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NHRA: Jeg and Troy Coughlin get closer to team goal of No. 1 and No. 2 in the points

5 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Team JEG'S started raceday on opposite sides of the ladder. Jeg and Troy wanted nothing more than to meet in the final round just like yesterday's final in the Holley Dominator Duel.

Jeg faced off against Warren Johnson in the first round. Coughlin started the day being the only Pro Stock drivers with a chance to pick up an addition bonus for winning the race after he was the '00 Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel winner.

Jeg left the starting line first (.448 to .476) over WJ. Coughlin and his JEG'S machine never missed a beat all the way down the quarter mile battlefield. He ran a quicker 6.904 at 198.17 mph and took the win by .081 seconds.

"That was great win for team JEG'S," said Jeg. "Everyone on this team is giving it 110% and our results show it."

Troy had a battle of his own in the first round. He went head-to-head against Jim Yates. Troy entered the race eight points behind Yates in a battle for the No. 3 spot in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Championship.

The two cars staged together. Yates took the starting line advantage by .008 seconds. The advantage was quickly erased as Yates ran into problem and Troy rocketed to the win.

"We needed that win to take over the No. 3 spot in the NHRA Winston points," stated Troy. "Our team is focused and we are not beating ourselves."

In round two Jeg took on "Tricky" Rickie Smith. Rickie reached into his bag of tricks and was rewarded with front row seat of watching the yellow and black JEG'S machine turn on the win light. Jeg ran 6.884 at 198.26 mph.

"I race my own race," said Jeg. "My goal is to get lane choice for the next round and turn the win light on."

Troy faced off against Tom Martino. Troy chopped the tree down on the starting line with a .411 reaction time. Martino had a .474 reaction time and lost on a hole shot. Troy ran a slower 6.920 at 197.77 mph for the win.

"I was ready and focused on doing my job on the starting line," explained Troy. "We have been making the right calls as a team all weekend."

Jeg lined up next to Ron Krisher in the semifinals. The two drivers left the starting line with great reaction times. Jeg grabbed the advantage by .019 seconds (.416 to .435). Both Ohio drivers raced side-by-side all the way down the track. Krisher won by .014 seconds. Jeg ran a slower 6.910 at 198.58 mph.

"We gained more points toward the NHRA Winston Championship this weekend," explained Jeg. "My goal coming into this race was to win the Holley Dominator Duel and the Prestone Nationals. I fell a little short, but we had a great weekend overall. I will now focus my attention on the Pontiac Excitement Nationals."

Troy and Kurt Johnson battled in the semifinals. Kurt left the starting line first (.462 to .452). Both battled down their respective lanes. The performance of the JEG'S machine came on strong. Troy turned the win light on with a 6.896 at 198.35 mph.

"We have continued to avoid beating ourselves and it is paying dividends for Team JEG'S," noted Troy.

After a rain delay that lasted an hour Troy Coughlin and Ron Krisher pulled into the water box. Krisher left the starting line first (.424 to .448) and both cars charged to the finish line. The win light came on for Krisher. Troy ran a 6.924 at 197.36 mph.

"We gained more points this weekend and we are now within striking distance of the No. 2 spot," noted Troy. "I am looking forward to the next race in our hometown and I know that we will give it everything that we have."

Jeg Coughlin, Jr. continues to have a commanding lead in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Championship points. He leads his closest competitor by 313 points. Troy Coughlin moved up to the No. 3 spot and is 47 points from taking over the No. 2 spot.

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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