Jeg Coughlin looks to improve on day two

NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
NHRA Carquest Auto Parts Nationals
Route 66 Raceway
Joliet, IL
Oct. 1st

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

Back-to-back defending event champion Jeg Coughlin used Friday’s cool evening session to qualify his Jeg’s Mail Order Chevrolet Cavalier in the No. 3 position of the provisional field at the fourth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The 34-year-old cruised through a 6.746 at 203.83 mph just before rain hit Route 66 Raceway.

“Compared to our first attempt that was much better,” Coughlin said. “But we still have a lot of room for improvement. We’re happy and we’re also anxious to come back tomorrow when it’s supposed to be mineshaft conditions here and going much quicker.”

The opening session was a shaky one for the yellow-and-black team as Coughlin posted an off-pace 6.802 at 203.92 mph to finish the round outside the top 16 in the No. 19 slot.

“We’ve got some Friday night homework to do,” Coughlin said. “The car was off down low in first gear and it also nosed over at the big end, even in the second run, so there are some things we need to do to prevent that from happening again. I want to make absolutely sure we’re ready to go tomorrow.”

Local forecasters are calling for temperatures to stay in the 50s throughout the day Saturday, which should set up ideal racing conditions for the carbureted Pro Stock class.

“It’ll probably be one of those deals where the entire field will be reset,” Coughlin said, “so all the numbers that were posted today will most likely end up out the window. We’re okay with that because at least our confidence is up. I personally hope the weather forecast is right because the way our car has been running we can make this baby shine.”

Coughlin was the No. 1 qualifier last weekend in Dallas. He’s had the fastest car at each of the last two NHRA events.

Media Contact:

Scott “Woody” Woodruff
Director of Motorsports/Media
Office: 800.345.4545 (3, ext 412)
Mobile: 614.595.1820
Fax: 740.362.4385