Sat, 13 Nov 2010, 03:56 PM Coughlin to Step Away from Pro Stock Class in 2011

Courtesy of Jegs PR Photo copyright 2010 NHRA

POMONA, Calif. --

Jeg Coughlin Jr.

Five-time world champion drag racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. has announced he will not return to Pro Stock in 2011. One of the most prolific drivers in NHRA history, Coughlin is planning a less hectic schedule of Sportsman events in a variety of race cars in 2011, forgoing the time demands of the 22-race professional circuit.

"We took most of 2006 off just to kind of have a break from it all," the 40-year-old Coughlin said. "We did a lot of high-dollar bracket races and select Lucas Oil Sportsman Series events here and there with no particular schedule in mind. We kind of just raced when we wanted to and it was a lot of fun. That is the direction I am heading now.

"When the chance to get back into Pro Stock presented itself towards the end of '06 we sat down and thought about the goals we could go for if we did return. We knew we wanted to pass the 50-win mark. We accomplished that. We wanted to be in position to contend for the championship each year, and we won two more since we returned. And we really wanted to salute our dad and family business on the 50th anniversary of JEGS, which happened throughout this season.

"My career has turned out better than I would have ever imagined. I feel so fortunate to have raced with the people I've raced with and to have won the races and championships we've won for the yellow and black. It's just been a phenomenal ride, and it's not over by any means. I have been going Mach II with my hair on fire since the early 90's and I kind of want to take a breath."

To date, Coughlin has collected four Pro Stock titles (2000, 2002, 2007, and 2008) and 52 national event Pro Stock trophies to go with one Super Gas world championship (1992) and 14 more national event Sportsman victories.

Aside from his own future racing endeavors, Coughlin plans to serve as a crewman for his fiance Samantha Kenny and his nephew Troy Coughlin Jr., who both run Super Comp. He also plans to support the racing efforts of brothers John, Troy, Mike and their families.

"I'm also very excited about having the time to go to more of my son Jeggie's golf tournaments. He's so passionate about the sport and he's turning into quite the golfer. I look forward to watching his development continue.

"I also want to make it clear that I'm not done racing at the pro level. I have been approached and am considering some of the opportunities. I have no idea what the future will hold. I just know that for right now I want to take a step back and relax a little bit."

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