Coughlin looking to complete 2007 season on a high note
(9-27-2007) HEBRON, OH - With two wins in the bank and a potential championship on the horizon, Mike Coughlin would be hard pressed to grade his 2007 season as anything other than an A-plus. However, the Team JEGS driver still has one important event left on his calendar, the third annual JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals, being held this weekend (Sept. 28-30) at National Trail Raceway. This event will likely be Coughlin’s last race of the season and he’s determined to make the most of it.
“I’ve had a great year but I’d love nothing more than to finish it with a win at our home track,” said Coughlin, who will be racing his bright yellow and black Chevy Cobalt in the Dart Top Sportsman Series. “Anytime my brothers and I race in Columbus, it’s a big deal because we have so much support here. Winning any race is great but winning a race here at National Trail Raceway is extra special because we always have so many friends and family members here. There’s no feeling in the world like it.”
Coughlin should know as he’s won three NHRA national event titles at National Trail Raceway, including the Top Sportsman title at last year’s JEGS Northern SPORTSnationals. He also won the Division 3 Lucas Oil Series event at National Trail Raceway in July, a win that vaulted him to the top of the Top Sportsman points standings.
“I can still earn points at one more race this season so if I can put together a strong showing this weekend, I think I can just about put the championship out of reach for anyone else,” Coughlin noted. “I’m not the type who obsesses over points. I’d rather just go out and try to win races. Let the points take care of themselves although this late in the year, its hard no to think about the championship. It has been a few years since I’ve won a championship so I’m really excited about the possibility of winning this one.”
Coughlin currently enjoys a comfortable lead in the Dart Top Sportsman standings and the only real threat to his lead is Don Peden of Edinburg, Ill. Peden is 76 points behind Coughlin which means he must post strong finishes at two events in order to claim the title.
Coughlin’s brother John, is currently leading the Division 3 standings in Top Dragster and Super Stock while his younger brother Jeg, remains a championship contender in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock competition. Troy has been focusing on his new twin-turbo combination in Pro Mod.
Information regarding JEGS Mail Order can be found at
www.jegs.com.
