Throwing in the towel is never an easy proposition for a prize fighter. Jeg Coughlin Jr., the five-time NHRA series Pro Stock champion, who knocked out the competition last year for the class crown, has not yet conceded the title to next year's champion.

Coughlin entered the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway with a clear understanding that he needed perfection if he wanted to maintain a glimmer of hope for defending his title. A first round loss at the event outside of Reading left him on the canvas. He's not been officially counted out, but his aspirations are definitely on wobbly legs.

Throwing in the towel is never an easy proposition for a prize fighter. Jeg Coughlin Jr., the five-time NHRA series Pro Stock champion, who knocked out the competition last year for the class crown, has not yet conceded the title to next year's champion.

Coughlin entered the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway with a clear understanding that he needed perfection if he wanted to maintain a glimmer of hope for defending his title. A first round loss at the event outside of Reading left him on the canvas. He's not been officially counted out, but his aspirations are definitely on wobbly legs.

"It's not a reality at this point to think we can defend the title, at least with this JEGS.com Dodge Dart," said Coughlin, who is seven rounds out of first with eight rounds left. "Allen (Johnson, teammate) still has a chance as it stands right now, so we'll pull for him to keep the championship trophy with Mopar for a third year in a row.

The optimistic Coughlin says he plans to make his final two races representative of a defending champion.

"We'll go out and try to win these last two races," Coughlin said. "That's all we can do at this point. We'll go out West and get after it in Vegas and Pomona (Calif.)."

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