NHRA: Jeg's trucks will battle from opposite sides

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 17, 2001

During the third qualifying session of the weekend John and Mike Coughlin both improved in their identical looking yellow and black Chevy S-10's. John ran a 7.562 at 176.67 mph and moved into the No. 8 position. Mike took over the No. 12 spot with his 7.571 at 176.90 mph run.

"We made another solid run during the third session. The conditions were a lot better for us then they were on Friday. Raceday should be about the same. The data that we are gaining today will be invaluable to our success on raceday," commented John.

"We are really starting to get a better handle on what the Jeg's machine is responding to. Every track is different and every day brings new opportunities," said Mike.

During the final qualifying session neither of the two Jeg's machine improved. John ran a 7.650 at 176.74 mph. Younger brother Mike crossed the finish line posting a 7.597 at 176.28 mph.

"We could have been more aggressive leaving the starting line and I believe that we would have made a better run during the final session. The important this is that we have both of the Jeg's Mail Order Chevy S-10's racing in front of the hometown crowd on raceday and that is a bigger accomplishment then most people know. This class has gotten so competitive," said John.

"We learned a lot from the run that my brother John made in front of us in the final session. We made a couple minor changes and the Chevy S-10 responded like a rock. We are really excited to race in front of our hometown crowd. It really can bring out the best in you and we are looking forward to making some noise on raceday," explained Mike.

The two Jeg's Mail Order Chevy S-10's fight from the opposite sides of the ladder and have a chance of meeting in the final round to give their father the ultimate fathers day present. John will begin his battle from the No. 8 position and will face off against John Lingenfelter in the opening round. The Jeg's machine will have lane choice. Mike landed in the No. 14 spot and will go head-to-head with Jeff Gracia.

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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