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NHRA: Troy Coughlin goes out in round two; Jeg Coughlin has rare first round loss

30 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

A total of 33 Pro Stock drivers battled to be among the quick sixteen on raceday. Troy ended up in the No. 11 spot after four qualifying sessions and Jeg landed in the No. 14 position.

In the opening round 2000 NHRA Winston Pro Stock Champion Jeg Coughlin faced off against Richie Stevens. Lane choice went to Stevens and he took the left lane. The reaction time advantage off of the starting line went to Stevens by .009 seconds (.454 to .463).

Both cars were side-by-side fighting for the lead all the way down the track. The win light came on for Stevens by .006 seconds at the stripe. Jeg ran a quicker 6.047 at 198.47 mph.

"That was the run that we need to start our weekend with," said Jeg. "We got behind the eight-ball this weekend from the start. However, we solved our problem and we will be ready for Dallas next week."

Troy lined up next to Jim Yates in round one. Yates had lane choice and took the left lane. The starting line battle was won by the yellow and black Jeg's machine. Troy left the starting line first by .041 seconds (.452 to .493).

The two cars were side-by-side battling for the win. The win light came on for Troy and Team Jeg's. Troy ran a slower 6.971 at 197.57 mph and won by .024 at the stripe.

"Winning the first round is always a big shot in the arm for the team," said Troy. "It is even better when you win on a holeshot."

In the second round Troy went head-to-head with Richie Stevens, who beat Jeg in the opening round. Lane choice went to Richie and he took the left lane. Troy took the advantage off of the starting line by .025 seconds (.476 to .501).

The win light came on for Stevens by .006 seconds at the stripe. Troy ran a 6.993 at 198.03 mph.

"That was a close race. It felt like a was driving Super gas," commented Troy. "We will come out swinging when we get to Dallas."

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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