Mike and Troy Coughlin Jr. set to play a home game this weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 17) – If there is such a thing as home field advantage in drag racing, Team JEGS racers Mike and Troy Coughlin Jr. certainly have it anytime they venture to National Trail Raceway in the Columbus suburb of Hebron, Ohio.

While other racers travel in from all over the Midwest for this weekend’s NHRA Lucas Oil Series event at the historic facility, Mike and Troy Jr. will be blessed with a short tow from the team’s headquarters in nearby Delaware, Ohio, and the opportunity to spend the weekend surrounded by family, friends and co-workers.

"We have a lot of fun racing all over the country but in the end, there is nothing like racing right here at National Trail Raceway," Mike said. "Our family has raced here since the track opened and all of us have had so much success over the years at this place. It’s just one of those tracks that feels like home. We’re all very comfortable here."

Mike is currently tied for third in the Brodix/Steve Schmidt Engines Top Sportsman series but has competed in just four events so far this season, which means he could challenge for his third career North Central Division title if he can come up with a strong showing in the second half of the season, beginning this weekend.

"All year long, my car has been good," Mike said. "It has been very consistent and reliable so we don’t feel the need to make any big changes. We’re just sticking with our normal routine. We haven’t had the luck we need to get to the winner’s circle but that will change. I’ve lost some really close races and we’ve had a couple of little small problems but I’m hoping that’s all behind us now. We’ll definitely be looking to go some rounds this weekend and then see where we are in the points."

While Mike will be in his familiar 210-mph JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt, Troy Jr. will try a different approach as he is set to make his debut in Super Gas behind the wheel of his uncle Jeg’s Corvette Roadster. Troy Jr. will also be pulling double duty in the Top Dragster class.

"I’ve done okay in Super Comp but I felt like it was time to try something a little different," Troy said. "Uncle Jeg gave me a chance to race his roadster in Super Gas and he didn’t have to ask twice. We’re going to test the car this week and then go out and see what we can do this weekend."

Five-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. earned the first of his 68 NHRA national event victories in the Super Gas class at National Trail Raceway in 1990. He later captured the Super Gas world title in 1992. Troy Jr. is hoping to share in that success as he makes the transition to the 9.90-index Super Gas class.

"Super Gas and Super Comp are basically the same but there are a few little differences," Troy said. "For one, the visibility isn’t as good in Super Gas since you are sitting behind the engine but I think I should be able to adjust quickly. I know that I’ll be driving a very good car and our JEGS crew is top notch so it’s up to me to do my job.

"I’m also excited to be racing in Top Dragster again. I have a fast car and it’s a lot of fun to drive. I’m still fairly new to Top Dragster but I like it a lot. I’ve managed to win a few races in Super Comp and in bracket racing but I’m really hoping my next win comes in Top Dragster or Super Gas, and it would be awesome if it came this weekend."