The 10-week gap between Mike Coughlin's season-opening Top Dragster victory February 12 at the Winternationals in California, to this weekend's Division 3 opener at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis isn't quite as long as the traditional winter break, but it sure has felt like it for the two-time Div. 3 champ out of the JEGS.com camp.

"It definitely has felt like a long time since I've been in the dragster," Coughlin admitted. "Especially after winning Pomona because we all wanted to keep racing. Our schedule just didn't allow for it so the best I've been able to do is hang around the shop, keep up with all the other races on the computer, and support my brothers and my nephew.”

This weekend's race represents the first of the year for Division 3, where Coughlin plies his trade each year. His past championships in D3 came in Top Sportsman, but this year he's chasing the Top Dragster title in his Dan Page-built rail.

"I'm also bringing my good luck charm, my son Clay,” the Ohio driver said. “He came to Pomona and we won so he said he better come to Indy too. Makes sense to me! Our other son Jack will be at home golfing with his high school team, but I know he'll be pulling for us, and we'll be rooting for him." [04/27/17]

Each day’s action will be available on YouTube: Friday

saturday

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Mia Tedesco made history last year when she became the first woman in 65 years of organized drag racing to claim the Super Gas world championship. A big part of that accomplishment was the work she did in NHRA Division 3, where she also won the 2016 title.

For that reason, and many others, this weekend's Division 3 opener at Lucas Oil Raceway is a race where the 23-year-old Tedesco really hopes to shine. In addition to Super Gas, Tedesco will be competing in Top Alcohol Dragster, where she is the defending North Central Region champion.

To make sure she gets the most out of this visit to the Racing Capital of the World, Tedesco and crew chiefs Dave Hirata (TAD) and Jason Lynch (Super Gas) plan to get some testing in prior to the race.

"They are opening the track up Thursday for a test and tune and I think we'll take advantage of that time and make some passes," Tedesco said. "That's how important this race is for us. We're halfway through spring and heading to summer and it's time to make sure we're getting the most out of both cars." [04/27/17]

Joseph Anderson has been named Media Relations Manager for the National Hot Rod Association, NHRA Director of Media Relations Scott R. Smith announced.

Anderson joins NHRA following two years as a communications staff member with the Los Angeles Clippers. During his time, he assisted the public relations department with game notes and statistics, while also serving as a media contact for game credentials. Prior to that, he served as the communications coordinator for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

In his new role, Anderson will provide media outreach for NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series initiatives, as well as support other NHRA communications programs and NHRA racing series. In addition, he will maintain and develop relationships with national media members, assist with research and statistical projects and contribute to all NHRA communications department publications.  (photo courtesy NHRA)  [04/27/17]

Holley/MSD has announced the release of the HyFire Ignition from Mallory, one of the iconic names in racing ignition history that's back now and better than ever. HyFire  is a modern capacitive discharge ignition that delivers powerful electronics in a vintage-style case that's right at home in any classic hot rod engine compartment. Below 3000 rpm, the HyFire produces a series of sparks – not just one – for more power, a smoother idle, instant throttle response, quicker starts, and improved drivability. It provides a powerful spark from idle rpm all the way to the redline and features a built-in rev limiter that's easily adjusted with rotary dials in 100-rpm increments. It accepts triggers from points, magnifiers, and magnetic pickups and is fully compatible with virtually any engine that has a distributor.  [04/27/17]