Gaughan Joins Hoyas At Elite Eight Game On Sunday

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan will be at the basketball court on Sunday cheering on his Georgetown Hoyas.

Gaughan, a former Hoyas back-up (1994-1997), is traveling to the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., to support his former basketball team as they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in Sunday’s Elite Eight match-up in the NCAA tournament.

It is the Hoyas first trip to the Elite Eight since 1996, when Gaughan was a member of the team.

“When you think of the all the storied programs in the NCAA, Georgetown and UNC are part of that – and they are definitely no stranger to each other,” said Gaughan, the driver of the No. 77 South Point Chevrolet. “It’s always a big game when they play.

“It’s pretty amazing to think that the last time the Hoyas were in the Elite Eight that I was part of the team on the court. Last time we were there, it wasn’t a very good run. We got beat by UMass (University of Massachusetts).

“This time, we’re going to get the Hoyas back into the Final Four. I’m looking forward to a good game.”

Gaughan will be joining former Coach John Thompson and other former Hoyas behind the team bench at the game on Sunday afternoon.

Although Gaughan admits that the Tar Heels have a deep bench, he says the No. 1 seed in the East bracket will have a problem matching up with Georgetown (the No. 2 seed). He picks the Hoyas by 10 points.

“I’m getting ready to get on a plane with my buddy who is my traveling mate for all the big Georgetown games,” Gaughan said. “We’re going to cheer on the Hoyas on Sunday, and then I’ll head to Martinsville for work next week.”

Last year in the spring race at Martinsville, Gaughan finished sixth. He tested earlier this week at Ace Speedway in preparation for the first short tack race of the season.

“Dennis Setzer was at the track with us all day helping us,” Gaughan said. “He is my hero when it comes to short tracks, so having him here is really a big asset for me and this team. I never say this, but I’m actually looking forward to Martinsville this year.”