Top Seed Line Launches into Countdown on Familiar Territory
Mooresville, N.C., September 10, 2014 – Jason Line has been preparing for this weekend for a very long time. The driver of the blue Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro started the regular season on a high note this year by winning the season-opening NHRA Winternationals to position himself as the guy to beat, and he remained a serious contender for months as the Countdown to the Championship playoffs inched closer and closer. At this weekend’s seventh annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, Line will launch into the playoffs as the top seed and strive to channel the tireless efforts of the KB Racing team into a fifth victory of the season to effectively protect his position as points leader.
Line has the good fortune of a strong record at zMAX Dragway and returns looking to finish the task started last year when he was runner-up and the No. 1 qualifier.
“It’s always good to go back to a track where you’ve had some success, and zMAX Dragway is close to home for us,” said nearby Mooresville-based Line. “I don’t know that it gives you any more of an advantage, but it certainly makes it convenient for the team. It’s a nice way to start the Countdown, that’s for sure. Last year at this time we were running really well, and we came to Charlotte and did pretty good. I feel good about this weekend – just like last year, the Summit Racing Chevy Camaro is running really well, and hopefully we can accomplish what we’re going there to do.”
Line has qualified third or better in each of the most recent five races, including two starts from the No. 1 position and a remarkable three consecutive victories with wins earned in Sonoma, Seattle and at the delayed Brainerd event.
“We have some momentum on our side, and I keep saying it but it’s true: I wouldn’t trade places with anybody else,” said Line. “We have a good chance to make a splash this weekend. Our KB Racing teammate Greg Anderson isn’t running for the championship this year, and the main goal for Greg is obviously to try to win the race. For our team to win the championship, his car has to be a contender as well. Even though he’s not in the chase, he needs to run well and vie for race wins, so we need to make sure we have all our ducks in a row and be as prepared as we can possibly be with both our cars. There are no guarantees in anything, but if you’re unprepared, there is almost a certainty that you won’t be successful.
“We’re heading in the right direction. You’re never as good as you want to be – you’re always striving for perfection – but we’re the best we’ve been all year. That’s all you can ask for at this point.”