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SCCA: Craig T. Nelson enters Johnson Controls Triple Challenge

19 March 1999

Entering the three Johnson Controls Triple Challenge events (Long Beach, Detroit and Grand Rapids) will be actor/racer Craig T. Nelson, who will drive the No. 5 Johnson Controls/HomeLink Corvette as teammate to Paul Gentilozzis No. 1 Johnson Controls/HomeLink Ford Mustang Cobra.

Nelson has a long racing resume but will make his Trans-Am debut at the Johnson Controls 100.

"We didn't pick an actor that could drive, but rather a driver that happens to act," said Gentilozzi. "Over the years, I've worked with a lot of drivers from the entertainment industry, but seldom have I seen someone as focused on personal performance as Craig T."

Nelson was introduced to auto racing when he participated in the Pro Celebrity race during the 1991 Long Beach Grand Prix. He finished third and was hooked. In 1992, he formed Screaming Eagles Enterprise and became a team owner/driver.

After campaigning an entry in the American City Racing League (ACRL) and finishing second in points in 1993 and fourth in 1994, Nelson stepped up to IMSA/PSCR World Sports Car competition in 1995, scoring numerous top-10 finishes and earning IMSA's "Most Improved Driver of the Year" in 1995.

"Craig T. will test with us, and it'll take a little while to transition from the WSC car to a Trans-Am sedan," added Gentilozzi. "But he'll do fine and he will be a threat on the track."

"I thank Johnson Controls and Paul for this opportunity," said Nelson. "It will be great to get back into racing, especially at Long Beach where I got my start...and in front of the hometown crowd."

In 1997, Nelson completed his ninth and final season on the hit ABC series COACH, starring as "Hayden Fox." For his work on the series, he received three Emmy nominations in 1990, 1991, and 1992 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, winning the Emmy for the 1991-1992 season. He has also been honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with four Golden Globe nominations.