Jeg Coughlin down after first-round dismissal (NHRA/JEG'S)
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series NHRA FRAM / Autolite Nationals Infineon Raceway Sonoma, CA July 31st Jeg Coughlin - JEG'S Mail Order / Mopar - Dodge Stratus RT Race Day Summary Jeg Coughlin down after first-round dismissal Disappointment was on the face of three-time series champion Jeg Coughlin when he emerged from the cockpit of his Jeg's Mail Order Dodge Stratus R/T after a first round loss at the 18th annual Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals. With 45 national event wins to his credit, Coughlin is used to long work days at the racetrack so when he lost in Round 1 for the seventh time this year,he was understandably upset. "I guess I'll get an early start on heading back east," Coughlin said. "We have a weekend off and I plan on enjoying it with my family. I need a dose of being at home and relaxing and regrouping." Coughlin lost to back-to-back series champion Greg Anderson in the opening round of Sunday's race in Sonoma, Calif., with Anderson driving away for a relatively easy 6.721 at 206.01 mph to Coughlin's 6.771 at 204.60 mph. Both drivers had nearly identical reaction times (.034 to .035) when there respective cars launched from the starting line. "The car felt ratty down low and it just never recovered," Coughlin said. "The first numbers that jump out at me are his 206-mph top speed and our 204 mph. He just had us beat from one end to the other. "We've been talking all year how exciting it is to be on a brand-new race team, but also how frustrating it can be at times when you have some growing pains. There is no want for effort and heart over here, there are just some areas where we need to improve. We're all working like dogs to get there but some things take time." The next stop for Coughlin to attempt to right his ship is Aug. 11-14 at the 24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn. NHRA on TV: Sunday, July 31 ESPN2 will air final eliminations for three-hours beginning at 9:00 p.m. (ET) Additional resources can be found 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/)