bobsled, the four-time world champion came in third overall and recorded a quarterfinal finish in a separate NASCAR versus NHRA tilt.

During the unveiling of the JEGS.com sled Friday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this year's NHRA team was announced with Coughlin being joined by Morgan Lucas, J.R. Todd, and Bob Vandergriff, who all raced in last year's event.

"Of all the things I've been fortunate enough to do in my life, I think driving those bobsleds ranks right up there at the top," Coughlin said. "It's a real thrill and quite an honor to be selected to race against our NASCAR brothers and raise a bunch of money for the men and women of the U.S. Olympic team, many of whom we met last year when they helped us learn how to drive these sleds.

"As a company, I can tell you that all 350 JEGS Mail Order employees are very excited to be helping our Olympic athletes reach their goals in Vancouver in 2010. The Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project has obviously made a tremendous difference and certainly is worthy of our support."

The Whelen Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge benefits the U.S. Olympic bobsled team and the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, which designs and makes sleds for U.S. athletes. Since the U.S. team put Bo-Dyn sled into service in 1994 it has skyrocketed up the world rankings, winning four medals in the past two Olympic Games and 17 medals in World Cup competition. A competition bobsled costs $50,000. Prior to the formation of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, U.S. athletes raced in hand-me-down sleds from other countries.

"Geoff had a vision to put U.S. Olympians in sleds that were 'Made in the USA' and to make them the best sleds that racing technology could produce," Coughlin said. "Now the team has access to NASCAR technology that has allowed them to become a real force on the worldwide stage. It's a perfect scenario and to be able to help them reach their goals is very satisfying."