Category Archives: Jegs Racing

Troy Coughlin Jr. puts JEGS Mail Order in Norwalk winner’s circle with big Top Alcohol Dragster victory

Troy Coughlin Jr. puts JEGS Mail Order in Norwalk winner’s circle with big Top Alcohol Dragster victory
NORWALK, Ohio (June 23) — Troy Coughlin Jr. realized a lifelong dream Sunday by earning his first Top Alcohol Dragster NHRA national event victory in his home state of Ohio. Coughlin cruised past Will Smith in the final to cap off a perfect weekend where he parlayed a dominating No. 1 qualifying effort into his seventh national-level Wally.

“This is all a kid from Ohio could ask for,” said Coughlin, who was runner-up at this event one year ago. “Having my wife Brenna, my mom (Michelle Shelly), my dad (Troy Sr.), Pappy (grandfather Jeg Coughlin Sr.), my uncle Jeg (Coughlin), aunt Samantha (Coughlin) and my goddaughter Carly all here, it’s just so special. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. puts JEGS Mail Order in Norwalk winner’s circle with big Top Alcohol Dragster victory

Jeg Coughlin Jr. almost gives himself the ultimate birthday present in home state

Jeg Coughlin Jr. almost gives himself the ultimate birthday present in home state
NORWALK, Ohio (June 23) — Five-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. almost managed to give himself the ultimate birthday present Sunday at the NHRA national event in Northwest Ohio but came up just a little short in a rare semifinal pedaling contest with Elite Motorsports teammate Alex Laughlin.

With temperatures soaring at the Bader family’s beautiful facility, both men found themselves losing traction just off the launch and after a moment of hesitation when they each realized the race was still on, the two tried desperately to get their cars under control and reach the finish line. Ultimately, Laughlin was able to calm his car first, limping over with a winning 8.794 to Coughlin’s 9.330.

“He blew my birthday candles out,” Coughlin said with a laugh. “There’s not a whole lot of pedaling contests in Pro Stock because it’s so rare for both cars to lose traction at the hit like that but, obviously, being teammates and all, his car is set-up very similarly to mine and we got the same result.
Continue reading Jeg Coughlin Jr. almost gives himself the ultimate birthday present in home state

JEGS.com racer Troy Coughlin Jr. halfway to a ‘dream win’ in his home state of Ohio

JEGS.com racer Troy Coughlin Jr. halfway
to a ‘dream win’ in his home state of Ohio
NORWALK, Ohio (June 22) — Troy Coughlin Jr. has made no secret of the fact he’d love to win this weekend’s NHRA national event in Northwest Ohio, which is being contested about an hour from his home near Columbus. So far through qualifying and two rounds of eliminations, everything is setting up nicely for him to achieve his dream win. Continue reading JEGS.com racer Troy Coughlin Jr. halfway to a ‘dream win’ in his home state of Ohio

Norwalk race turns to eliminations with popular Ohioan Jeg Coughlin Jr. sitting mid-pack

Norwalk race turns to eliminations with popular Ohioan Jeg Coughlin Jr. sitting mid-pack
NORWALK, Ohio (June 22) — Slightly more than an hour from his home in Delaware, Ohio, six-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. is enjoying a good deal of support at this weekend’s NHRA race in Northwest Ohio. Now, after qualifying mid-pack, the 81-time national event winner is hoping to bring home another Pro Stock win for his loyal fan base. Continue reading Norwalk race turns to eliminations with popular Ohioan Jeg Coughlin Jr. sitting mid-pack

Troy Coughlin Norwalk Advance

Stars are lined up perfectly for JEGS.com
racer Troy Coughlin Jr. in Norwalk
NORWALK, Ohio (June 19) — It would be hard to find a racer in the NHRA that loves the state of Ohio more than Troy Coughlin Jr., which makes this weekend’s meet in the Northwest corner of the Buckeye State the most important event on the schedule.

“It’s so much fun to be back home, racing in front of so many members of my family, all my friends, people from JEGS and all my fellow Ohioans,” Coughlin said. “I always want to win every race we enter and I’m always motivated to be my best, but somehow I find a way to kick it up a notch when we get to Ohio.”

There’s every reason to think Coughlin could have a big weekend. He’s already earned his way to three final rounds this year in the JEGS “Garage Gear” Top Alcohol Dragster, which runs out of the vaunted McPhillips Racing camp, including the group’s last stop in Topeka, Kan.

Coughlin also enjoyed great success at both Norwalk races he attended last year, scoring his first Top Alcohol Dragster victory at the divisional race and earning a runner-up finish at the national event.

“My mind’s in the right place,” Coughlin said. “I know the McPhillips crew — Rich and Richie (McPhillips), Duke Roney, Charlie Wroten, Andy Goode, Charlie Greco and our newest addition, John Flenard, will have the car prepared perfectly for me, just like they have all season. All I need to do is focus on my job and we’ll be successful.

“I also went and competed in a bracket race at Kil-kare Speedway over in Xenia (Ohio) last weekend in my bracket dragster and I was reminded of why we do this — for the pure love of the sport. The winning, the competition, the friendships we make, it’s all part of why this is the best sport in the world.”

The reigning North Central Region champion has won four races in a year and a half of competition in the Top Alcohol ranks and was a breath away from adding a fifth to his resume in Kansas when his car hiked up the front end a little too far in his final-round race against Shawn Cowie, which ultimately allowed his rival to slip ahead and take the trophy.

“The guys stopped by Lagana’s race shop and changed the A-arms just to be sure because it hit pretty hard when it came back down but otherwise we haven’t felt the need to change anything,” said Coughlin, who lives in Delaware, Ohio. “We’re earning the top qualifying spot or getting close every race and we’re going rounds. It’s just a matter of putting

Jeg Coughlin Jr. Ready for Norwalk

Ohio native Jeg Coughlin Jr. ready to ring
in summertime at NHRA Norwalk event
NORWALK, Ohio (June 19) — As citizens of the Buckeye State know all too well, it’s been a soggy spring this year, but if history can provide any sort of lesson it’s that the NHRA’s annual pilgrimage to Northwest Ohio always seems to be the true start of the summer months.

That’s certainly the hope of five-time pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., who brings his JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro home for what he hopes will be a memorable weekend.

“I think we’re all anxious for summer to finally get here and normally the conditions at the Norwalk race are more conducive to eating ice cream than anything else,” Coughlin said. “It’s been very rainy and cooler this spring, even lately, which is unusual this far into June, so if the NHRA visiting our state can turn the tide, I’m all for it.”

With a legion of friends, family and JEGS associates expected to be on hand, Coughlin also is hoping a return to his home state results in a return to his early season form, which was highlighted by his 61st career Pro Stock win, gathered in Phoenix.

“The Norwalk weekend would be a perfect place to see this yellow and black JEGS Camaro back on top,” he said. “The car’s been running pretty well all along but of late we really haven’t quite been on the pace we set in the first five races of the year. The team at Elite has been working very hard to fix the little performance issues bugging us and they definitely feel like we’re back on track.

“We’re looking to qualify well and contend once again for the No. 1 starting spot. And we’re very anxious to see some win lights come Sunday so we can put ourselves in position to win again.”

Based in the Columbus suburb of Delaware, Ohio, JEGS High Performance employs more than 400 associates, many of whom plan to make the trek to Norwalk to root on the JEGS-branded hot rods of Jeg Jr. and his nephew Troy Jr., who races the JEGS.com “Save on Garage Gear” Top Alcohol Dragster out of the McPhillips Racing camp.

“Whenever we race Norwalk or back home at National Trail Raceway we always have a huge fan base rooting for us,” Jeg Jr. said. “That makes it so special for everyone that proudly supports our brand. It also makes it extra satisfying to perform well in front of them because these are people we see every day in the hallways at work.

“We’re proud to be from Ohio and represent our state all around the country, but nothing beats doing well at home.”

Jeg Coughlin Jr. To Promote Universal Parks and Resorts at Norwalk, Sonoma Events

Jeg Coughlin Jr. to promote Universal Parks
and Resorts at Norwalk, Sonoma races
DELAWARE, Ohio (June 18) — Six-time world champion drag racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be encouraging race fans to enjoy more than the horsepower this summer with a special Universal Parks and Resorts-themed racecar at NHRA national events in Norwalk, Ohio, and Sonoma, Calif. Continue reading Jeg Coughlin Jr. To Promote Universal Parks and Resorts at Norwalk, Sonoma Events

Troy Coughlin Jr. to banner ‘WELD Racing At JEGS’ design at Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Troy Coughlin Jr. to banner ‘WELD Racing At JEGS’ design at Route 66 NHRA Nationals
JOLIET, Ill. (May 30) — Reigning North Central Region Top Alcohol Dragster champion
Troy Coughlin Jr. will unveil a special “WELD Racing At JEGS” design on the top-
running McPhillips Racing dragster he’ll pilot at this weekend’s Route 66 NHRA
Nationals. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. to banner ‘WELD Racing At JEGS’ design at Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Defending event Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. ready for more Chicago magic

Defending event Pro Stock champ
Jeg Coughlin Jr. ready for more Chicago magic
Reigning regional Top Alcohol Dragster champ Troy Coughlin Jr. running strong
JOLIET, Ill. (May 29) — Pro Stock ace Jeg Coughlin Jr. broke the longest winless streak of his career at last year’s Route 66 NHRA Nationals and ended up going on a tear that left him just one spot short of a sixth national class championship. Now the 62-time Pro Stock national event winner is expecting more Chicago magic, especially since he’s one of just two drivers in his class to have won a race this year. Continue reading Defending event Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. ready for more Chicago magic

NHRA’s best Sportsman racers take center stage at JEGS Allstars event

NHRA’s best Sportsman racers take
center stage at JEGS Allstars event
JOLIET, Ill. (May 28) – NHRA’s best Sportsman drivers will battle for class and divisional honors this weekend at the 35th annual JEGS Allstars, a special event held during the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

The 35th annual JEGS Allstars event is
always a highlight of the season.
The JEGS Allstars competition crowns individual champions in 10 separate eliminators, as well as an overall team champion. A highlight of the drag racing season for three and a half decades, the JEGS Allstars event features a total purse of more than $150,000, making it one of the richest events of its kind. Continue reading NHRA’s best Sportsman racers take center stage at JEGS Allstars event

Troy Coughlin Jr. scores runner-up finish to begin Division 1 championship chase

Troy Coughlin Jr. scores runner-up finish
to begin Division 1 championship chase
READING, Pa. (May 26) — Troy Coughlin Jr. began his first-ever Division 1 championship charge with a strong runner-up finish that, combined with a No. 1 qualifying effort, let the rest of the “Land of NED” know the JEGS.com McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster will be a force all season.

After running a stout 5.186-second pass at 278.98 mph in qualifying, Coughlin led the field into race day as the favorite to win it all. He then beat Brandon Greco and Jeff Veale in the first two rounds before losing on a holeshot to past world champion and defending event titlist Duane Shields. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. scores runner-up finish to begin Division 1 championship chase

Troy Coughlin Jr. begins quest for D1 dominance this weekend at beloved Maple Grove

Troy Coughlin Jr. begins quest for D1 dominance this weekend at beloved Maple Grove
READING, Pa. (May 22) — Perhaps no one is more excited about this weekend’s Northeast Division opener at Maple Grove Raceway than Troy Coughlin Jr., who claimed his sixth national event win at this facility en route to last year’s North Central Region Top Alcohol Dragster championship. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. begins quest for D1 dominance this weekend at beloved Maple Grove

Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s semifinal finish the highlight of busy weekend for Team JEGS

Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s semifinal finish the highlight of busy weekend for Team JEGS
DELAWARE, Ohio (May 19) — Five-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. zipped to a strong semifinal finish at the second annual Virginia NHRA Nationals in Dinwiddie, Va., to lead the charge for Team JEGS this weekend. Coughlin’s niece Paige, the son of three-time Pro Mod champion Troy Coughlin, also had a great weekend, going four rounds in Super Comp at the 13th annual Cavalcade of Stars in Norwalk, Ohio. Continue reading Jeg Coughlin Jr.’s semifinal finish the highlight of busy weekend for Team JEGS

Brother/sister combo Paige & Troy Coughlin Jr. braced for 13th Cavalcade of Stars

Brother/sister combo Paige & Troy Coughlin Jr.
braced for 13th Cavalcade of Stars
NORWALK, Ohio (May 14) — Reigning regional champion Troy Coughlin Jr. and his sister Paige Coughlin are bringing a trio of racecars to this weekend’s 13th annual Cavalcade of Stars in their home state of Ohio with high hopes of scoring a win or two in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Continue reading Brother/sister combo Paige & Troy Coughlin Jr. braced for 13th Cavalcade of Stars

Team JEGS racers hungry for hometown success at 17th annual Buckeye Nationals

Team JEGS racers hungry for hometown
success at 17th annual Buckeye Nationals
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 30) — The thrill of competing in front of a hometown crowd filled with family, friends and fellow associates of JEGS High Performance awaits Team JEGS drag racers Mike Coughlin, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Paige Coughlin at this weekend’s 17th annual NHRA Buckeye Nationals.

The group will contest both the Top Dragster and Super Comp categories at the event, which is the first regional race of the year on the North Central Division schedule.

Mike Coughlin has 26 career
wins in a variety of classes
“I’m searching for a run of good luck and I can’t think of a better place to start that than National Trail,” said Mike, who will be racing his JEGS.com-branded Top Dragster. “This is actually our third race of the year and our car has been great. We just haven’t had any luck. That’s not for lack of effort or talent. Everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing and the dragster is very fast and consistent.

“I made my first ever passes at National Trail and I’ve definitely been down that quarter-mile more than any other one in the world. We were just there a week ago for the track’s first race of the season and Jay Livingston (track owner) and his staff have done so much to improve the facility. My son Clay was racing his Junior Dragster and everything looked great. I’m excited to get started myself and look forward to racing with my niece and nephew.”

Mike is assisted by longtime Team JEGS crewmen Justin Beaver, Greg Cody, Tony Collier, Ryan Micke and Dave Rourke. Beaver and Collier also help Troy Jr. and Paige in their Super Comp dragsters.

Regional Top Alcohol Dragster champion Troy Jr. will step away from his regular ride — the JEGS.com McPhillips Racing TAD — to compete this weekend. Troy Jr. has earned six national and six divisional victories in his career, including the 2014 JEGS SPORTSnationals Super Gas title at National Trail Raceway.

“There’s no place like home and racing with some of my family members brings up tons of wonderful childhood memories for me, especially at National Trails,” Troy Jr. said. “I am really excited at what Jay and his staff have in the works for the facility. I know there are lots of great things coming.

“It’s an extra big weekend for me personally because my wife Brenna is graduating from nursing school Saturday so I’ll be really busy between the races and her ceremony. She’s worked so hard at getting her BSN. I’m very proud of her and looking forward to celebrating this accomplishment with her.”

Paige hasn’t driven her JEGS.com Super Comp dragster since starting her collegiate career at the University of Miami-Ohio last August, but says a recent test session at National Trail Raceway helped get her back into competition mode.

“I don’t feel too nervous yet but it’s only Monday,” Paige said. “I know the car is ready to go and it looks awesome. I’m pretty excited to be coming back because I haven’t competed in a race since last August.

“We had a great day of testing last Wednesday at NTR and Justin and Tony were super happy with everything. They changed some things on the car over the winter to make it more consistent and it ran really well so we’re all excited to get back to real racing. We have lots of plans for the summer race season and it all starts now.”

A double-major studying psychology and strategic communications, Paige is the third child of three-time Pro Mod world champion Troy Coughlin and his wife Julie, the younger sister of Troy Coughlin Jr. and the niece of Mike Coughlin.

Six-time world champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. returns to first love at K&N Spring Fling in Galot

Six-time world champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. returns to first love at K&N Spring Fling in Galot
BENSON, N.C. (April 29) — Long before he was winning world championships in NHRA competition, Jeg Coughlin Jr. was lining up against the toughest drag racers in the world at various high-dollar bracket races around the country. The six-time world champ returns to those roots this week at Kyle Seipel and Peter Biondo’s renowned K&N Spring Fling presented by Optima Batteries at Galot Motorsports Park.

Coughlin, who has 81 NHRA national event wins, will be racing a JEGS.com-branded dragster and his popular JEGS.com Chevy II wagon at the event. He’ll be joined by his talented wife Samantha Coughlin, who will race her own JEGS.com dragster.

“We’re eager and very excited to start racing,” Jeg Jr. said. “The last time I had the chance to bracket race was in 2016 so it’s been a little while. I’m thinking this has been the longest stretch of my driving career where I haven’t bracket raced somewhere so it’s a real thrill to be gearing up for this week.

“Peter and Kyle are longtime friends and they’ve done such a great job putting together all of these big ‘Fling’ races. I’ve spent a lot more time keeping up with them on the Internet then competing in them myself but this one I’m going to experience first-hand. If there’s a blessing to the NHRA trimming the Pro Stock schedule back a few races, being able to attend events like this definitely makes it worthwhile.”

Aside from his jaw-dropping NHRA resume, Coughlin has two dozen wins at specialty events like this one, including the 2015 Spring Fling, so he’s certainly no stranger to the extremely competitive racing that occurs at these high-profile events.

“Without question, all of the big hitters in our sport will be there,” Coughlin said. “I certainly picked a tough one to renew my vows, as it were, in the bracket racing world, but I’m going in with a big smile on my face.

“This style of event is the purest and most challenging form of drag racing you can get. I’ve been bracket racing since the ’80s when I first started driving and I compare success at events like this to be every bit as prestigious as a national event win. I’m proud to be a part of it all and for JEGS to be one of the sponsors. We’re all ready to get after it and have some fun.”

JEGS is supporting the $20K-to-win main event on “JEGS Thursday” and the live audio/video racecast for the entire event, which will be broadcast by MotorManiaTV.com.

“I’ve actually never been to Galot Motorsports Park before but I’ve seen pictures and heard a bunch of great things about the facility,” Coughlin said. “I am excited to hit the throttle!”

Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte

Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS
dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. (April 23) — Troy Coughlin Jr. is happy anytime he gets to race his JEGS.com McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster. That’s especially the case when the NHRA tour visits zMAX Dragway in the Charlotte suburb of Concord, as it will this weekend for the 10th annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.

“The No. 1 coolest thing about this race is the fans,” Coughlin said. “They are so passionate about racing — any kind of racing — and that’s exactly the way I am. If it’s got wheels and a motor, I’m interested. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte

Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research

Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K
for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research
DELAWARE, Ohio (April 16) – This year’s 15th annual Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals Bench Race and Charity Challenge raised $13,652 for the JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research. What started as a fun way to break up the winter months, Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals has now topped $100,000 in total monies raised.
Continue reading Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research

Troy Coughlin Jr. wrangles runner-up result at Houston NHRA national event

Troy Coughlin Jr. wrangles runner-up
result at Houston NHRA national event
HOUSTON (April 14) — Troy Coughlin Jr. raced his JEGS.com McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster to a runner-up finish Sunday at the 32nd annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil.

Racing in just his second year in the class, Coughlin beat Rob McKinley, Steve Collier and Shane Conway before getting edged by current national points leader Megan Meyer in a thrilling side-by-side finale. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. wrangles runner-up result at Houston NHRA national event