SIGNATURE PROFILES
© 1999 - 2001 Dwight Drum
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SIGNATURE PROFILES
© 1999 - 2001 Dwight Drum
JOHN COUGHLIN
Story and questions by Dwight Drum
Photos by Dwight Drum and Gary Larsen
"It seems that John Coughlin has acquired, probably at birth, an extra circuit that others of us don't have. He may be wired to worry, but his vigilance is an asset to the Jeg's team.
I don't think Jeg Senior started racing with the idea in mind to create a racing dynasty, but with a large and growing family he's seems to have done that. When you visit the Jeg's trailer compound at an NHRA event with all the yellow in metal and canopies, the impression is regal within this racing world. The present and future for this racing team seems as bright as the yellow in their logo. While the Jeg's business and family grows, each member contributes to the racing legacy. I interviewed Mike and John simultaneously, but each personality shines like the bright yellow that carries their banner. John's extra circuit helps to keep the Jeg's yellow shining.
DOB: 1-20-1963
Birth Town: Columbus, Ohio
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio
"My great personality…(smiles) I don't know. It's important to get along with everybody. Do unto others as you would want to be done to you."
What's most important?"The winning and the fun."
Do you have a nickname?"Crumb."
Who are your Heroes?"My dad is my biggest hero."
Are you pleased with life?"Oh yeah! We had a baby girl six weeks ago."
What could please you more?"A tenth quicker and three miles an hour faster. We would be happier if we won more often. We are a good team and we give it our best. If we got better, it would make everyone happier."
When driving a car, do you always wear a seatbelt?"Yeah, most of the time. Especially when my little boy is in the car…Daddy, get your seat belt on."
Is racing your full-time occupation?"No. It's more of a hobby. I work in the business of Jeg's. "
Do you have time for a hobby?"."
What vehicle do you drive on the street?"Chevy Tahoe."
Do you work out?"I run about a mile, three or four times a week."
Name one other sport, you feel you could master or be competitive?""Golf."
If you could make one part of your body stronger, what part would that be?"My head."
Do you have pets?"Not right now, but we are going to get a boxer."
Do you have a special diet?"No, but I do take vitamins."
What quality do you admire most in other people?"I admire people who are friendly."
When frustrated. What do you do first?"I try to be cool."
What mental routine prepares you for each run?"I try to run back in my head, how I'm supposed to do my job and stay focused on that."
What are (or have been) your scariest moments?"As a boy, when I was learning how to ride bikes. I wiped out and fell on concrete without wearing a helmet."
What do you do to unwind?"I don't. I stay wound up."
If you could change one thing about drag racing, what would you change?"Nothing. Drag racing works well. We're pleased with that."
When asleep do you ever dream you are racing?"Oh yeah!"
"I don't know…probably at home relaxing with my family. I'm not always relaxed at the races, but I enjoy racing and working with my family."
You're a skilled racer… On public highways, what's different about you and other drivers?"I'm very careful. I don't speed and I'm a defensive driver."
What do you worry about the most?"Everything."
Can you describe the G-forces at the tree…the launch?"The wheels go up and the launch sets you back in the seat. It's awesome."
What does your fastest speed feel like?"It feels cool. It pulls all the way through the run. It's a good feeling especially if the win light comes on."
Most people learn something from mistakes. What mistake caused you to learn the most?"I learn from mistakes every day."
Who means the most to you?"My family."
"My dad's common sense. My mom's cooking (she's Italian) and my dad's management skills."
"I fear getting hurt, and I fear for my family members."
In a few words, how would you sum up…yourself?"Easy going, happy guy."
Additional Comments?"We want to thank Zoomster for having us on the Internet."
FINAL WORDInterviewing the Coughlin family requires effort, not because they are difficult to approach, because so many Coughlins bring their talents to the drag strip. Jeg's is a big part of the NHRA scene, and if the recent newborns in the family are any indication of the future, it looks like the Jeg's presence could be growing. John Coughlin was first born to this racing legacy, and he seems to have inherited and learned much from his productive father. John is keenly attentive to the Jeg's operation, and when I searched for a single word to describe his character I had to find one that focused on energy. Gary Larsen agreed…John Coughlin is….
