NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racer Jeg Coughlin Experiences Stellar 2013 Season
- 20 Jan 2014
Knowing that K&N's, Mike Edwards, had dominated the first five events of the season, Coughlin and his team knew they had a battle ahead of them. But that was no indication the driver would do anything other than give his competitor a run for his money. "Mike (Edwards) has always been a premier driver, crew chief and tuner," ensured Coughlin. "And since starting his own engine shop, he has been one of the fastest cars on the circuit. The key was to focus on making four good runs in qualifying, to earn a good starting spot and qualifying bonus points."
After a less than par performance during the first session, Edwards' second-round run moved him from the bottom to the number two spot. However Coughlin managed to inch in front of his competitor by one-thousandth of a second. Not only did this round prove intense in the sense that the competition was amazingly close, but a malfunction lent to even more excitement. In fact, anticipation filled the air when Coughlin's parachute failed to open properly. He finally managed to get his car stopped within mere inches of the sand. "There's very little time to react when a failure takes place in a drag race, and you are at maximum speed," he explained. "I was fortunate to get the car stopped safely. The shutdown area is very bumpy, and the cars are really built to ride the bumps. So in that situation, the car bounces a lot and makes it difficult to stop efficiently. I've had a couple of malfunctions in my 15-plus year career. . ." he recalled.
Although recognizing the importance of setting the standard during round two, little did Coughlin know how significant that particular run would be. Adverse weather rumbled overhead the the following day, putting a damper on the remainder of the qualifying rounds. When the event was deemed over Jeg Coughlin had earned his 18th Pro-Stock pole, and set the stage for the remainder of the season. "We knew we made a god run," recalled the driver. "But with the Houston Weather, we didn't rest that our time would stand." Following the Spring Nationals, Jeg Coughlin continued to play havoc on his competitor's chances of earning the championship. The driver went on to compete in eight finals and win four races. His great run during the 2013 season was accentuated with the Mello Yellow Pro Stock Championship title. Taking the number one spot at the season's end, Coughlin recalled his favorite memory of 2013. "Charlotte, in the fall," he explained. "It was the first race of the countdown. We were able to win the event and get closer to the ultimate goal - the 2013 Mello Yellow Pro Stock Championship." With a stellar 2013 season is behind him, Jeg Coughlin is anticipating what will transpire during the year to come. When asked if one particular upcoming race is most anticipated , he said, "The 2014 season opener in Pomona. It marks the start of a new year, and we will proudly be wearing the #1." When the 2014 season kicks off, one would suspect that Jeg Coughln and his crew will resort back to the same game plan that earned them a championship last season. When asked how important of a role his team will play, the driver answered, "Teamwork and communication is so important, and I am fortunate we are all on the same page." The driver is also acutely aware that he and his crew must keep their cars in immaculate running condition. That in mind, they'll depend upon K&N products to ensure their engine's internal components remain contaminant free. "At Jegs, we have a fleet of race cars." explained Coughlin. We proudly use K&N Wrench-off oil filters, hood scoops, scoop filters and air filters. The quality of K&N products is second to none, and that gives us the confidence to win races and win championships." Looking forward to 2014 Jeg Coughlin concluded, "Fans can expect to see the familiar Yellow and Black machine in action on the NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Series events and at a few big-money bracket races." |
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| Related K&N News Articles about Jeg Coughlin: Jeg Coughlin Finds His Way Back to the NHRA Pro Stock Pole in Houston; For Second Consecutive Year Jeg Coughlin Dominates the K&N Horsepower Challenge Fan-Vote; Jeg Coughlin Grabs First Number One NHRA Pro Stock Qualifier for the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge; Jeg Coughlin Wins 25th Annual K&N Horsepower Challenge by Beating the Best of the Best |
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