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NHRA: JEG'S cars are in top half at Seattle

29 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
The NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series returned to Seattle International Raceway. A total of 26 Pro Stock cars will battle over four qualifying sessions to earn a spot among the 16 available positions. Jeg and Troy Coughlin will work toward meeting in the final round of Pro Stock with their identical looking JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass'.

Troy Coughlin rolled his yellow and black JEG'S Mail Order Olds Cutlass into the left lane of the staging lanes for the first of four scheduled qualifying sessions. When he left the starting line the car moved to the left and returned quickly to the middle of the groove. Troy ran a 6.978 at 197.57 mph and landed in the No. 10 spot.

"The 60-foot clock can be your best friend or your worst enemy," commented Troy. "We learned a lot about the track on the first run."

Jeg Coughlin, Jr. took on the right lane in the first session. He blasted off of the starting line and headed to the big end. Jeg ran a 6.951 at 197.86 mph and moved into the No. 3 position. He was the second quickest car to the 330-foot clock.

"Having a competitive 60-foot time at this track is essential to throwing a good number up on the board," said Jeg. "After one session our team got data on both lanes. I think that will help to accelerate our learning curve at this track this weekend."

Troy was in the first pair of cars for the second session. His long burnout was cheered on by the fans. The JEG'S machine launched from the right lane straight as an arrow. He ran a 6.931 at 198. 52 mph and moved to the No. 7 position. Troy will have two additional runs to improve his qualifying position tomorrow.

"The second run was a much better," noted Troy. "We are gaining ground on the set up that this track wants."

Jeg ripped off an impressive 6.920 at 197.94 mph and improved his qualifying time. He remained in the No. 3 spot after the second session.

"We are making progress and moving in the right direction," commented Jeg. "Tomorrow morning will be another great session. What we learned today should translate into a move forward tomorrow."

Text provided by Scott Woodruff

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.