Jeg and Troy Coughlin switch focus to race (NHRA/JEG'S)
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series NHRA K&N Filters Supernationals Old Bridge Raceway Park Englishtown, NJ June 18th Jeg Coughlin - JEG'S Mail Order / Mopar - Dodge Stratus RT Troy Coughlin - JEG'S Mail Order - '67 Ford Mustang Saturday Qualifying Summary Jeg and Troy switch focus to race day Jeg Coughlin did what he needed to do Saturday, improving on his previously posted qualifying time with a 6.736-second pass at 204.73 mph in the final round of Pro Stock time trails to successfully qualify for the 36th annual K&N Filters Supernationals presented by Advance Auto Parts. By claiming the 14th spot in the 16-car field, Coughlin moved his streak of elimination-round showings to 25 straight national events. Only a handful of drivers managed to go quicker in Saturday's sunshine and Coughlin was one of them. He opened the day with a 6.738 and then improved again to a 6.736 at the hottest point of the day. Most of the racers used their elapsed time from Friday's nighttime session to earn a position in the field. "We were the fourth quickest out of all of them in that last round, which is really exciting," Coughlin said. "If we had made that run on Friday night, we'd be up near the top of the charts. Either way, we're very confident we have a car that can go rounds tomorrow. The key will be my driving." Coughlin will race his Don Schumacher Racing pit mate Richie Stevens in Round 1 of eliminations. It's not the most ideal situation for teammates to face one another so early in the day but it's inevitable when two cars are running as well as the two DSR Dodge Stratus R/T's are at the moment. Stevens went quicker in qualifying with a 6.701 at 205.66 mph, meaning he'll take lane choice into Sunday's action. "It's a shame to have Richie so early in the day but that's the way it goes," Coughlin said. "He's driving well and his car is better than mine this weekend so I'll have my hands full. It should be a tough race. I wish him luck. I guess the best news is that we'll definitely have a Don Schumacher Racing car in the second round." The elimination action at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park begins at 11 a.m. Coughlin and his Jeg's Mail Order Dodge Stratus R/T will hit the track around noon. Troy Coughlin was all smiles Saturday night after winning the first round of eliminations in his Jeg's Mail Order Ford Mustang Pro Mod car. After qualifying 10th with a 6.183 at 229.08 mph, Coughlin scored a mild upset against first-round foe Troy Critchley, running a great 6.133 at 230.21 mph against Critchley's 6.253 at 226.85 mph. "I'm really excited to get the first round under my belt," Troy said. 'That's always the toughest round because you really want to get a round win to feel like the weekend was successful at some level. My dad is here and tomorrow's Father's Day so it would be awesome to win. I'm so happy we're starting to run so well every race." Troy advances to the quarterfinals where he'll face alternate Joey Martin, who beat Shelly Payne in the opening round with a 6.378-second pass. Troy's superior E.T. will give him lane choice. NHRA on TV: Saturday, June 18, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m.(ET). Sunday, June 19, ESPN2 will televise NHRA2Day at 11:30 a.m.(ET). Sunday, June 19, ESPN will televise three hours of eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET). Additional resources are available for your use at _www.teamjegs.com_ (http://www.teamjegs.com/) Media Contact: Scott 'Woody' Woodruff Director of Media & Motorsports Office: 800.345.4545 (3.412) Mobile: 614.595.1820 Fax: 740.362.4385 Email: _jegspr@aol.com_ (mailto:jegspr@aol.com) -or- _scott.woodruff@jegs.com_ (mailto:scott.woodruff@jegs.com) Web Site: _www.teamjegs.com_ (http://www.teamjegs.com/) -or _www.jegs.com_ (http://www.jegs.com/)