Already second in points, Coughlin's comeback ahead of schedule

(Photo by JEGS PR)

Five-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. wasted little time in re-establishing himself as a top contender in the NHRA Pro Stock class with a surprising runner-up finish at last Sunday's season-opening event in Pomona, Calif. Now the 67-time national event winner turns his attention to Firebird International Raceway and this weekend's 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals.

"We had a big day in Pomona, for sure," Coughlin said. "It's given the guys reason to smile and it put a little pep in everyone's step. At the same time, as all the veterans on this race team know, we've got a long way to go, so we'll enjoy the next few days then get over to Phoenix and see if we can't make some more memories."

While it's not a shock to see Coughlin at the top of the rankings, it is astonishing to see such early success given the fact his team didn't exist at this time one year ago. Coughlin didn't race professionally in 2011 and didn't even entertain a return to the pro ranks until late in the spring. That's when he partnered with Mopar to field the JEGS.com / Mopar Dodge Avenger.

"It's just over seven months since we got together with Mopar," Coughlin said. "We've sure come a long way since then. With Roy (Simmons) and Nick (Ferri) building these incredible HEMI engines and Tomi Laine (crew chief) and the boys getting this brand new car figured out, it's remarkable to have made the finals in our first race.

"We didn't qualify well (in Pomona) and we entered race day as the No. 14 qualifier so we probably weren't on many people's radar screens. We stepped up our performance and got some time at the Christmas Tree against Ronnie Humphrey in Round 1, we caught a break against Vincent Nobile in Round 2 when they slowed down for some reason, Mike Edwards went red in the semis and just like that we're through to the finals.

"We needed that race day data. That was huge. Without being greedy, we see areas where we can improve for Phoenix. Stuff like gearing and suspension, those are fixes that can be made right now. And we're awfully encouraged by the first few HEMI motors the guys made. How often is the first incarnation of anything so good? The plan is to continue this progress at Firebird and see what happens."

The 28h annual NHRA Arizona Nationals begins Friday with Pro Stock qualifying sessions scheduled for 1:30 and 4 p.m. Qualifying continues at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday with eliminations slated for an 11 a.m. start on Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all of the action.

Six-time Pomona champion Coughlin ready for new chapter

(Photo by JEGS PR)

Jeg Coughlin Jr. admits to feeling butterflies in his stomach every time he drives through the gates of Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, and this weekend will certainly be no different as the five-time world champion unveils his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Avenger for the first time in competition.

"It's time to run in a crowd and see how we stack up," said Coughlin, who didn't race at the professional level in 2011. "This is a new era for us with our association with Mopar and the Chrysler Technology Center. We're still maturing but I believe we'll challenge for wins right away.

"Pomona is the perfect starting point. It's so rich with history and it's a track where Team JEGS has enjoyed a lot of success over the years. If you can't get pumped up for Pomona, you may be in the wrong profession."

Coughlin has fashioned a remarkable race-day record of 48-20 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, a mark that includes six national event victories in 12 final-round showings. He's also 18-9 at the season-opening Winternationals.

"We've had two good tests this off-season with the JEGS Avenger and we've certainly made some significant headway," Coughlin said. "There's been 10 months of hard work to start this program from nothing and build it up to where we are now and the guys are extremely excited for the start of the season.

"Roy Simmons (of JNR Racing Engines) has been dialing-in the motor and Tomi Lane (crew chief) and the crew have the car going straight down the strip. The clutch program seems under control and we're running competitive numbers. It's time to race."

At 41 years old, Coughlin's 52 Pro Stock victories rank him a lofty fourth on the all-time class list. His 67 total national event wins has him tied for 10th in the overall rankings alongside seven-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher.

Qualifying begins with sessions at 1:30 p.m. PST on both Thursday and Friday, followed by two more rounds at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Eliminations are slated to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all the action.