Wally trophy in hand, John Coughlin heads for Indy

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – If momentum counts for anything, John Coughlin should be a real handful when he arrives at O’Reilly Raceway Park for this weekend’s Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Less than a week ago, Coughlin earned his third NHRA Wally trophy of the season when he claimed a victory in the Spitzer Race Cars Top Dragster Series at the Lucas Oil Series event in Bowling Green, Ky. The win officially locked up the series championship for Coughlin.

“Last week in Bowling Green, we had to deal with a lot of pressure because of the whole points deal but we managed to pull together and make it happen,” said Coughlin. “When I won the final round it was a tremendous relief. We've been on a bit of a roll lately. Now, I'd like to see it continue at Indy.”

Since the Top Dragster class is not contested at Indy, Coughlin will be racing just one car, his Super Stock Chevy Cobalt. John will be joining two of his three younger brothers, Jeg (who is one of the leading contenders for the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock title) and Troy (who races in ProMod). All told, the four Coughlin brothers have combine to win six titles at the U.S. Nationals, the oldest and most prestigious event on the NHRA tour. Jeg has won Pro Stock titles in 2000 and 2002 and claimed the Super Gas title in 1992. Mike won a pair of Pro Stock Truck titles in 1999 and 2001 and Troy claimed the Super Gas title in 1991. John’s best finish is a runner-up in the Pro Stock Truck class in 1999, though he won the event as a car owner in 2005 when Brad Plourd wont he Super Comp title behind the wheel of John’s JEGS Mail Order dragster.

“Needless to say, our family has had some great moments at this race,” said John. “It’s a very special place for all racers and race fans. I haven't had the same success with my Cobalt this year as I have with my Top Dragster, but this is a very good race car. We've been in the hunt at just about every event we've attended this season. We had a great celebration after the win in Bowling Green last week but now it’s time to get back to work.”