NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season did not go as planned for Pro Stock standout Jeg Coughlin Jr.

But the five-time world champion won’t have to wait long to try to make amends and with the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship starting, the veteran also knows there’s a chance to finish 2016 with a flourish.

To this point it has been a struggle for Coughlin and his Magneti Marelli/Elite/JEGS.com Dodge Dart GT, as he slipped into the 10th and final spot in the Countdown to the Championship. But there is still time for a turnaround starting at this weekend’s Countdown to the Championship opener, the ninth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

“We are fired up to have a fresh start,” Coughlin said. “We have a chance and that's put a pep in everyone's step. This team's worked so hard and we've really made some good headway lately so there is reason to be optimistic.

“There's no question we cannot miss a beat starting right now. There isn't some magic elixir or bullet we've been saving. We'll do what we know has worked in the past and that's to stick to the basics.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) bettered the competition a year ago at a race that will be broadcast on FS1 for the first time. It is the 18th of 24 races in 2016 and the first of six races in the NHRA’s six-race playoffs.

The sense of urgency for Coughlin is apparent and he remains optimistic the entire Elite Motorsports team can find its groove at the most important juncture of the season. Starting from the 10th position isn’t ideal, but getting hot in Charlotte could make things interesting down the stretch for Coughlin, who has chased down titles in the Countdown to the Championship format before in his stellar career.

“We’ve been in this Countdown format since 2007 so I think we all know and understand how it works with the points resetting and the field tightening up,” said Coughlin, who has 58 career Pro Stock victories. “It's a fresh start for many of us and we've been on both ends of this equation in the past so we have a good feeling for how it all works. Bottom line is you need to be strong in the Countdown.”

Coughlin enters the Countdown to the Championship having lost in the first round at four of the past five races, but he remains steadfast that he can have an impact when it comes to competing for a championship.

“This is a team of champions, from the drivers to the engine builders to the crew, (and) we've all won multiple titles,” Coughlin said. “We're going to go race these last six events as hard as we can and try to make something happen. There's no question we have a steep mountain ahead of us but we'll make the best of this second chance, for sure.”

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 12:45 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, Sept. 18.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-455-FANS (3267). Tickets also are available online at www.zmaxdragway.com.  Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.