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NHRA: JEG'S Is The Team To Beat in Pro Stock

4 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Jeg Coughlin, Jr is on a roll. The '98 NHRA "Rookie of the Year" has won five of the six races this season in Pro Stock. He has jumped out in front early and has a 211 point lead over his nearest competitor Warren Johnson. In the process he has become the sixth most winning driver in NHRA Pro Stock history with 15 victories.

"We just need to keep our focus and keep doing our job as a team," said Jeg. "There is a lot of chemistry on our team. When you have a group that is as dedicated and talented as our team winning is part of the formula."

Atlanta Dragway is a track that has not been kind to Jeg. He has never qualified in Pro Stock at the Atlanta race.

In 1980 the late Lee Shepard was the last NHRA Pro Stock driver who won five of the first six races. Bob Glidden won four of the fist five races in 1989. "These guys were true Champions. Both of them built the foundation that has made NHRA Pro Stock so competitive. For my name to be used in the same sentence with these two Champions is a great feeling," commented Jeg about Lee Shepard and Bob Glidden.

Troy Coughlin is currently sitting in the No. 7 spot in the NHRA Winston points. He trails Ron Krisher by 23 and Richie Stevens by 37 points. Mark Pawuk is in front by 46 points and Jim Yates is 72 points ahead of Troy in the No. 3 position. A strong performance at the NHRA Advanced Auto Parts Nationals could move Troy as high as the No. 3 spot.

"The points are really tight among eight of us right now," noted Troy. "It is important for us to make a move forward now."

After the Atlanta race the teams will get one week off before starting a three race stretch the lasts three weeks. "The key to being successful over the next four races will be maintenance," explained Troy. "Having back to back races like we are about to have will show the strength of our team."

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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