Coughlin brothers Belle Rose summary

Semifinal finish highlights Mike Coughlin's weekend BELLE ROSE, La. (April 22) -- Mike Coughlin's bid to win his third SPORTSnationals title in the last three years ended in the semifinals of this weekend's JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals.

Semifinal finish highlights Mike Coughlin's weekend

BELLE ROSE, La. (April 22) -- Mike Coughlin's bid to win his third SPORTSnationals title in the last three years ended in the semifinals of this weekend's JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals. Driving his Chevy Cobalt in the Top Sportsman division, Coughlin won three rounds of competition before being defeated by the eventual champion, T.J. Tracey.

"It wasn't exactly the result we were looking for, but overall it wasn't a bad weekend," said Coughlin. "We made a lot of changes to this car over the winter and it really responded well. In some ways it was like a brand new car so I'm not too disappointed with out showing this weekend. On the plus side, we spent three days down here in Belle Rose enjoying some real southern hospitality. These folks really know how to cook and party and have a good time. I always tell people that this is one of my favorite races of the year and after this weekend, I still feel that way." JCoughlin's brother John posted a round two finish in the Top Dragster division and advanced to round three of Super Stock before he encountered mechanical problems with his Team JEGS Chevy Cobalt.

"I'm not sure exactly what went wrong but we definitely broke something in the engine during the second round," said John. "It's a darn shame because I had a very good race car today. As long as I did my job driving, I had a car that was capable of winning some rounds.

"I agree with what Mike said about this race. It is definitely one of the more enjoyable races on our schedule. I'm already looking forward to coming back next year."JTroy Coughlin continued to make exhibition runs in his new turbo charged Pro Mod GTO and finished the weekend with a best run of 6.46-seconds.

The list of champions from the fourth annual JEGS.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals included Craig Bourgeois (Comp), Brad Zaskowski (Super Stock), Gary Emmons (Stock), Britt Cummings (Super Comp), David Tatum III (Super Gas), Kevin Edmonds (Super Street), David Strain (Top Dragster), T.J. Tracey (Top Sportsman), and Keith Altazin (Sportsman Motorcycle). The champions from the Belle Rose event are now eligible to win the prestigious JEGS Crown trophy and can do so by winning the JEGS NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals Sept. 28-30 at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.