PAIGE COUGHLIN

you got this , don ’ t even worry about it . You ’ re doing great , just keep going .’”

Coughlin made her presence known early , advancing to the quarterfinals in her first Invitational outing . She took out two-time NPK event winner Robin Roberts in the first round , and followed it up with a victory over one of the original Street Outlaws cast members , James “ Doc ” Love , in round two . Her run finally ended with a third-round loss to Invitational points leader Damon Merchant .

“ We took out Robin , and I ’ m like , ‘ No flippin ’ way ,’” says Coughlin . “ My dad has always told me , ‘ You know how to drive , and you know how to win , so why don ’ t you just go out there and do it ?’ We were fast , we were competitive , and that third-round loss against Damon – he ’ s been the talk of the town all year – I gave him a run for his money .”

With so much success already in her debut season , Coughlin says that despite a few negative comments here and there , her reception into the world of NPK has been largely welcoming – both from fans and her fellow racers .

“ Not everybody ’ s going to like you , and that ’ s okay . It took me a minute to learn that ,” Coughlin says . “ But overall , I ’ ve had a very positive experience . The drivers were so welcoming to me . Kayla gave me a great big hug and said , ‘ We ’ re so proud to have you .’ And even if some of the other drivers aren ’ t quite as supportive , that ’ s OK . I just have to take the time to build my brand and show that yeah , my last name is Coughlin , but I am my own person . We ’ re just here to race and have fun – and if we get to be on the TV show , that ’ s a bonus .”

There is uncertainty as to where Coughlin will end up as the season continues . But regardless of what class she ’ s in , Coughlin is excited to get back to making a name for herself in No Prep Kings .

“ It ’ s daunting to not know what comes next ,” admits Coughlin . “ But it ’ s also exciting . The fact that I ’ m even there racing is such a blessing . I would love to stay with Team Daddy Dave . But whether it ’ s the Invitational with Dave or another team , or if we race Outlaw Big Tire or the Futures class , my goal is to turn on win lights and continue to put myself out there and show that ‘ Golden Child ’ is serious . We ’ re here to race , turn some heads , and put on a great show .” DI

Carb Screens have

40 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 184