Jeg Coughlin preps for fourth Brainerd trophy run (NHRA/JEG'S)

Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd, MN
August 13th
 
NHRA - Pro Stock
Jeg Coughlin - JEG'S Mail  Order / Mopar - Dodge Stratus RT 
Saturday  Qualifying Summary
 
Coughlin preps for fourth Brainerd trophy  run

After qualifying No. 2 on the opening day of racing  action at the 24th 
annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International  Raceway, Pro Stock 
driver Jeg Coughlin knew he needed to improve Saturday to  stay near the top of the 
pack, especially after he saw the weather forecast  calling for cooler 
conditions. 

As promised, the stage was set for record  times and the class as a whole 
delivered. Coughlin even managed to push his  elapsed time lower to a 
6.735-second mark at 204.85 mph in his sleek Jeg's Mail  Order Dodge Stratus R/T. But 
several other cars also improved, some more than  others, and the three-time 
Brainerd champion will now start race day from the  No. 9 position in the field.

"We definitely thought we'd improve more  than we did, especially in Q4 
(Round 4 of qualifying) without a doubt," Coughlin  said. "But we were too 
aggressive and it held onto the engine and wouldn't allow  it to accelerate until we'd 
lost our chance to launch with the necessary  momentum. It was like pulling a 
boat anchor for the first few feet.

"We  still feel pretty decent overall. We have good horsepower and a really 
good  baseline for this track so we'll be ready to race. I expect we'll be the 
first  pair out in the morning so it will be as level a playing field as we'll 
see. I  think we have something for them."

Coughlin will open his quest for  another Brainerd trophy against Ron 
Krisher, who ran an identical 6.735 at a  slightly faster 204.94 mph. The better 
speed gives Krisher lane choice, which  doesn't appear to be a big factor at this 
recently repaved facility. The two men  have raced just one time this year 
with Krisher taking the  win.

Eliminations begin at 11 a.m. The first round of Pro Stock should  launch 
around noon.


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