• Sports News

Coughlin Ready to Defend Las Vegas Pro Showdown Title at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Jan. 31

Veteran NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock racer Jeg Coughlin Jr. is ready to defend his title at the 2009 edition of the Las Vegas Pro Stock Showdown at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Jan. 31.

Coughlin, of Mooresville, N.C., won last year’s Pro Stock Showdown at The Strip at LVMS and went on to capture the 2008 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock championship.

“I am more then ready to get behind the wheel and start the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season,” said Jeg Jr. “Being in Las Vegas for the Pro Stock Showdown gives everyone a chance to reacquainted and see which teams’ hard work in the off season paid off on the track. It’s kind of like our spring training – you want to show everyone you’re ready to play. Last year we were fortunate to win the shootout and go into Pomona with a little boost of energy as a team.”

The weekend – which allows drag racing fans a sneak peek at the 2009 campaign – kicks off on Friday, Jan. 30, with Pro Stock qualifying at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Pro Stock eliminations begin on Saturday, Jan. 31, at noon.

The weekend also includes the National Open for Stock/Super Stock Combo, Super Comp, Super gas, Super Street, Top Sportsman/Top Dragster Combo, Electronic Bracket, Non-Electronic Bracket and Sportsman Motorcycle teams. NHRA divisional grade points will be awarded and winners will receive NHRA “Wally” trophies.

The Strip at LVMS will be open for pre-Pomona professional and Sportsman testing Feb 2-3. For more information, please call The Strip’s office at (702) 632-8213 during business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific, Monday through Friday).

Thursday, Jan. 29
8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Pit parking and credentials.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Tech inspection.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Pro Stock practice (free to pre-registered Pro Stock racers).
Noon-5 p.m. – Sportsman Test ‘n’ Tune (entry fee: $60 car and driver).

Friday, Jan. 30
6 a.m. – Pit parking and credentials.
7 a.m. – Tech inspection.
8 a.m.-6 p.m. – Sportsman qualifying and record runs (two-to-three sessions).
Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. – Pro Stock qualifying.
12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – Professional test runs.
6 p.m. – Track closed.

Saturday, Jan. 31
6 a.m. – Pit parking and credentials.
7 a.m. – Tech inspection.
8 a.m. – Final Sportsman qualifying (one run, time permitting).
10 a.m. – Final Pro Stock qualifying.
10:30 a.m. – National Open eliminations.
Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – Pro Stock eliminations.
12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. – Professional test runs.
6 p.m. – Track closed.

Sunday, Feb. 1
6 a.m. – Pit parking and credentials.
7 a.m. – Tech inspection.
8 a.m. – Bracket Cash Dash ($500 to winner).
9 a.m. – Bracket eliminations.
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. – Pro Stock practice sessions.
10 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m. – Professional test runs.
2 p.m. – Track closed.

Entry fees: National Open car and driver: $165. Four-day restricted-area pass: $60. Bracket race (Sunday): $100. Bracket crew pass (Sunday only): $15. Professional test fee (nitro and alcohol classes, car and driver): $500 per day.

National Open classes: Stock/Super Stock Combo, Super Comp, Super gas, Super Street, Top Sportsman/Top Dragster Combo, Electronic Bracket, Non-Electronic Bracket, Sportsman Motorcycle.

Divisional grade points will be awarded and winners will receive NHRA “Wally” trophies.