Coughlin brothers off to a fast start in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Brothers John, Troy, Mike, and Jeg Coughlin made sure the Jeg’s name was highly visible during the opening day of the 42nd annual Pontiac Performance Nationals at National Trail Raceway. Competing in four sportsman classes, the Coughlin brothers combined to make 10 runs during Thursday’s opening rounds of qualifying and time trials.

John produced the best result, driving his Jeg’s Mail Order Chevy Cavalier to the top qualifying spot in Super Stock. Coughlin currently leads the 56-car field with a run of 8.77-seconds.

“We tested this car last week and it ran flawlessly so I came into this race with a lot of confidence,” John said. “We still have three more tough days to go but right now, I feel pretty good about the way the weekend has started. It’s been a long time since my brothers and I were racing sportsman cars together and this is just like the old days; we’re having a lot of fun together.”

Younger brother Jeg made a pair of time trial runs in his Jeg’s Mail Order dragster and also made his debut in Stock eliminator behind the wheel of longtime friend Steve Cohen’s H/SA Chevy Nova. Jeg is currently qualified 46th with a run of 12.21-seconds. He is looking to add Stock eliminator and Super Comp titles to a résumé that already includes three world championships and national event titles in Pro Stock, Comp, Super Stock, and Super Gas.

Mike Coughlin is racing his new Chevy Cobalt in Super Comp and Troy is racing the family’s ’63 Corvette roadster in the Super Gas class.

Qualifying and time trials for the Pontiac Performance Nationals will resume on Friday, May 19 at 8 a.m.