(Auto Imagery photo)

“Jeg Coughlin is probably the toughest driver in this class and he’s been someone I’ve always looked up to and admired since I was a kid. I think it’ s cool just to be racing against him but to actually beat him three times in final rounds is almost hard to believe. I just feel very fortunate right now because everything seems to be going our way.”

While the Nick Mitsos owned and tuned Mountain View Avenger has performed well during the last two victories, Nobile’s driving has also been remarkable as he used a starting line holeshot to defeat reigning NHRA Mello Yello Series champion and teammate Allen Johnson. Nobile led by a hundredth of a second at the start and won with a 6.589 to Johnson’s 6.583. Nobile also defeated Chris McGaha and Greg Anderson to reach the final.

As an additional benefit to his back-to-back victories, Nobile has officially locked up his place in the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six-race playoff to determine the season champions. He moved past Shane Gray into fourth place, his highest ranking since the Phoenix event in February

Jeg Coughlin Jr. raced to his second consecutive final round – and the 91st of his brilliant Pro Stock career – in the NHRA Northwest Nationals on Sunday at Pacific Raceways.

But the four-time class champion wanted more after falling in the final to J&J Racing teammate Vincent Nobile for the second week in a row.

"We had great showings, being in the last two finals," Coughlin said. "But we're here to win the trophy, and we came up a little short of that today.

"It was a hustle, it was a thrash, and I commend the whole team. We had a lot of Mopar guys from (teammate) Allen (Johnson's) team on top of my car today from second round on, helping us with it. I thank them as well."