If actions speak louder than words, then retirement is overrated by Troy Coughlin Sr.'s return to racing.

The three-time and reigning NHRA Pro Modified champion ended his sidelines stay three weeks ago, returning to competition at the NHRA Virginia Nationals outside of Richmond. He's yet to win a round of competition in his returns, but he's racing again, and this will suffice for now.

"We got the band back together, and we're having a blast," said Coughlin. "Everyone's giving me a hard time about my 'retirement,' but I just say I got fired from being retired. I missed it too much; the racing, the interaction with the fans, the fun with all the other drivers...I had to come back.

"My buddy Jose Gonzales (currently seventh in the points) told me in Gainesville, 'Hey Troy, I have an extra car so whenever you want to come back out, and race, all you have to do is ask.' Well, as much fun as I was having with (children) T.J. and Paige racing their cars, I realized pretty quick I wasn't done. So here we are again."

Coughlin's "band" is comprised of crew chief Steve Petty and crewmen Mike Rees and Kyle Pettis, along with their partners at Proline Racing and FuelTech, and they've been working hard on getting Gonzales' twin-turbo Ford Mustang up to speed.

"All the pieces and parts are there, but we haven't found the exact balance just yet," said Coughlin. "We have this race and then the summer break to get ready for Indy. We're focused on that for now, and more importantly, we're having fun."