Three-time NHRA champion Jeg Coughlin pocketed the top prize of the $20,000 Top Eliminator Top Gun Classic Saturday at Piedmont Dragway in Julian, N.C.

One of the most successful racers in NHRA Pro Stock history, Coughlin traded in his Pro Stocker for his Jeg's Mail Order dragster over the weekend and survived nine grueling rounds of competition against the best bracket racers in the country to claim the $20K paycheck during the second day of racing.

Three-time NHRA champion Jeg Coughlin pocketed the top prize of the $20,000 Top Eliminator Top Gun Classic Saturday at Piedmont Dragway in Julian, N.C.

One of the most successful racers in NHRA Pro Stock history, Coughlin traded in his Pro Stocker for his Jeg's Mail Order dragster over the weekend and survived nine grueling rounds of competition against the best bracket racers in the country to claim the $20K paycheck during the second day of racing.

"Considering the other competitors on the property, I'd rank this win right up there with anything I've accomplished in drag racing," Coughlin said. "All of the East Coast heavyweights were there and every round was like a final. There was a lot of pressure but it was also a lot of fun and obviously very gratifying to win."

The Top Gun Classic featured three consecutive days of top-level bracket racing with $20,000 up for grabs each day. Aside from his dragster, Coughlin was breaking in his newly-restored Chevy II wagon. But it was the dragster that carried him to the winner's circle.

"Between the two cars I made more than 40 passes this weekend," Coughlin said. "It was drag racing heaven. The dragster was set up perfectly, even though the track was very tricky due to the heat. We were on a 4.73-second dial and my reaction times averaged .008 so I was very pleased with our results."

Coughlin has 46 national event wins in NHRA competition, racing in five different classes. He's won the Moroso 5-Day championship in a Super Pro car, the JEGS Allstar race in Super Gas, and the Hemi Shootout and JEGS Allstar championship in Super Stock. He's also won the Holley Dominator Duel and Winston Showdown in Pro Stock.