Coughlin one of just two racers to crack the field

NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
Pomona Raceway
Pomona, CA
Nov. 13th

Jeg Coughlin – Pro Stock
JEG’S Mail Order Chevy Cavalier
Saturday Summary

Only two Pro Stock cars managed to break into the top 16 Saturday and the first was the Jeg’s Mail Order Cavalier of four-time Pomona winner Jeg Coughlin. The 34-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, who won here in 2001, 2000, and twice in 1999, laid down a smooth 6.755-second pass at 205.13 mph to successfully earn a berth in Sunday’s eliminations. All the other non-qualified cars struggled in the heat and failed to improve except Jim Yates, who made it into the field in the last session.

“Job No. 1 at any race you go to is always to get in the show and we were able to do that today so that’s very exciting,” Coughlin said. “I’m pleased with that run, especially given the conditions, but to be honest I think there’s a lot more in this Spy vs. Spy hot rod. In my mind we really haven’t shown our potential yet.”

Coughlin has been playing catch up for most of qualifying as he gave up his opening-round pass when his team’s aggressive tune-up was too much for Pomona Raceway.

“We came in here set on ‘kill’ because the air was perfect and we wanted to come out of the box with everything we had,” the three-time series champion said. “When we lost that run we had to back off and find a happy tune-up that would get us in the field. It’s certainly tougher on you when you have to back in like that but we’ll get through it.”

As the No. 12 qualifier, Coughlin will surrender lane choice in Sunday’s opening round to No. 5 qualifier Mike Edwards, who posted a 6.728 at 204.76 mph Thursday. The two professionals have not raced each other this season.

“Typically, the left lane is the lane of choice here,” Coughlin said. “But we feel we can run with anyone in whatever lane we’re in. I’ve won plenty of races out of either side of this racetrack so I’m not overly concerned about not having lane choice.

“The bottom line is you have to beat whoever you line up against and you have to race whatever lane you’re in. It’s pretty simple, really. We’ll go up there with the same chance of winning as anyone in the field so we like our chances. It would be great to finish this year on a high note so we have something to smile about over the winter.”

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