---

NHRA: Jeg and Troy Were On Top And Know How To Get Back

9 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

A new race track can really throw teams for a curve ball. But, if your on and the set up responds well you get rewarded. However, if your off you need to know how to get back on track.

Troy Coughlin was the first of the two JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass' to take on the new Las Vegas Motor Speedway track. Troy launched from the starting line and planted the Maskin/DART Machinery horsepower to the track. He ran a very impressive 7.142 at 193.74 Mph and marched up to the No. 1 spot before ending up in the No. 2 position by the end of the first qualifying session.

"What a way to start out!" Troy went on to say, "Our team really seems to have a strong handle on our high altitude set up. I think that we are just getting started."

NHRA Pro Stock points leader Jeg Coughlin, Jr. and his yellow and black JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass ran right behind his older brother Troy during the first qualifying session.

Sitting in his car waiting to run in the water box watching his brother Troy move to the No. 1 spot is a position that Jeg enjoyed. Jeg commented about watching his brother run from the water box, "It's a great feeling inside to watch any of my brothers do well. Sitting in the water box and watching Troy put up a strong number on the board gave me added confidence in the set up of my car going into my first run of the weekend."

Coughlin and his JEG'S machine left the starting line with authority. The car followed the groove all the way down the track to leap over his brother Troy to grab the No. 1 spot after the first qualifying session. Jeg ran a 7.116 at 194.35 Mph. Jeg said, "That was a strong run out of the trailer. It shows how strong that Team JEG'S is!"

During the second qualifying session Troy took on the left lane. The yellow and black JEG'S Mail Order machine left the starting line and was a little on the aggressive side. Troy improved over his earlier time and ran a 7.088 at 194.83 Mph, which moved him into the No. 7 position.

"That really wasn't the run we were looking for." Troy continued to comment, "The conditions were much better than the first session. We just turned a couple of screws the wrong way. We will be ready for tomorrow after learning more about the track today."

Jeg Coughlin lined up in the left lane. The JEG'S Olds Cutlass left the starting line and had excess wheel speed, which hurt the qualifying time at the finishline.

"The track is getting better by the hour. More cars are running down it and more rubber is being put on the track." Jeg continued, "We just thought that the track was a little better than it actually was. We won't cross that line tomorrow after our little lesson."

Jeg improved his qualifying time during the second session and slipped to the No. 6 position. He ran a 7.083 at 195.03 Mph.

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.