Spotlight on No. 62: Brendan Gaughan, NASCAR XFINITY Series
Wednesday, 08 April 2015
WIX Filters® Profiles Richard Childress Racing Driver;
Primary Sponsor for April 10 Race at Texas Motor Speedway
In advance of this weekend’s race, WIX Filters®, a global manufacturer of filtration products, wants you to learn a little more about No. 62, Brendan Gaughan. The Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team member and NASCAR XFINITY Series (formerly Nationwide Series) driver has an interesting past that, combined with his infectious personality, makes for a fun brand partner for WIX.
Born in California, but a long-time resident of Las Vegas, Gaughan’s grandfather was John Davis Gaughan, Sr., “Jackie,” the infamous casino owner and gambling pioneer, best known for his ownership of the El Cortez. Gaughan’s father, Michael, has also been in the Vegas hotel and casino business, and currently operates all of the slot machines in McCarran International Airport. Gaughan’s father also founded South Point Racing, Brendan’s first professional race team.
Gaughan received a BSBA in Management from Georgetown University where he played basketball as a walk-on and became friends with teammate Allen Iverson. Gaughan also served as a placekicker on the football team, converting 39 of 40 extra point attempts during the 1994 season for the highest extra point percentage in Hoya history. To this day, Gaughan is a proud and passionate Georgetown alumni and supporter.
“It’s so important to be proud of where you came from and I definitely am,” Gaughan said. “My life has been a series of highs and I am incredibly thankful for that. Representing Richard Childress Racing and WIX Filters is the next highlight in my very blessed story.”
Gaughan’s success in racing speaks for itself with 19 career wins, 10 pole awards, 86 top-five finishes, 146 top-10 finishes and two series championships spread out among the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
“Brendan is a great driver, and an even better person,” said Jennifer Gibson, brand manager for WIX Filters. “His passion for racing and zest for life are a great fit for WIX and we look forward to sharing in his successes this season.”
A few more fun facts: Gaughan has a flair for acrobatics, he and a fellow racer and friend, Ryan Eversley came up with the popular WIX-themed hashtag, #WIXtyTwo, and he’s a divemaster for Lake Norman Scuba in Mooresville, N.C.
For more details on Gaughan, visit rcrracing.com, brendangaughan.com, and for WIX-related information, visit www.wixfilters.com.
About WIX Filters
Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter@WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters
About Affinia Group Inc.
Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visitwww.affiniagroup.com
About Richard Childress Racing:
Richard Childress rcrracing.com, has earned more than 200 victories and 15 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Its 2015 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Dow/American Ethanol/Cheerios/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet), 2011 Brickyard 400 champion Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet) and 2008 Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman (No. 31 Caterpillar/Quicken Loans/Grainger/WIX Filters Chevrolet). Its XFINITY Series program includes Brian Scott (No. 2 Shore Lodge/Whitetail Chevrolet), 2012 Camping World Truck Series rookie of the year Ty Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/WESCO/Yuengling Light Lager/Red Kap Chevrolet), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino/WIX Filters Chevrolet) and a multi-driver lineup with Austin Dillon, Brandon Jones and Paul Menard (No. 33 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet) team.
Wray Ward