Obituary of Darren C. McCaughey

Darren C. McCaughey, age 54, of New Egypt passed away Wednesday, April 24 at RWJ University Hospital @ Hamilton.  Born in Somerville, NJ, he lived in Oldwick, NJ before moving to New Egypt in 2001.

Darren was a 1983 graduate of Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, NJ. He was a self-employed home improvement contractor. Darren enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, spending time at home with his family, especially his daughter who made him very proud, working on his house to maintain his beautiful yard, and always having to have things done "his way". But Darren's greatest passion in life was racing his Modified at local dirt tracks. Darren was the epitome of a 'weekend warrior' racer. He never had the fancy enclosed trailers, mega sponsors, or even his own Big Block. Darren always raced his way on much of his own dime making the No. 301, a staple at any of the New Jersey race tracks. The McCaughey name has been involved with racing for decades. Darren's father Craig first adorned the No. 301 at tracks, many that no longer exist. Darren started his racing career in 1990 the last year of dirt at the historical Flemington Speedway. All of Darren's 3 brothers raced at one point - John, Jeff, and Shawn. However, it was Darren who carried the McCaughey name most prominently throughout the racing industry. Darren was also able to drive for some renowned car owners such as Glenn Hyneman, John Burnett, and Frank Rio and others over the years. Darren was able to notch multiple victories at his home tracks of Bridgeport, New Egypt, and East Windsor.

Darren is predeceased by his father, Craig McCaughey.  He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Betty (Crawford) McCaughey; his daughter, Daralynne McCaughey of New Egypt; three brothers, John McCaughey and wife Cathleen of Phillipsburg, Jeff McCaughey of Wrightstown and Shawn McCaughey of Springfield Twp.; a sister, Amy Connor and companion Gerry Hoagland of Springfield Twp. and his nieces and nephews, Luke, Kellen, Brynna, Carleigh, Chad, Kelly, Carissa and Tyler.  Darren is also survived by his best friend, who he considered as another brother and was his daughter's godfather, Kevin Belmont and wife Rebecca of Langhorne, PA and by many others friends in the racing community.

Calling hours for Darren will be held on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533 with a funeral service beginning at 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Darren's memory can be made to an Educational Fund set up for his daughter, Daralynne.  Checks can be made payable to Betty McCaughey with Ed. Fund in the memo line and mailed to the funeral home at 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533.

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