Troy Coughlin claims Top Sportsman Shootout title (NHRA/JEG’S)

BELLE ROSE, La. – Troy Coughlin drove his JEG’S Mail Order Cavalier to a win in the Didier Communications Top Sportsman Shootout held Saturday at the JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals in Belle Rose, La. Coughlin emerged from the No. 1 qualifying spot to take the title with consistent runs of 6.69, 6.68, and a 6.68 in the final round against runner-up Greg Lair, who ran a 6.97. The Sportsman Shootout is a special heads-up, no breakout race for the quickest eight qualifiers.

“After qualifying, I felt like I had a car that could win this race,” said Coughlin. “On race day, the weather changed and we had to make some adjustments but everything went very smoothly. Hopefully, this is a good omen for tomorrow’s race.”

In the final rounds of Saturday’s Mopar Performance Hemi Challenge, Coughlin’s brother Jeg drove Michael Ogburn’s SS/AH Barracuda to a semifinal finish. After qualifying third, Jeg Coughlin defeated James Caro and West Coast Hemi’s teammate Jerry Jenkins before losing to eventual winner Bucky Hess in the final. Hess, of Bunkerhill, W.V., gained a slight starting line lead against Jeg and won with an 8.70 to Coughlin’s quicker 8.68.

“My team gave me a great car but unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the job done today,” said Coughlin. “Nobody likes to lose on a holeshot but I have to congratulate Bucky. He made some great runs today and definitely earned the trophy. .

Jeg is also racing in the Top Dragster class with his JEG’S Mail Order dragster. The two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion ran a best of 7.43 during qualifying and will start eliminations from the No. 22 qualifying spot. The Coughlin brothers will now concentrate on their efforts on final eliminations, which are scheduled to get underway Sunday, April 23 at 9 a.m.


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