For many, the chance to work on a world-class race team is beyond their wildest dreams. For Nicky Morse, Team JEGS colorful and talented chef, a move from the kitchen of a four-star French restaurant to the quarter-mile drag strip was something that had to simmer on the backburners for more than a year.

"My brother Andy is a realtor and he was showing a house to this guy who had grown up with our sister," Morse said. "So I went along to say hello. It turns out he worked on Team JEGS and we got to talking about it. He asked if I would be interested in becoming the team's chef because they were looking to hire one.

"When we left, Andy was all excited, but I told him there was no way I was going to cook for a bunch of drag racers. I really didn't even know what drag racing was but I just figured it was another reason for guys to go out and mess around with their cars."

About a year later, Morse was invited to a race to see if he'd like the environment.

"I went to Indy, which for drag racers is the biggest race in the world," Morse said. "I immediately realized I had underestimated the sport. It was so big, with so much corporate involvement. My first impression was one of astonishment.

"Then I got over to the JEGS pit and saw how professional everything looked. And the crew guys doing their jobs, man, I thought I was a perfectionist, I had nothing on these guys. It really opened my eyes."
By the end of the weekend, Morse knew he had found a new home.

"I've been with the team ever since and I've never been happier," he said. "Some times the craziest things happen and change your life forever."

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Recipes from the Track

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		Automobile Club of Southern CA NHRA Finals Lemon Fennel Rice This is a great accompaniment for your holiday dinner. It is pretty easy and has a very unique flavor.
		Las Vegas NHRA Nationals Fall Apple Dip “Great flavors for great memories” Serve it at an outdoor party during a hay ride, or when the kids are bobbing for apples.
		Virginia NHRA Nationals Tempura Jalapeno Popper Stay home and call your friends over to watch race day. Here is a recipe with quite a zap that your friends will be sure to remember.
		O’Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals Inside-Out Potato Salad This recipe brings a new look to a picnic. Who ever thought of eating potato salad with your fingers?
		O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals Oven Roasted Asparagus with Browned Breadcrumbs If you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen cooking, this is your recipe. This recipe is awesome. You are going to love the flavors, and it is simple.
		NHRA Nationals Sweet Potato Fries / Chili- Lime Mayo This is a great recipe. It is simple, but it does take a little time. Don’t worry- it is worth the wait.
		Mac Tools U.S. Nationals French Bread Pizza Bites Everyone loves the flavor of pizza. They can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. You can bake a few at a time to keep them fresh throughout the party. Freeze the ones that you don’t use.
		Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals Glazed Zucchini There is nothing better in the summer than a cold beverage, good friends, and a great steak on the grill. The recipe that I am sharing with you will go great with that steak.
		Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Snack-Time "Tart Pickling Brine" I remember Grandma would fight to get us into bed. We wanted to stay up late. Several times after we were in bed and maybe even asleep, Grandma would call up the steps for us to go downstairs and eat a snack.
		Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals Red Wine and Peaches I have never been a big wine drinker, but I do like to use a variety of wines as ingredients in cooking. The recipe that I am going share with you is my version of Red Wind and Peaches.
		Seattle Garden Relish If you need an idea for some of those veggies a little different than just slicing them and adding a little salt, look no further.
		Denver Mock Caprese Salad This recipe has been “Track Tested”. I call this salad a “Mock” salad because it does not include fresh mozzarella which is one of the main ingredients in a Caprese Salad.
		NHRA Nationals Norwalk Spicy Edamame I would like to share a fun-easy recipe to make at your next party. I make it spicy, but you can leave the hot pepper out for the kids.
		NHRA SuperNationals Chili Corn While we were out walking one night, we found a food we thought looked very interesting. I call it Chili Corn. I am going to share my version of the recipe with you.
		NHRA Route 66 Nationals Morning Oats with Fruit Glaze I have always loved a good breakfast. I have never been a big fan of rolled oats, except in cookies. I don’t know how I have missed out for so long, but I was introduced to steel cut oats this year.
		O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals Spring Salad Dressing I am going to share a recipe with you that I think is wonderful for a fresh spring salad. It does not have a real strong flavor, so you can still taste the different flavors of your greens.
		NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Flat Stanley Fruit Pizza Bash I think that it is very important to include kids as much as possible when making dinner. The recipe that I am going to share with you this time is one for the kids. This is also fun activity for kids at a party.
		NHRA Midwest Nationals Raspberry Pie This is a very simple recipe and can be made in no time. Most people don’t make pie crust anymore, and really don’t have the time for the mess. It is fine to buy a pre-made pie crust. If you do make your own pie crust, try removing 1/2 cup of the flour from your recipe and replace it with 1/2 cup of ground pecans for an added touch to this pie.
		NHRA Nationals Avocado Dressing I call this an avocado dressing because I use it as a salad dressing. It can be used for a number of other items too. It makes a great dip for chips and vegetables, or it is really good on tacos.
		O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals Cinnamon Toast Bites I have decided to make a recipe that is easy and fun for kids (and Adults) to eat. You can make a whole basket of these in no time. They can stand alone, or they are a great addition to breakfast.
		ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals Light Fisherman's Stew I understand that nobody has time to stand in the kitchen and cook all day. I also realize that people don’t want their kitchens to smell like fish for 2 days after making fish stock. So, I came up with a recipe that is fairly simple to make.
		Arizona NHRA Nationals Tex-Mex Dip This is a great dip recipe if you are tailgating at the track or if you are home watching the race on your big screen. It is great with chips or veggies.
		Kragen OReilly NHRA Winternationals Spicy Orzo with Mustard Greens and Pinto Beans The recipe that I am going to share with you this time is probably as simple as you are going to get from me. Many people ask me for quick recipes because they don’t have much time to prepare a meal. This is a great recipe for a cold day.
		Pre Season Pappy's Pasta Sue, is an excellent cook. She always comes up with some really cool ideas. I have heard about Jeg Sr.’s pasta (the grandkids call it Pappy’s Pasta) that the boys grew up with, but I really didn’t get to try it until this last weekend while we were visiting in Florida. It is an amazing pasta dish that is fairly simple.
		Special Christmas Edition Stacked Potato Omelet I love the meals during the holidays, but I really love leftovers. I like to create new dishes with leftovers. The recipe that I am sharing with you was created using leftover mashed potatoes. It is a new twist to an omelet that I am sure you will love.
		44th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals Cheese Basket This is a fun recipe that is pretty simple. It is an elegant look in a very short time. And, it can be made in advance and held in an airtight container to be used later.
		8th annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals Boursin Stuffed Strawberries Get ready for an incredible unique flavor. I have to tell you that I love fruit, cheese and vinegar together. Keep Reading! I know that it sounds like a weird mix, but you have got to try this one.
		3rd annual Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals Rhubarb Quesadilla It takes just a matter of minutes. It is also one that you can confuse people with by asking: Who wants a quesadilla for dessert? Who has ever heard of a quesadilla for dessert? Well, here is the recipe for one that I really think that you are going to love.
		3rd annual Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals Smoked Salmon Salad I am going to share the following recipe with you so that hopefully you can eat a good meal at the track while you are on the go. It won’t take much time for preparation, so don’t worry- you will have time to finish tuning the carburetor. If you see me at the track, let me know what you think.
		23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals Gorgonzola Grapes I would like to share a very delicious hors d’ oeuvre recipe with all of you. It literally takes a couple minutes to prepare, but the flavors are great. You will definitely want to share these after a day at the races.
		NHRA Carolinas Nationals - zMAX Dragway Stuffed Baguettes You don’t have to do too much work ahead of time. You can use convenience items, or foods that can be prepared ahead. You will be able to take these foods to the track in your cooler and prepare a gourmet meal at the track in minutes- possibly seconds.
		54th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Italian Stuffed Tomatoes The recipe that I am going to share with you is very colorful and fresh tasting. It is great for a picnic, or for formal dining.
		24th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals Keith's Smoked Beef Ribs We went back for a taste later and I was amazed. The food was outstanding. Keith said that he would be happy to share his recipe with me so that I could share it with all of you.
		27th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals One Hot! - Ham and Cheese Sandwich Sometimes you just need a good ol' ham and cheese sandwich to satisfy your hunger, and other times you need an incredible ham and cheese sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
		21st annual Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals Broiled Figs with Goat Cheese The recipe that I am going to share with you is very easy and makes a great appetizer. I am sure that you will enjoy the flavors.
		21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals Tequila Queso You can’t really leave Mexico without a little tequila, and I really didn’t want to drink shots. So, we found a really interesting item on the menu that I would like to share with all of you.
		29th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals Potato- Cheese Napoleon This is a fun recipe! I am sure that you enjoy the flavors. It is a recipe that is simple, but looks elegant. It is a perfect appetizer by itself or it is great with a grilled meat such as rack of lamb.
		NHRA Nationals - Norwalk, OH Nannys Pecan Pie I saw the most incredible pecan pie that Mitzi’s grandma (Nanny) had made. I finally broke down and had a piece. It was well worth the (Weight). This is the recipe that I would like to share with you.
		39th annual NHRA SuperNationals Spicy Sesame Glazed Sugar Snap Peas I love sugar snap peas. They are not the most expensive item in the produce section, but they are one of the best. This recipe is great to serve with grilled fish and fried rice. I am sure that you will love the taste.
		NHRA Torco Racing Fuels Nationals Tomato Avacado Salad Well- It’s June. You better get ready for the heat. Although it was pretty warm in Topeka, We all realize that it was just the start of few months that can be agonizing if you are working outside the whole day.
		20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals Vegetarian Plate With Sautйed Morels You have got to realize that these are not easy to find, and they are very expensive. They cost roughly $60.00 per pound fresh and $150.00 to $200.00 per pound if they are dried. You can be sure that I am never going to turn down fresh morels.
		8th annual O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Roast Beef Salad/Roy’s Birthday Cake It was Roy’s birthday when we were in Atlanta. I wanted to make him something special, but I knew that I had better stay away from the desserts.
		12th annual O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals Fin’s Liquid Fortune Cookie You can thank Jeff for the recipe that I am sharing with you this week. I would also like to thank Keith and the whole staff for making our visit so memorable.
		28th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Pineapple Butter I show the butter in the picture served with toasted bagels, but you can use this butter for a number of dishes. You can put it on your pancakes with some toasted pecans, or use it to baste your whole roasted chicken. Use your own creativity.
		9th Annual NHRA Nationals Pineapple Mango Milk Shake This shake is simple to make and very refreshing. I hope that you give it a try. I used fresh fruit for the recipe, but you may be able to substitute frozen in a pinch.
		21st annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals Death by Chocolate Cake You can thank Julia Jordan and her mother Sonja Holton for the next great surprise. They stopped by the kitchen with Apricot Pepper Jelly. Wow- is was great.
		Easter Special Edition Mini Apple Cakes I am not a morning person during the holidays, so my breakfast is usually served close to noon. I would like to share this family breakfast recipe with all of you. It is not hard to make, but it definitely is great!
		39th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals Rich & Cinful Chili I have been fortunate in my career to compete in a number of professional competitions. But, judging a competition is a little different because your decisions affect others, not only your own team. Racers are very serious when the battle begins, so are chefs!
		24th annual Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Walnuts Brussels sprouts are one of the top ten items that people tell me that they do not like. It usually takes a little push for that person to try them again. But, I usually can change their opinion to that they now love Brussels sprouts.
		Pontiac Pro Stock SuperBowl, Las Vegas Indoor BBQ Ribs They are simple to make, and they are sooooooo good! They take a little while to cook, but not much hands-on is needed. You can serve them as an appetizer, or as a main dish.
		Pre Season Poached Salmon with Grilled Baby Squash Well I have got to tell you that I am getting very excited to get back on the road, but I must confess... My clothes are getting a little tight! It is time for some drastic measures. We only have a few weeks.

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The most accomplished chef in motorsports will bring his unique and rollicking blend of culinary and hot-rodding experiences to the small screen.

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