Epic starting line battle propels Coughlin to quarterfinals (NMCA/JEG'S)
Epic starting line battle propels Coughlin to quarterfinals CHICAGO (July 29) -- Troy Coughlin outlasted Steve Miller in an epic staging duel that lasted more than a minute Saturday night to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Motive Gear NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing I at Chicago's Route 66 Raceway. Coughlin's patience at the starting line translated to a huge holeshot victory for the JEG'S Mail Order Chevrolet Cavalier Pro Street racer as Miller's .06-second deficit at the Christmas Tree was too much to make up. Coughlin took the win with a 6.67 at 210 mph to Miller's quicker but losing 6.65 at 210 mph. The race was the most appreciated contest of the day as the huge crowd stood and cheered after it became apparent that neither driver wanted to fully stage their Pro Street racecar. Eventually, it was Coughlin who gave in, but his focus was sharp and he cut the great light. "I guess we both had it in our head to let the other guy stage first," Coughlin said. "I had to turn my fan on we were sitting there so long. I finally decided to stage because the car was getting really hot and I didn't want to adversely affect the tune-up, so I finally slipped her in there. It all worked out well. "The race officials at the top end were all saying how exciting it was and how the crowd was really into it. They sure let us hear it when we towed back to the pits. It was an exciting thing to be a part of, especially since we got the win." The win advanced Coughlin to the quarterfinals and sets up a race with reigning IHRA Pro Stock champion Steve Spiess, who posted a 6.57 in his first-round win. "Steve's going to be another tough race," Coughlin said. "Obviously, he has a tenth on us at the moment but I think we'll be faster tomorrow morning. It was very muggy today, maybe the most humid conditions I've ever raced under. It supposed to be a little better tomorrow morning so that should help us. "The good news is one of the two guys were chasing in the points lost in the first round so we're making up ground there. We came in here third in the standings so it would be nice to gain at least one spot." Should Coughlin win three more rounds and take the trophy of this event, he'll have a heads-up race against the winner of the NMRA (National Mustang Racing Association) Pro Street class. The NMRA is holding an event alongside the NMCA (National Muscle Car Association), the sanction in which Coughlin competes. For more information on the JEG'S Mail Order, please visit www.jegs.com and for media/fan resources check out www.teamjegs.com. Additional information on this event and the entire NMCA Pro Edelbrock series, visit www.fasteststreetcar.com. Media Contact: Scott "Woody" Woodruff Director of Media & Motorsports Office: 800.345.4545 (3.412) Mobile: 614.595.1820 Fax: 740.362.4385 ________________________________________________________________________ Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM. All on demand. Always Free.