SIGNATURE PROFILES
© 1999 - 2001 Dwight Drum
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SIGNATURE PROFILES
© 1999 - 2001 Dwight Drum
MIKE COUGHLIN
Story by Dwight Drum
Photos by Dwight Drum and Gary Larsen
Mike Coughlin seems relaxed at the track where he and his family are busy preparing for speed.
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. Mike is an intregal part of that team as are his brothers. While the Jeg's business and family grows, each member contributes to the racing legacy. I interviewed Mike and John simultaneously, but their different personalities shine like the bright yellow that carries their banner.
DOB: 1-23-1966
Birth Town: Columbus, Ohio
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio
"Probably the ability to concentrate on starting line procedures. I like to stay on top, be tough, ahead of the game, and know my shift points. In 98 and 99 I was first in reaction times. In 200 I was second by a thousandth of a second."
What's most important?"Thrill of winning and the family issues. Family first, winning seconds, and you have to have the money to go racing."
Do you have a nickname?"Not really…'The C'."
"My dad…and Dale Earnhardt…he was unbelievable."
Are you pleased with life?"Yeah. My wife and I just had our first baby boy…my first new adventure. My wife is from Canton, and she's a big baseball fan."
What could please you more?"That we could have more success in our truck program, our engine program."
When driving a car, do you always wear a seatbelt?"Yeah, you can't be too safe. It's one more thing that can help your driving."
Is racing your full-time occupation?"Yes. I'm directly involved with our engine development and our new distribution center."
"Racing is a hobby, but it's work related. I have collectable cars, and I play with water skis when I get the time."
What vehicle do you drive on the street?"Chevy Tahoe."
Do you work out?"No, but I should. I think it would help me feel better. With a little one now, it's like working out."
Name one other sport, you feel you could master or be competitive?""A different form of racing, and I'm also a marksman."
If you could make one part of your body stronger, what part would that be?"The ability to concentrate."
Do you have pets?"We have two boxers…Basil and Bronx."
Do you have a special diet?"No, but I try to take vitamins every day."
What quality do you admire most in other people?"People are generally good. I like to do unto others as they would do unto you."
When frustrated. What do you do first?"I try to stay cool. Try to stay calm."
What mental routine prepares you for each run?"I think about consistency, the racing job, and I try to stay focused."
What are (or have been) your scariest moments?"I haven't had a whole lot of scary moments except when my boat almost feel on me. The overhead cables broke and it came unhooked, tossed me into the water. The hull would have fallen on me, but for one hook that held in the back."
What do you do to unwind?"I take one of my cars out and listen to music. I also ride a Harley. It's relaxing, no phone, no nothing."
If you could change one thing about drag racing, what would you change?"I think things are going well."
When asleep do you ever dream you are racing?"Yeah. Sometimes."
Where do you find the most peace in your life?"I like spending quality time with my wife and new baby boy. He's cool...Jack Edward. He's named after my dad and my wife's dad. Also when I drive the truck."
You're a skilled racer… On public highways, what's different about you and other drivers?"I'm good at driving even on public roads in a lot of traffic because I'm a racer. I'm constantly watching out."
What do you worry about the most?"I don't worry a lot. I do worry about my little one growing up. Society is tough."
Can you describe the G-forces at the tree…the launch?"Two and half to three G's. When you leave the starting line you get a good kick. It's a lot of fun."
What does your fastest speed feel like?"180 mph even. The faster you go, the more stable they are. It's a neat ride, things go by so fast."
Most people learn something from mistakes. What mistake caused you to learn the most?"The biggest mistake is not focusing, not paying attention to do it right."
Who means the most to you?"My family in general."
If you could acquire three traits from three people, what traits would you take from whom?" My dad's common sense. He's unbelievable at turning complex problems into single tasks. Our grandmother's wit. She's a strong woman. My brother's work ethic. We stay busy."
"I fear failure. It's not in our vocabulary."
In a few words, how would you sum up…yourself?"Focused, confident, caring."
Additional Comments?"Like his brother John, Mike said he wanted to thank Zoomster for having us."
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. Zoomster needs to grow to keep up with Jeg's. When I searched for a final word for Mike many jumped out. I thought about 'cruiser' as that is his hobby, but I knew I had to key on the family connection, as that is a Coughlin focus. Gary Larsen sat in and photographed my double interview of John and Mike, and he agreed with my choice. Mike Coughlin is…
