John Coughlin qualifies tenth in Super Stock

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Team JEGS driver John Coughlin has successfully qualified his Chevy Cavalier for final eliminations during this weekend's NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park. Racing in the SS/CM class, Coughlin won the final of class eliminations over three-time NHRA world champ Kevin Helms, and is seeded tenth in a field of 128 qualifiers for final eliminations, which begin on Sunday, Sept. 3.

"Anytime you can win your class at the U.S. Nationals, it's a big deal," said Coughlin, who defeated Helms with a run of 8.79-seconds. "I got a nice little [NHRA Wally] trophy and I feel like I've got a shot to win some rounds on race day."

When the NHRA Tech department has finished post-qualifying inspections on Saturday, the final elimination ladder will be posted and Coughlin will learn who his opening round opponent will be.

"I'm not really concerned with who I race because everyone out here is tough," said Coughlin. "I just need to concentrate on doing the best job I can do. If I stay focused, I think I'll be able to stick around for a while on race day."