If any of you are out there living up to your New Year’s resolutions, then give yourself a pat on the back for sticking to a change and making it work. We should also extend our praise to a certain young member of Coughlin clan, proprietors of the famous JEGS mail order automotive performance equipment company, whose third-generation prodigy, T.J., is taking a chance in a new world of drag racing competition for 2015.
The young T.J. Coughlin, whose father, Troy, has had several wins and victories to his own credit, is emerging from the Super Gas and Super Comp index classes to take part in the heads-up Pro Mod class, which is sure to bring on a new set of challenges and obstacles for the youngster. T.J. understands the pressure, but feels confident thanks to the friends and family that are there to support him.
“My goals for this year is to roll into every race, be prepared mentally and physically as a driver to help put forth the perfect effort and perfect attempt and to race together as a team and communicate and not let my guys down,” he said. “We want to represent the company, my family and the NHRA in the correct manner.”
“I’m very grateful,” T.J. continued. “I’m backed by the greatest folks: Steve Petty, Mike Rees, Justin Beaver, Kyle Pettis, my dad [Troy Coughlin], Scott Woodruff–everybody. I race for a great company, JEGS Mail Order. It just doesn’t get any better. It’s almost like Christmas in a way.”
T.J. is following in his father’s footsteps, who also currently competes in Pro Mod. “Racing with dad is the whole reason why I started racing,” he said. “I always wanted to race so I could be with my dad. Being in the same class is going to be a lot of fun, and a lot of good memories are going to be created, that’s for sure.”
With an NHRA Division 3 Super Gas Championship already under his belt, it will be interesting to see what T.J. can do when he makes his Pro Mod debut at the Amelie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, taking place at the Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Florida this weekend, March 12-15. Go get ’em, T.J.!
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