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NHRA: Coughlin Brothers Will Work On Improving

9 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Today was the first day of qualifying for the Pro Stock Truck class. Every team watched how the trucks in front of them responded to the new racing surface.

John Coughlin and his yellow and black JEG'S Mail Order Chevy S-10 took on the left lane during the first of four scheduled qualifying sessions. John ran a 7.820 at 173.43 Mph, which moved him into the No. 8 spot.

"It's always nice to make a solid run right out of the trailer." John continued, "We have a great baseline to work from after the first session and we will use the data for the rest of the weekend."

After a career first DNQ behind the wheel of a Pro Stock Truck at the Mac Tools Gatornationals, Mike Coughlin wants nothing more than to be among the quick sixteen on raceday. After the first qualifying session Mike landed in the No. 13 slot. He ran a 7.837 at 172.28 Mph.

Mike commented about coming to a track where no driver in the class had ever made a run before today. "This race will put a lot of pressure on the team." Mike explained, "Not having any specific data on this track turns this into even more of a thinking game for everyone."

John took on the right lane during the second qualifying session. The JEG'S S-10 left the starting line and followed the grove to the finishline. John and his yellow and black JEG'S machine improved his qualifying time and ran a 7.792 at 173.92 Mph. John remains in the No. 8 spot after two sessions.

"We are on the verge of having this thing fly!" John continued, "The only thing that is keeping us from being in the top three qualifying positions is the first 60' feet. Once we get a better handle on that we will improve our qualifying position and be ready to win some rounds."

Mike Coughlin and his JEG'S machine lined up in the left lane for the second session. The truck launched from the line and began it's journey to the big end. Mike improved over his earlier time and ran a 7.813 at 172 Mph. However, he slipped one spot and landed in the No. 14 slot and will have two more qualifying sessions left tomorrow to improve before the field is locked for raceday.

Mike said, "Having the data from both of our team trucks to use is certainly helping us to get a better handle on what the track wants quicker. We have plenty of talent and knowledge under our JEG'S awning, which will help us improve tomorrow."

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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