Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
Pomona, Calif.
(Nov. 6-9)
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Troy Coughlin Jeg's Mail Order Chevrolet |
Reports: Sunday Saturday Friday Thursday Pre-race |
Pomona, Sunday: Troy Coughlin started race day in the No. 11 qualifying position in his JEG'S Mail Order Chevy Cavalier.
In the opening round Troy went head-to-head against Kurt Johnson. The win light came on in the other lane by .0591 seconds and ended the day for Troy.
"Over the last eight races we have had a competitive two-car team and we are looking forward to picking up where we left off when the 2004 season starts," said Troy. "We will be testing new cars and ramping up our research and development during the off-season so we are ready for battle when we return to Pomona in mid-February. Right now we are all tied for first place."
Pomona, Saturday: Troy Coughlin started the final day of qualifying sitting in the No. 13 position after two qualifying sessions.
During the third qualifying run Troy posted another improved time. The Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier ran a 6.803 at 203.55 mph and he slipped to the No. 16 position with one session to improve.
In the final session Troy and his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier sat on the bump spot knowing that he needed to make a strong run if he wanted to race on Sunday. Troy delivered by running a 6.784 at 203.74 mph. The run moved him up to the No. 11 position.
"We made an engine change and replaced an ignition box for the final qualifying session," explained Troy. "Everyone had their backs against the wall and stayed focused as a team. Being in a situation like that is what makes a team stronger. We are looking to keep this momentum going through race day and finish the season on a high note."
Troy Coughlin will go head-to-head against Kurt Johnson in the opening round. Jeg and Troy Coughlin can face off in the second round for an all-Jeg's match up.
Pomona, Friday: Troy Coughlin improved his time during the second qualifying session. He posted a run of 6.821 at 202.33 mph in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier. Although the run was an improvement he slipped to the No. 13 position and will have two remaining chances to improve tomorrow (Saturday).
"The car was all over the track and we still put up a decent number," explained Troy. "If the car would have gone straight we would have been in the top five. We will take what we learned today and be ready to improve tomorrow."
Pomona, Thursday: Troy Coughlin started the weekend by posting an opening run of 6.824 at 203.31 mph in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier. He landed in the No. 11 qualifying position with three sessions remaining to improve.
"After I crossed the finish line I got on the radio and told the guys that there's plenty left," he explained. "It always feels good to start the weekend off going in the right direction. The engine between the frame rails is fresh and we look forward to improving tomorrow (Friday)."
Pomona, pre-race: With the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season coming to a close, Troy Coughlin is eager to finish on a high note. The Pro Stock veteran can finish as high as No. 11 in the NHRA POWERade championship with a strong performance at the season finale at Pomona Raceway.
"Everyone wants to win the final race of the year," said Troy. "If you do well at the final race you can really make a statement about your program going into the off-season."
In the last seven events, Troy has scored a runner-up finish, two-second round defeats, three-first round losses, and a DNQ. Troy has also qualified in the top half of the field in five of the last seven outings.
"We have come on pretty strong the last seven races," said Troy. "Our real challenge as a team will be to continue that momentum. I think our entire program is stronger then we have ever been and we are looking forward to finishing the season on a high note and come out swinging when the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season starts in mid February. The added time during the off-season this year will be wisely spent by our group and we will be a true two-car threat from start to finish next season. We have all of the people in place in the right positions."
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