Media note: Jeg Coughlin Jr. has busy lead-in to Atlanta race

Media note: Jeg Coughlin Jr.
has busy lead-in to Atlanta race
ATLANTA (May 2) — Six-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. has a busy lead-in to the 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals powered by Mello Yello. The 76-time national event winner will first join all the other professional champions from the era of Coca-Cola’s title sponsorship of the sport at the annual Night of Champions on Wednesday at Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta. He’ll then greet military personnel at the USO lounge at Hartsfield International Airport on Thursday. Racing begins Friday.

“We’re definitely keeping busy this week,” Coughlin said. “I’ve been to several of the Night of Champions dinners and they are always a very special occasion. Just to be in that room with all the other series champions and have a chance to just socialize and hang out away from the race track is fun. Catching up with everyone’s significant others is a nice bonus.

“The folks at Coca-Cola, who have been such wonderful sponsors for so many years now, really roll out the red carpet for us. This year we’re adding in a visit to the Coca-Cola Archives Center, which promises to be special. I can’t wait to see all our friends from the corporate offices again and share some stories.

“Anytime we get the chance to interact and thank the men and women of our military, I consider it an extreme honor. Going to the USO lounge at Hartsfield will be cool. Hopefully there are lots of service personnel passing through. I understand that’s a very busy USO stop so we’re thinking we’ll be busy, which will be awesome.”

The 38th annual NHRA Southern Nationals powered by Mello Yello runs Friday-Sunday at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga.