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NHRA: Jeg's cars are looking forward to raceday at Matco Tools Supernationals

29 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Jeg Coughlin began the second day of qualifying sitting in the No. 10 position. In the third session the car ran the first half of the track much better. However, Jeg did not improve and slipped to the No. 12 spot. He ran a 6.966 at 197.68 mph.

"We changed engines and a host of components on the car last night," said Jeg. "Everyone is working hard to find what is hurting our performance. I am confident that that our group will find it and we will move on from there."

Troy Coughlin started the third qualifying session holding down the No. 8 spot. The Jeg's machine launched from the starting line beams and favored the left side of the groove all the way down the track. He improved and ran a 6.952 at 198.50 mph to move to the No. 10 slot. Troy was the seventh quickest and fifth fastest of the session.

"We are improving and headed in the right direction," explained Troy after the third qualifying session. "Our 60-foot time hurt us in the third session. It is an obstacle that we will move out of our way and get the Jeg's machine flying down the track."

Jeg rolled into the final session with improving on his mind. He took on the left lane, which has been the lane of choice so far this weekend. Jeg ran a 6.991 at 196.82 mph and fell to the No. 14 slot.

"We have made a lot of changes throughout the weekend to my car," said Jeg. "Although we did not come out and set the world on fire in the last session we gained a lot of data. I think that the run we made during the last session is a good run to tune from for raceday. We have won from the No. 16 position, so the No. 14 position is a little better."

Troy ran a 6.981 at 197.88 mph and did not improve during the night session. He slipped one spot and landed in the No. 11 spot.

"Our group will be working late into the evening to iron our cars out and get them to where they should be," said Troy. "I think that we will be ready when it counts the most."

In the opening round Jeg will line up next to Richie Stevens. Troy will go head-to-head with Jim Yates.

Text Provided By Scott Woodruff

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