Driven. A word with multiple layers, and multiple meanings. At 22-years old, third generation racer Cody Coughlin is the word driven personified in every endeavor he undertakes. From the passion of competing at the highest levels of NASCAR, to the exuberance of his efforts in charitable causes, Coughlin demonstrates the driven personality of a seasoned racing veteran.
Coughlin will run for a second full-time season in 2018 through a partnership with GMS Racing for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) championship, the stepping stone division to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 2 JEGS Chevrolet Silverado.
His driven personality started young, thirsting for success by starting his career in Quarter Midgets. Seeing his perseverance, Coughlin’s father John, mother Di, and sister Kennedi threw in their full support, a full family package oriented toward victory. Coughlin knew that establishing himself early in Quarter Midgets would set him on a path other successful NASCAR drivers had gone, and would bring him the opportunity he needed to advance behind the wheel.
Coughlin pursued success relentlessly; from 2008 to 2009, Coughlin earned five wins in Quarter Midget races and championships, including the Generation Next Quarter-Midget Series championship and the Heavy Modified title at the JEGS Crown Super Midget Nationals at the Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway, earning the nickname “Quarter Midget Cody.” This was not enough; Coughlin needed more.
The Delaware, Ohio, native graduated to the ASA Late Model Series in 2010, when Coughlin made his Late Model debut at Owosso (Mich.) Speedway. A need to excel drove him to travel the country, where he earned numerous wins and championships in Late Model races across a variety of series from 2011 to 2016.
In 2011, Coughlin was awarded the Howie Lettow Rookie of the Year Award in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour with five top-five finishes in 11 starts during his inaugural season. He returned to victory lane in 2013 when he won two races in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance, and was crowned the series champion. Coughlin was also victorious at the New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The following year, he posted his first Super Late Model victory at the legendary Winchester (Ind.) Speedway after starting on the front row in the ARCA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS event.
Driven, Coughlin turned his attention to Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing in 2014, competing in 11 events while also continuing to excel in the Late Model ranks. In addition, that year Joe Gibbs Racing announced Coughlin a member of its driver development program. He displayed his aptitude behind the wheel, scoring two five top-five finishes and two pole awards in 2015 in the ARCA Racing Series. Again, amidst success, Coughlin was not satisfied as he sought victory, excellence, and advancement. Coughlin believes there is always more to improve upon.
At the Kentucky Speedway in 2015, Coughlin made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut.
In 2016, Coughlin continued to compete in Late Models while running a limited NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). The season brought some specific accolades and another batch of victories. Coughlin made Champion Racing Association (CRA) history during the 2016 season, as the first driver to ever win both the ARCA/CRA Super Series, his first championship in that series, and the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour championships in the same season. With four posted wins in the ARCA/CRA Super Series, and two wins in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour, Coughlin seized on the opportunity to climb another rung on the racing ladder.
In 2017, Coughlin moved to ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, and competed full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he ran for Rookie of the Year honors. Coughlin earned his career best finish of third-place at the ISM Raceway (formally Phoenix Raceway) in his first start at the at the 1.022-mile track. Amidst a tightening field of competition, surrounded by peers who share similar ideals as him, Coughlin knew his drive would propel him forward.
While Coughlin may be only a few years into left turns, he knows his relentless pursuit of success has opened up many opportunities to advance, to climb, and to grow in what has already been an impressive career. Coughlin is a trailblazer, driven to prove himself as the first family member to compete and succeed in circle track racing.
Coughlin’s driven personality leads him towards many endeavors off the racetrack, as well. His compassionate approach towards his fellow man, inspired by his faith and his family, gives him the Christian values that inspire him to be involved in many philanthropic activities. He enjoys helping others and giving back to the community, and considers these values a core part of his driven personality.
The track isn’t the only place Coughlin’s drive demonstrates his unique talents; he is an avid golfer, tennis player, and snow skier. Coughlin is also an actor, and will make an appearance in the upcoming film, “God Bless the Broken Road,” due to release in 2018. He has also been honored to represent the DAV as an ambassador.
Coughlin calls Ohio home, and when he is not pursuing excellence, he can be found there, enjoying time with his family and pets.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, visit Cody Coughlin on his personal Twitter and Instagram page - @Cody_Coughlin. For more information on Cody Coughlin visit CodyCoughlin.com. Also, follow Team JEGS’ Twitter page - @TeamJEGS, and on Instagram at @team_jegs. You can also “like” JEGS Performance on the official Facebook page at /Jegsperformance.
