Troy Coughlin ready for Richmond race
(Oct. 6)RICHMOND, Va. -- Coming off his best outing of the 2008 JEGS ProMod Challenge, veteran racer Troy Coughlin is excited about his chances heading into this weekend's third annual Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Like the rest of the competitors in the class, Coughlin is anxious to unleash the horsepower of his JEGS.com '68 Camaro on VMP's quarter mile, especially after looking over the weekend weather forecast. Local weathermen are calling for cool temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s, which has racers thinking about big numbers.
"I'd say the track records are history," Coughlin said of the current Pro Mod marks of 5.990 seconds and 241.67 mph. "It's shaping up perfectly for Pro Mod cars. Who knows, someone might challenge the national record (5.912). It's not out of the realm of possibility if the conditions max-out for us."
Coughlin is ready to post big numbers in his new Tommy Mauney-built hot rod, which he's only raced at two events.
"We're still figuring this thing out but it's a great racecar," he said. "Considering how new it is for us I couldn't be happier with how it's running and how the guys have prepared it for me in Indy and Dallas. I expect we'll look even sharper in Virginia. That's a great race track and we've got nothing holding us back. We're going to have some fun."
In addition to driving his car in the JEGS ProMod Challenge, Coughlin will be the No. 1 supporter of his brother Jeg Coughlin Jr., who is fighting for his fourth Pro Stock championship on the POWERade Drag Racing Series. Troy's youngest brother is currently leading the points but has six rivals within striking distance.
"It's getting serious for Jeggie and we'll be right there to help him in any way we can," Troy said. "It's an exciting time for all of us at JEGS Mail Order to have a car in the hunt. Jeggie's doing a great job and I'm really happy that we'll be competing together at the next two national events. It's always fun to spend some time away from work together as a family.
"Dad (Jeg Sr.) will also be there to help us both with our racecars, which is invaluable. He's always got a unique view of things and his experience in drag racing is second-to-none. I know he's helped a bunch with our car. I'm looking for a big weekend."
