JEG'S Team To Focus On Topeka

The JEG'S Mail Order Racing Team will be represented in three NHRA competition classes at the Parts America Nationals in Topeka, KS October 1-4th. Jeg, Jr. and Troy Coughlin will campign their highly successful Pro Stock cars. Mike Coughlin will fly the yellow and black JEG'S colors in fifth event behind the wheel of a Pro Stock Truck. The Super Stock field will have to contend with veteran driver Jeff Taylor, who is fresh off a Federal-Mogul division 3 Super Stock win.

"Our team has really cured the problem of our two Pro Stock cars not going straight when leaving the starting line. Having that sorted out enables us to focus on improving ET," stated Jeg Coughlin, Sr. Two weeks ago at the Pioneer Electronics Keystone Nationals, Jeg started from the #6 spot and Troy from the #7 position. Troy's efforts for the weekend moved him up to the #13 position in the NHRA Winston Championship. Unfortunatly, Jeg dropped to the #3 position and now trails Kurt Johnson by a mere 39 points. Jeg, Sr. said, "One of our biggest problems this year has been getting both the #8 and *25 cars to work well at the same race. I feel very confident that both cars are on track and will be a threat to our competitors for the rest of the 1998 NHRA season."

Leading "NHRA rookie of the year" canadiate Jeg Coughlin, Jr. commented, "My focus will be 110% on regaining the #2 position in Topeka. There are five races remaining this season and it's going to be a dogfight until the World Finals in Pomona. Anything can happen between now and then!" Jeg has won 3 NHRA Pro Stock titles this year, was the second member to join the elite Federal Mogul Speed Pro 200-Mph Club, and was the number one qualifier at the MacTools Gatornationals. "My goal before the season started was to win six NHRA national events in Pro Stock. I feel very confident that our team has the ability to win three of the next five races. Our team has the resouces to make this goal a reality," stated Jeg.

Troy Coughlin's #8 JEG'S Mail Order Cutlass performed well in Reading, PA. "I am very happy with the performance of my car and the team. I intend to keep my momentum going through the rest of the season and finish in the top ten," said troy. Troy moved up two positions last week in the NHRA Winston Championship points battle and is currently in the #13 spot. He is 91 points from the top ten and trails Bruce Allen by 35 points. Troy mentioned, "The team found a part of the chassis that was cracked, Don Ness sent us a new piece overnight and the car is back to being more consistent. Consistancey is the key to success in this class, now that it's back this yellow and black car is going to go some rounds!"

Mike Coughlin has taken the Pro Stock Truck field by surprise. This Coughlin has adapted well to the new competition class. He has qualified for all four races that he has entered since beginning his season at the Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway. At the US Nationals, Mike made it to the semifinal round. He lost when a rear end gear broke and he was forced to watch Bob Pannela, Jr. take to win light. "My brothers and dad have really helped me to adapt quickly to this new challenge. Jeff and Keith are making giant strides on the dyno. Our power is increasing with every race and it's just a matter of time until the #28 JEG'S Mail Order Pro Stock Truck sees the winners circle," said Mike. Mike is currently in the #15 position and if he keeps on his current pace he will finish the 1998 NHRA season in the top ten.

Veteran Super Stock driver Jeff Taylor will continue his 1998 points battle. He is was in the #5 position before his Federal-Mogul division 3 event win at Route 66 Raceway over the weekend. Jeff is scheduled to race at Topeka and Memphis. "I have the potential to finish #1 in the world. With my demanding duties on the JEG'S Mail Order Racing Team my racing has taken a back seat this year. However, I have done well at the events that I have entered this year. I guess that you could say I've been some what of an unknown in 1998 until recently," said Jeff Taylor.