Anderson Seeking Third Consecutive Four-Wide Title
Mooresville, N.C., April 16, 2013 – Summit Racing driver Greg Anderson honestly isn’t sure why he has had such success when faced with the unique challenge of the Dollar General NHRA Four-Wide Nationals fueled by Full Throttle, but the four-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion has established himself as a clear favorite for the once-yearly event. For the past two seasons, Anderson has embraced the four-wide format and come out on top. Now, the Mooresville, N.C.-based driver is geared up to protect his position as the winningest driver in the brief yet lively history of the prestigious zMAX Dragway.
“Racing four-wide is very, very difficult for a driver, so I’m about as puzzled as anyone out there as to how I’ve won the last two,” said Anderson, who kicked off his successful run at zMAX by winning the standard, two-lane fall event in 2010. “It’s about the toughest challenge we face the whole year. There are just so many ways for a driver to look like a complete rookie out there, with so much to think about behind the wheel. Usually, when things go your best, you go up there and don’t think about anything – you just do your job. But you can’t be on auto-pilot at this event; you have to train your mind for it.”
Anderson isn’t altogether perplexed regarding the accomplishments of Summit Racing at the facility known as the “Bellagio of Drag Strips,” and he admits that there is something in the team’s setup that is particularly fond of the racetrack. In addition to Anderson’s success, his KB Racing teammate Jason Line has one victory there (last fall) and has been a regular No. 1 qualifier. Line also currently holds the track record at zMAX for e.t. (6.493) and speed (213.91).
“It’s our home track, so we have spent a lot of hours testing at zMAX,” said Anderson. “All of those trips down the racetrack here definitely play into our success, but there is something else about it that we just can’t quite explain. We’re just in our comfort zone here.
“We consider this racetrack to be the best on the tour, and we’re lucky to call it home. We love being able to test there and race there, and when the Mello Yello Series comes to town, we love being able to bring out all of our crew members who usually stay back at the shop and work their fingers to the bone while we’re off chasing the countryside. It’s a neat deal that they get to come out and see what their hard work is getting us, and they can lend a hand, an opinion, and moral support. Our families will all be there, and it just makes for a great weekend.”
Anderson will arrive at zMAX in somewhat unfamiliar territory as he is in pursuit of his first win of the season. The unusually slow start for the 74-time national event winner has only stoked the fires of determination for the Summit Racing crew, and they have been diligently preparing for the imminent return to the winner’s circle.
“We tested hard before this race,” said Anderson. “I really and truly believe that we’re turning a corner with these Summit Racing Camaros. We should be able to run fast this weekend, and that should carry through to the upcoming races as well. Deep down, this team has a good, confident feeling, and we’re going to make the most out of this weekend.”
