As the NHRA tour rolls into Norwalk, Ohio, for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Elite Motorsports will be represented by championship contenders in Top Fuel and Pro Stock, while several of the team’s biggest names prepare for one of the most meaningful events of the season. Between the Coughlin family’s Ohio roots, R+L Carriers’ local presence, and the highly anticipated GETTRX Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout, there’s no shortage of storylines surrounding the powerhouse organization.
Norwalk Means Home For The Coughlin Family
Few race weekends carry as much significance for the Coughlin family as Norwalk.
JEGS, one of the most recognizable brands in drag racing, was founded in 1960 by drag racing icon Jeg Coughlin Sr. and remains headquartered in nearby Delaware, Ohio. Both Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Troy Coughlin Jr. call the area home, making the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals one of the most important stops on the schedule.
For Troy Coughlin Jr., the event is about more than racing.
“Ohio is a very big state for drag racing. The number of racers, fans, & hot rodders is incredible,” said Troy Jr. “I am looking forward to seeing many of our great customers and even associates from JEGS out at the track. A win here would be majestic.”
The younger Coughlin not only pilots the midnight black JEGS Pro Stock machine, but also works in the company’s marketing department, creating an even deeper connection to the home-state event.
Jeg Coughlin Jr. shares that excitement.
“The week’s stop on the NHRA tour is in our home state, and I couldn’t be more excited and energized to compete in front of this crowd,” said Jeg Jr. “We have a lot of family, friends, sponsors and fans out at this event and that always makes it more fun.”
Adding to the family atmosphere, Jeg Jr. will be pulling double duty as both racer and supporter.
“On top of everything that’s taking place this weekend, Samantha, my wife, will be racing in Super Comp in her dragster. She started running today (Tuesday),” Jeg Jr. said. “So, there is lots going on with some great opportunities to celebrate.”
Tony Stewart Looking To Deliver For R+L Carriers
The Top Fuel side of the Elite Motorsports operation also has plenty of motivation heading into Norwalk.
R+L Carriers maintains one of its largest service centers directly across from Summit Motorsports Park, ensuring a strong local presence throughout race weekend. That makes the event particularly important for Tony Stewart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team.
“It’s a big weekend for R+L. With the service center right across the street, we should have an impressive turnout this weekend. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them in hospitality,” Stewart said. “Hopefully all the pieces come together this weekend, and we can get them another win.”
Stewart enters the weekend searching for his second Top Fuel victory of the season after a semifinal finish at Bristol. Despite a few recent setbacks, the motorsports icon remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
“Summit Motorsports Park is an awesome facility. The Bader family has done an amazing job. The fans and the energy at the track are really impressive. They help make the weekend a success. We want to put on a good show, go some rounds and end up in that winner’s circle on Sunday afternoon.”
The brief break between races has only increased Stewart’s eagerness to get back behind the wheel.
“After three in a row, having that weekend off, it feels like it’s been way too long. I’m eager to get back in the seat. I’ll get the competitive juices flowing this week with a little racing back home against my dad,” Stewart said.
The NASCAR Hall of Famer plans to spend much of the week racing before heading to Norwalk.
“We’ll be in three-quarter midgets racing at our local fairgrounds tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow. Then I’ll head over to IRP (Indianapolis Raceway Park) for Thursday Night Thunder. It’s a chance to return to my midget car roots and see some friends from across different motorsports disciplines. It’s a good time.”
Elite Motorsports Brings Heavy Firepower To The All-Star Callout
Saturday’s GETTRX Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout adds another layer of excitement to an already packed weekend.
Elite Motorsports will account for half of the eight-driver field, with Greg Stanfield, Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, and Jeg Coughlin Jr. all earning invitations to the specialty event.
For Erica Enders, the Callout arrives at the perfect time as Elite Motorsports continues to make gains in Pro Stock performance.
“I absolutely love racing at America’s Racetrack. From the time you pull in the gate, it’s a different feel than any other facility we race at. The Bader family provides a racetrack and experience for racers and fans unlike anywhere else. They are the absolute best in the game,” Enders said.
The six-time Pro Stock world champion also believes her team is beginning to find its stride.
“There is a little extra on the table this weekend with the Callout. We feel like we have turned the corner with our performance and we are coming for those KB boys.”
Jeg Coughlin Jr. is equally excited about the opportunity.
“It’s an added bonus; the Callout contested on Saturday,” Jeg Jr. said. “The best eight qualified cars from the past year, it’s exciting and I’m glad we are able to be a part of it.”
Midseason Momentum Building For Elite Motorsports
As the NHRA season reaches its midpoint, Elite Motorsports finds itself in position to make a serious push across multiple categories.
The organization has shown steady improvement in Pro Stock, while Stewart continues to gain experience and confidence in Top Fuel. Add in the energy of a home-state race, the support of major partners like JEGS and R+L Carriers, and the spotlight of the Pro Stock All-Star Callout, and Norwalk shapes up as one of the most important weekends of the season for the Elite camp.
If the team’s recent momentum continues, Summit Motorsports Park could become the launching point for a strong second-half championship run.
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