NHRA: The Second Annual Sears Craftsman Nationals Preview
24 June 1998
The Jeg's Mail Order Racing Team is buzzing with excitement going into The Sears Craftsman Nationals. Jeg Coughlin, Jr. is currently the number two man in The 1998 NHRA Winston Pro Stock points. Troy Coughlin's #8 Jeg's Mail Order Oldsmobile Cutlass Pro Stock Car is performing up to the team's expectations. In addition to John Coughlin continuing his campaign is Super Stock, Mike Coughlin will debut his long awaited #28 Jeg's Mail Order Chevy S-10 Pro Stock Truck."I couldn't be happier. The team is coming off of a win, we are performing well as a team, and Mike will debut his truck," commented Jeg Coughlin, Sr. "Our entire team has really focused on what we have needed to do. We had two extremely productive test sessions with the truck at National Trail Raceway at the conclusion of The Pontiac Excitement Nationals." The feeling and attitude surrounding the team members is very upbeat, yet understated.
Jeg Coughlin, Jr. is coming off of his second win in Pro Stock during the 1998 NHRA season. "Winning in front of our hometown crowd in Columbus was very uplifting. The support that we had among our employees, families, friends and race fans was second to none," said Jeg. He is currently second is The 1998 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Warren Johnson is leading the pack with 824 points, Jeg is in second with 650, and 1997 Pro Stock Champion Jim Yates is in third with a total 635 points. "It feels great to go into the next event fresh off of a win. However, it's crutile for our team to stay focused and work toward the current task at hand...winning The 1998 NHRA Pro Stock title," commented Jeg Coughlin, Jr.
Troy's #8 Jeg's Mail Order Oldsmobile Cutlass Pro Stock Car is performing consistently, reliably and up to the team's expectations. "The way the car has been running, I look to make a major move in the points from now until the end of the West Coast swing. From that point on, I will need to gain more ground by running consistent and limiting mistakes along the road," said Troy. Troy is currently in the number sixteen spot with 303 points. Tom Martino has a total of 374 points and is in the number eight position. There are 71 points between sixteenth and number eight spot. With eight drivers wanting to advance out of this group the West Coast swing should be very interesting.
In Super Stock, John Coughlin will continue to fly the yellow and black Jeg's Mail Order colors down the 1320'. "I am really looking forward to competing at The 2nd Annual Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway. I can't wait to put on my helmet back on and get down to business," said John. "Last year Jeg won this race in the same car that I am driving. I believe that this car knows how to get to the checkers, it was there last year!" Super Stock will run class eliminations at this event. John's record this year is three for three on SS/CM, hopefully after this weekend it will be four for four.
Gateway International Raceway will be the debut of The Jeg's Mail Order #28 Chevy S-10 Pro Stock Truck driven by Mike Coughlin. Mike campaigned a number of sportsman cars since 1985 under the yellow and black Jeg's colors. "I have some of the best resources in my corner. My dad, brothers and team members have really made this transition a lot easier for me. Rick Rossiter will be the Crew Chief on the truck, but our teams relies heavily on input from the entire team," mentioned Mike. The team tested the truck for two days following The Pontiac Excitement Nationals at National Trail raceway. "Mike became more comfortable and polished with each run. The seat time that he has under his belt will make this transition smooth," commented Jeg Coughlin, Sr.
The goal this weekend is to clearly continue on our current path of success that our entire program has experienced so far this year. This race was good to us last year and we look forward to having another productive weekend at The Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway.
