July 08, 2018

DELAWARE, Ohio (July 8) -- Top Alcohol Dragster pro Troy Coughlin Jr. raced to a runner-up finish Sunday at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Spectacle at Lucas Oil Raceway, highlighting a weekend that included a third-round appearance by his sister Paige, who competes in Super Comp. Across the country in New Hampshire, Jeg Coughlin Jr. took an early exit from the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals.

"Considering we weren't even qualified until the last session, to have ended the day as runner-up says so much about this team," Troy Jr. said. "Rich McPhillips, Rich Jr., Duke Roney, Andy Good, Charlie Wrotten and Justin Beaver, they're true racers. They want to win and they're willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

"It's an absolute honor to drive this racecar for this team."

On the day, Troy Jr. beat Jared Dreher, 5.328 at 278.86 mph to 5.351 at 270.43 mph, and Justin Ashley, 5.398 at 276.97 mph to 5.464 at 263.05 mph, before falling to Josh Hart in the money round.

Sunday's finish marked the third time this season that Troy Jr. has driven the JEGS.com McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster to the trophy round. He previously won the Norwalk divisional event and was runner-up at the Norwalk national event.

"The guys worked so hard this weekend to get us up to speed and things just clicked for us today," said Troy Jr., who qualified fifth with a 5.376 at 278.17 mph. "In the final we shook the tires a little and it wouldn't recover in time to get back in front and try to win. Still, I'm incredibly proud of the day and the race we put together."

Paige had her best outing of the year in her JEGS.com Super Comp dragster, winning two rounds before losing a very close race in the third elimination session. She qualified third with an 8.903 then beat Rob Goins and Shanna Snyder before getting nipped by Mike Jirousek. Paige also participated in the DRAW/RFC Super Comp Shootout presented by Moser Engineering, which invites only the top eight qualifies to compete. 

"It was a great weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway," Paige said. "It was good to go rounds and be a part of the Sunday line up. We went to Kilkare last weekend for the Liberty Classic and that's where we started our momentum. Justin Beaver has been doing an amazing job at tuning the car and that continued through this weekend. It was great weekend of racing and I'm looking forward to being in the seat again."

With two Pro Stock and one Super Comp win on his 2018 resume, Jeg Jr. was primed for a long day at New England Dragway after qualifying his JEGS.com/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro with a steady 6.547 at 212.16 mph. Unfortunately, an extra quick start by first-round opponent Chris McGaha resulted in a holeshot loss. "Not what we wanted today but nothing to hang our heads about," said Jeg Jr., whose 6.569 at 211.63 mph lost to McGaha's 6.576 at 210.87 mph. "We'll just change gears and get ourselves prepared for the Western Swing. It's a part of the season I truly enjoy, running the races in Denver, Sonoma and Seattle and we can really set ourselves up nicely for the Countdown to the Championship.

"We have a week off and then we'll head to Denver and Bandimere Speedway. We have a long and wonderful relationship with the Bandimere family and I'm excited to see them again, along with the great fans in Colorado. A big salute to the fans here in New England too. They sold this place out this weekend and we loved being here with them."