Strong Start Essential to Line’s Championship Defense
Mooresville, N.C., September 13, 2012 – One year ago, Summit Racing driver Jason Line came into zMAX Dragway for the first race of the Countdown to the Championship and immediately staked his claim for the title, powering from the No. 1 position to a runner-up finish. It was the start of a series of three races where Line would score two wins and set both ends of the national record, essentially scoring a knockout blow en route to his second Full Throttle Championship.
As the world’s best quarter-milers prepare to return to the Tar Heel State this weekend for the 5th annual NHRA Nationals and the start of the six-race 2012 championship run, Line would naturally like to duplicate that showing, although he admits that this year’s competition might make it a little tougher. Even so, he was quick to stress the importance of having a strong run in this opening encounter.
“Getting off to a good start in this first race of the Countdown is absolutely huge, especially this year, when the competition is tighter than it ever has been,” said Line. “Defending our title is going to be tough, with every round being important considering how well AJ (Allen Johnson), Mike (Edwards), my teammate Greg (Anderson) and Erica (Enders) are running.
“The good news is that we’re getting closer with our Summit Racing Camaros, and this KB Racing team is more than capable of delivering another championship performance. But to do that, we will need to do a better job than we have at the last few races. At this point in the season, if you want to stay in contention, there is absolutely no room for error, so we’ll need to be on top of our game right out of the box this weekend in Charlotte.”
In order to accomplish his goal, Line will need to add zMAX Dragway to his list of many successes. Located a short half-hour’s drive from the KB Racing team’s shop in Mooresville, it is considered their home track, a fact not lost on Line, who appreciates any benefits they can gain during a drive to what they hope will be another championship.
“zMAX Dragway is one of the tracks where a win has eluded us, so maybe this will be the year we finally bring it home, and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said Line. “I enjoy any time we get to race there simply because it’s the nicest facility on tour and it’s only a short drive away from our shop. It’s always fun to race at home and sleep in your own bed, and any time you can avoid traveling is a bonus in itself.
“Last year we were able to deliver an early knockout punch, but this year will be different because there are more good cars all capable of winning. I think it’s going to be a battle that will go down to the last race in Pomona. Fortunately, we seem to be gaining ground on our Summit Racing Camaros and I believe we have a good tune-up for Charlotte, so we should be good and I like our chances for doing well there. If we do it will then be a matter of carrying that momentum through the remaining five races and seeing where we stand when the dust settles.”