Denver: Team Jeg's Friday qualifying summary

Team Jeg's off to solid start on the mountain.

High temperatures and blue skies set the stage at Bandimere Speedway for the first day of pro qualifying for the Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals. Jeg Coughlin entered the event the most recent winner on the 23 race circuit with a victory in St. Louis just a few weeks earlier. Jeg was hopeful for a good start to the weekend as he began his quest for another victory on the mountain.

Jeg's hopes were realized in the day's first session. The Jeg's Mail Order Cavalier posted the third best time of the round with a solid pass of 7.381 seconds at 187.29 mph.

"We knew that it would be pretty important to get off to a good start," commented Jeg. "The high altitudes that we encounter at this facility are unlike anything that we face all year. The earlier you can get a handle on it, the better off you are for the rest of the weekend. That run gave us a good base line to work from."

Temperatures decreased and track conditions improved slightly as the factory door slammers took to the quarter mile for the crucial Friday evening session. A significant shift in the field was anticipated and the field of 26 Pro Stock qualifying hopefuls were quick to deliver.

Jeg Coughlin was bumped out of the show by the time he rolled his Jeg's Mail Order Cavalier into the water-box. The yellow and black responded to the challenge with a 7.297 second pass at 189.07mph propelling him into the fifth qualifying spot.

"We knew that the night session would be crucial," said Jeg. "We had our backs against the wall, and Team Jeg's responded to the call. We'll take a look at our notes tonight and work on tuning for the afternoon heat tomorrow."

Qualifying for the Mopar Parts NHRA Mile High Nationals will resume with two additional sessions Saturday June, 20. Pro Stock qualifying will begin at 10:00 am (MT) from Bandimere Speedway.

-jeg's