Coughlin, Neff win first drag race in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE (May 24) - Reigning series champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Rookie of the Year candidate Mike Neff beat 14-time champ John Force and 2008 Pro Stock Motorcycle titlist Matt Smith in the first ever drag race down zMax Dragway at Concord, site of the inaugural Carolina NHRA Nationals.

Driving identical Volvo dump trucks down a dirt strip in the middle of a construction site might not sound as exciting as a real drag race, but for Coughlin the thrill was there.

"This facility is going to be first-rate," he said during a tour of the track, which is scheduled to open in time for the Sept. 11-14 event. "It's certainly got Bruton's trademark signatures. It's an awesome looking track and I think racing in the heart of NASCAR country is going to be huge.

"I can't wait to get there and I guess Zippy and I already have a win under our belts after today so we're undefeated here."