Line puts forth effort in preparation for success in Denver
Mooresville, N.C., July 16, 2014 – Jason Line and the Summit Racing Pro Stock crew are taking a more calculated approach to the Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway this weekend, July 18-20. Line, of Mooresville, N.C., stayed home – well, home away from home at the KB Racing shop – and did his homework in preparation for one of the most challenging races on the tour. In just a few days, he will be able to check his work and see if the time spent with his nose in the books has paid off.
“Last year we took our Summit Racing Camaros up there and did some testing before the event, but this year we felt like our time would be better served working on our engines at the race shop,” said Line. “We have spent a lot of time since the last race doing that, and right now we certainly feel like that was the right decision. Time will tell, but looking back at what we learned last year, we think this was a good choice.”
Bandimere Speedway is one of just five racetracks where Line has yet to nab a trophy, but twice before he has come very close. In 2006, Line and the KB Racing crew proved that they had the right combination for the thin air at the Mile-High Nationals and qualified in the No. 1 position then raced to the final round on Sunday. Line was runner-up again in 2009.
“The air in Denver makes it a very different place to race,” said Line. “You really don’t see conditions like that anywhere else on the tour, but the thing about Bandimere Speedway is that it’s a lot of fun to race there. It’s a challenge, and if you can figure it out that’s a pretty great feeling. The Bandimere family, Larry Crispe, and the folks who run the racetrack do a phenomenal job, and that makes it even better. We always have a good time up there, and after all the hours we’ve spent in the engine shop and on the dyno this week, we’re hoping that shows and we can win with one of our Summit Racing Camaros.”
Line’s teammate, Greg Anderson, has two Denver victories on his scorecard, and between them they share five No. 1 qualifier awards as a testament to the fact that KB Racing has the ability to dial in to the unique atmospheric conditions. An accomplishment this weekend would certainly bolster Line’s charge towards a higher position in the standings.
Currently No. 5 in the Mello Yello Series Pro Stock points, the Minnesota-native started the year in the points lead following victory at the season opener, and he has hovered near the top and reached the final round twice more since then – most recently in Chicago just last month.
“This weekend will definitely be different, and it will take a few runs to get used to racing up there again,” said Line. “But once we get our bearings, everything will be good. Team Summit loves going up there. I’d like to steal that trophy from the guys who have been winning there lately, that’s for sure.”