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NHRA Trucks: Moving Backwards To Go Forward

24 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

When John and Mike Coughlin started the 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing season this is a position that the two of them did not envision them at. John is currently No. 10 with 170 points. Mike is sitting in the No. 21 position. He has 61 points and can jump up to the No. 11 position with a strong performance at the Moto1.net Nationals.

The team has spent the recent time between races focusing on the engine program. "Sometimes you try new things and go the wrong direction," said team engine builder Richard Maskin. "When this happens it's important that you can get back to the fork in the road and go the other direction."

The Pro Stock Truck class is still in the incubation stage. Engine development is among the most important areas of advancement at this early stage. Teams are trying anything they can come up with to get a performance advantage over their competition.

"We know that we have a wealth of experience and knowledge on our team. Richard Maskin and his staff at DART Machinery are the best," John said. "I can't wait to get to the Moto1.net Nationals and take my left foot off of the clutch peddle and see the hard work pay off."

"The recent changes that have been made under the hood should put us back where we were at the end of last year," Mike commented. "I believe that sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward and that is exactly what we have done. It's the nature of this class right now."

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

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