Staff Report
On Mother’s Day weekend Cody Coughlin went to victory lane at Indiana’s Anderson Speedway. On Father’s Day weekend Coughlin did the same, but this time on the high-banked half-mile of Salem Speedway in Indiana.
Coughlin set a track record in qualifying with a time of 16.96 seconds. He started from the 10th position after the invert, and quickly started coming through the field.
It took just one lap for the Joe Gibbs Racing Development Driver to gain four spots. After that he slowly and methodically worked his way through the top five before taking over the lead with about 20 laps remaining.
From there Coughlin stayed smooth on multiple restarts to score his fourth Late Model win of the season and first JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour win this year.
“This is the first time I’ve ever scored a second win at a race track,” said Coughlin. “It’s becoming one of my favorite tracks. This was awesome. We’ll just keep working hard and go on to the next one and try to do the same.”
The only moment that caused a bit of concern for Coughlin happened as he was coming to take the white flag. A lapped car just ahead of him had a rear tire come off the car right in front of Coughlin, though Coughlin was able to avoid it.
“I was beginning to think that this one wasn’t meant to be,” said the 20 year-old. “Thankfully we saved enough throughout the race that I was able to get it done on those late restarts and get the win.”
With the win on Saturday night, Coughlin has swept this year’s weekends honoring parents by winning on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends.
“That’s really cool,” Coughlin said. “That didn’t even occur to me until someone said it, but to do that is really cool. My parents have given so much for me throughout my life, so to repay them in any small way with these wins means a lot to me and I know it does to them too.”
Coughlin, the dual CRA points leader, held off his crew chief Jack Smith, who was charging hard from the rear of the field.
“I knew Jack was fast, especially on short runs,” said Coughlin. “That was what we plan to do is run one-two when we come to these places.
“I’m so thankful to have Jack as my crew chief, and have my whole team behind me. My team manager, Kevin (Hamlin) works so hard and just celebrated a birthday yesterday, so happy birthday to him. Kevin, Scott (Wimmer, spotter) and Dave (Holt, crew member) are amazing guys and I’m glad they’re on my team. Of course I have to thank our Lord and Savior for the blessings he continues to give my family.”
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Teamjegs.com contributed to this report.
