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NHRA: Jeg and Troy Coughlin will work toward a rematch of last years final

9 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Defending Winston Showdown Pro Stock Champion Jeg Coughlin, Jr. began the second and final day of qualifying with improving on his mind. He began the day resting in the No. 3 position.

Jeg showed that the team has a good handle on the conditions at "Thunder Valley." He improved his qualifying time and ran a 7.029 at 195.45 mph and grabbed the No. 2 spot after the third time down the track.

"We went the right direction with the changes that we made for our third run of the weekend," explained Jeg. "We made small measurable changes to the set up and that's what helps you prepare for raceday."

Troy Coughlin and his yellow and black JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass was sitting in the No. 2 position after the first day of qualifying. In the third session Troy ran a 7.052 at 195.82 mph and slipped down to the No. 4 spot.

"We made a hood scoop change for the third session," said Troy. "My car just didn't respond as well as we thought that it would. We will use the data from both cars to improve, which is why having two cars is so important."

During the final qualifying session the track was hot and sticky from the sun beating down on it all day. The teams got a close look at what they have in store tomorrow when the racing begins.

Neither Jeg or Troy improved over their previous qualifying times. Jeg ran a 7.051 at 195.28 mph and remained in the No. 2 spot. Troy laid down a pass of 7.066 at 194.91 mph and held on to the No. 4 position. Troy was the quickest of the non-seeded drivers.

"I am really looking forward to defending my title," said Jeg. "We have our work cut out for us, but we are up to the task."

"To race here for everyone at Winston in the 2nd Annual Winston Showdown is an honor and a great way to give back to the group that has done so much for NHRA Winston Drag Racing," said Troy. "We will come out swinging tomorrow when it counts the most."

A total of 22 Pro Stock cars rolled through the gates of Bristol Dragway this weekend for the 2nd Annual Winston Showdown. Ten of the 16 qualifying positio ns were pre seeded, which left 12 drivers to battle for the six open qualifying spots.

In round one Jeg will face off against Mike Thomas and Troy will go head-to-head with Rickie Smith. Both of the JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass' will battle to meet in a rematch of last years all-JEG'S, all-Coughlin final.

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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