Pre-Race Report Event 09: NHRA New England Nationals New England Dragway Epping, NH

Kalitta desires first Epping win

Epping Highlights: Track MPH Record Holder (329.26 MPH - 2016); One Final (2014); One no. 1 qualifier (2013)

Last Event Recap (Topeka): Qualified seventh; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Scott Palmer in the first round, lost to Leah Pritchett in the quarter-finals)



2016 New England Nationals Recap: Qualified sixth; Semi-finalist (Defeated Terry McMillen in the first round and Todd Paton in the quarter-finals, lost to Steve Torrence in the semi-finals)



Quotable: “Even thought we've been close, Epping is one of the tracks on the circuit where I haven’t won at. We're looking at checking that one of that list. It’s a great facility and the place has a ton of history. They pack them in there like nobody’s business. I don’t get a chance to get up close to Boston very often and it’s always nice to see other parts of the country."



Career Stats: 442 starts, 601 round wins (ninth all-time), 42 wins (Fifth all-time in Top Fuel), 88 finals, 47 no.1 qualifiers (13th all-time)



2017 Season Stats: One final (Pomona-I); 12 round wins; fifth in the standings

Langdon plans to continue to gain on the top ten in the standings

Epping Highlights: One final (2013)



Last Event Recap (Topeka): Qualified sixth; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Troy Coughlin Jr. in the first round, lost to Antron Brown in the quarter-finals)



2016 New England Nationals (w/ DSR): Qualified seventh; Quarter-final finish (Defeated J.R. Todd in the first round, lost to Antron Brown in the quarter-finals)



Quotable: “Epping is a great race track. The fans were really excited when we came back and they always have a great turnout. It is a beautiful area with a lot of exciting things to do. The Global Electronic Technology team is focused on getting this four-race swing started off right. It is critical to start strong and then get on a roll. That is our plan and we hope to go rounds on Sunday."

Coughlin Jr. is excited for first four-race swing

Noteworthy: Ninth career pro event; a candidate for Auto Club Road to Future trophy (best rookie driver); father is former two-time Pro Mod champion (Troy Coughlin Sr.); uncle is former six-time NHRA champion (Jeg Coughlin Jr.); part of Coughlin family with 113 career wins



Last Event Recap (Topeka): Qualified 11th; First round loss (Lost to Shawn Langdon in the first round)



Quotable: “The goal is to make one great lap four times on Sunday. With focus, we know we can do that with the SealMaster Toyota. The team is coming together great each race."



2017 Season Stats: Eight starts; Three round wins; ninth in the point standings



Career Info: Five national event wins (Three in Super Gas, Two in Super Comp); 2013 Division III Super Gas Champion; 2015 NHRA Pro Mod Rookie of the Year

Todd focused on starting string of straight races with strong run in Epping

Last Event Recap (Topeka): Qualified ninth; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Brian Stewart in the first round, lost to Matt Hagan in the quarter-finals)



2016 New England Nationals Recap (Top Fuel): Qualified eighth; First round loss (Lost to Shawn Langdon in the first round)



Quotable: “I am looking forward to getting back on track this weekend. I feel like our DHL Toyota Camry is headed in the right direction and I am excited for the four in a row coming up. If the weather cooperates, we should see some big numbers again this weekend in Epping.”



Career Stats: 156 starts, 155 round wins, 9 wins, 19 finals, 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: Eight starts, One final (Charlotte); Six round wins)



2017 Season Stats: Eight starts; One final (Charlotte-I); six round wins; eighth in the point standings



Noteworthy: Attempting to become the 16th driver in NHRA history with a Top Fuel and Funny Car win; DHL celebrating 10th season of NHRA sponsorship

DeJoria Epping pre-race notes

Epping Highlights: One final (2014)



Last Event Recap (Houston): Qualified ninth; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Tim Wilkerson in the first round, lost to Courtney Force in the quarter-finals)



2016 New England Nationals Recap: Qualified 10th; First round loss (Lost to Del Worsham in the first round)



Career Stats: 121 starts; 84 round wins; Four wins; Seven finals, Four no.1 qualifiers



2017 Season Stats: Five starts; Two round wins; 14th in the point standings