Coughlin brothers to play a home game at National Trail Raceway

COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 25)– After a grueling three-week road trip that included events in Madison, Ill., and Indianapolis, Ind., brothers John and Mike Coughlin will return to their home in Columbus, Ohio for this weekend’s Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at National Trail Raceway. As the sixth of seven Lucas Oil events in the NHRA North Central Division, the Columbus round could be a make or break race for the Coughlins, who are currently in contention for divisional championships in three eliminators, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, and Super Stock.

“I enjoy road trips but at the same time, there’s no place like home,” said John, who is the current points leader in Top Dragster and is ranked tenth in Super Stock. “My brothers and I grew up racing at National Trail Raceway and we’ve had a lot of success here. Obviously, we’ve made many, many runs at this track so we know it well, but there is also a comfort factor that works in our favor. Any time you can sleep in your own bed, it’s a plus and it shows in our results.”

John has won two events this season with his new Undercover Chassis Top Dragster entry and currently enjoys a sizable lead over second-place Dean McIlvain of New Carlisle, Ohio. Following a late round finish at last weekend’s race at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, John has moved into contention for the Super Stock title, just 54-points behind current leader Gary Tompa of Saginaw, Mich.

Mike Coughlin, who joined his brother in the winner’s circle at Route 66 Raceway, is currently ranked second in the Top Sportsman class with his Jerry Bickel-built Chevy Cobalt, 43-points behind leader Billy Vaughn of Knoxville, Tenn. Coughlin has competed in one less event than Vaughn has, so he’ll have an excellent chance to make up ground at this weekend’s race.

“Honestly, I’m not too worried about the points,” said Mike. “I just want to concentrate on qualifying well, and then winning some rounds on race day. I’ve got a great race car and a great team. If I can just do my job and win some rounds, the points will take care of themselves.

“I agree with John,” he continued. “National Trail Raceway is my favorite track and we should have an advantage because we’ve raced here so often. We both made it to the winner’s circle in Chicago and that was an awesome feeling. I’d love to see us do that again this weekend.”


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