Coughlin continues to look strong

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 24) -- Two-time series champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. took runner-up honors Sunday in the POWERade Drag Racing Series, losing to class leader Greg Anderson in the final round of the 38th annual ProCare Rx NHRA SuperNationals Sunday evening at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park with a -.007 second red-light start.

The final was a classic between the two top-ranked drivers in the world with Coughlin's JEGS.com Chevrolet Cobalt never getting a chance to strut its stuff after Coughlin realized he had lit the red light and resigned the run. Anderson went through with a 6.617 at 209.52 mph.

"We had a good weekend that was just a little bit short of being another great weekend", said Coughlin. "This was the first race of our six race sprint. Our team will continue to be a threat to win the 2008 NHRA POWERade championship and we will be ready when we get to Norwalk later this week."

Earlier in the day, Coughlin outran veterans Mike Edwards (6.621 to 6.674), Allen Johnson (6.5647 to 6.655), and Richie Stevens (6.651 to 6.684) in reaching his 56th career final round.

Anderson's once seemingly insurmountable points lead isn't as daunting as it once was with Coughlin now trailing the three-time world champion by 201 points, or 10 rounds of action. His lead over third-place Dave Connolly is now 93 points. Connolly is his teammate at Victor Cagnazzi Racing.

Photo courtesy Dave Kommel.