Coughlin Returns For Favorite Race In Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. August 21, 2008 – With his hopes for a second consecutive Top Dragster championship still intact, Team JEGS driver John Coughlin will return to action in this weekends NHRA Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky. During last year’s title drive, Coughlin scored a crucial win at historic Beech Bend Raceway Park, defeating Jerry Powell in the final round to take the points lead for good. Coughlin will be hoping for similar success this year.

“I haven’t raced much this summer but we’re still in this thing,” said John, who is currently ranked eighth in the Top Dragster standings but has competed in just four events, “I’ve got some ground to make up but if I can win a few rounds here we’ll be in good shape.”

If history is any indication, Coughlin will have a better than average chance to improve his position as the Bowling Green event has traditionally been very productive for the JEGS team. All four Coughlin brothers – John, Troy, Mike and Jeg – have won events at Beech Bend Raceway Park and family patriarch Jeg Coughlin Sr., also has a great track record at the facility, winning the Pro Comp title there in 1975.

“My brothers and I have always enjoyed racing in Bowling Green,” said Coughlin. “When we were kids and my dad was racing, it was always the highlight of our summer. Now that we’ve gotten older, this track hasn’t lost any of its charm. I always look forward to going there.”

John will also be competing in Super Stock with his Team JEGS Cobalt. He is currently ranked 13th in the North Central Division, but has attended just four events. With a strong showing in Bowling Green, he could also mount a late-season challenge for the Super Stock championship.

John will be joined in Beech Bend by his 18-year old nephew Troy Jr., who will be making his second start in the Super Comp class. The first third-generation Coughlin to take part in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Troy Jr., made his debut earlier this summer at the team’s home track in Columbus and is eager for another shot at his first victory.

“Although he’s only 18, Troy Jr. is a very determined young man,” said John. “He’s only been racing his dragster for a short while, but his reaction times have been very competitive. Every time he makes a run, he learns something new. He’s also having a lot of fun which is the most important thing.”