NHRA: Jeg and Troy Coughlin are poised for a charge
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 29, 2001Team Jeg's will be the first to tell you that they are not exactly thrilled with the level of success accomplished so far this season. At this point last year, the season that Jeg Coughlin was having resembled a runaway freight train. The team won 10 national events in the factory hot rod class. Jeg and Troy Coughlin both qualified for every race last season and the team was happy with the enduring success throughout the 2000 NHRA season.
The 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season has proven to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history for the Pro Stock class. Through the twelve races held so far this season, there have been eight different winners (Warren Johnson 4, Jeg Coughlin Jr. 2, Jim Yates, Mike Edwards, Kurt Johnson, Ron Krisher, Richie Stevens and Greg Anderson). The landscape of the class has changed through new models that are significantly better aerodynamically. Fans have seen more 200-mph runs and some of the best side-by-side racing that the sport of NHRA Winston Drag Racing has to offer. "Team Jeg's is fired up to come back to Pomona Raceway and be a part of this historic race. The Pep Boys NHRA 50th Anniversary Nationals will kick off the infamous west-coast swing a little earlier this season and we are ready to make a charge in the second half of the season. We have had enormous success in the past at the track and the fans are excited about NHRA Winston Drag Racing. It is one of my favorite places to let the clutch out on the tour," explained Jeg.
The reigning NHRA Pro Stock Champion will enter the 13th race of the season ready to strike from the No. 4 position. Jeg Coughlin and his familiar yellow and black Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier have earned 707 points. Although the top spot is 177 points ahead, Jeg knows the power of the West-coast swing and the roll that it plays in winning a championship.
"Adding a race to the West-coast swing will really add a lot of pressure to everyone. Starting off strong will send a message that Team Jeg's is refocused and ready for battle. The momentum that you can carry through the west-coast swing can make the difference between sitting in the top spot or falling into a tail spin in the points. We intend to get back into the Championship battle starting in Pomona," said Jeg.
Troy Coughlin is also looking to make a late season charge. He is currently in the No. 19 position with 271 points. A strong performance in Pomona can boast Troy up as high as the No. 15 spot, although Troy has his sights set much higher. He also knows that strong consistent showings throughout the West-coast swing will vastly change the landscape of the current top ten.
"Our program has really turned the corner lately. The consistency is back and with some positive momentum we can really make some noise and be a competitive threat every time the Jeg's Mail Order Chevrolet Cavalier pulls into the waterbox. We know that we can climb back up the ladder with our recent resurgence in performance and consistency," commented Troy.
Text provided by Scott Woodruff
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