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.

“Charlotte fans are ones you remember year after year because they’ll come up to say hello and they know everything about your season and your car. They ask really good questions because they’re so into racing. I feel like I’m one of them because I’d be the exact same way if I wasn’t here racing myself. I love it.”

Coughlin also has great affection for the track itself as zMAX Dragway is widely recognized as one of the best on tour. Like all Bruton Smith-built facilities, the track surface is always smooth and the grounds are clean and welcoming for racers and fans alike.

The extra attention paid to the track usually makes for great racing, something that has Coughlin’s attention, especially since he arrives in the Queen City coming off a strong performan