Summit Racing–Line’s Points Lead Lengthens Following Maple Grove Outing

Line’s Points Lead Lengthens Following Maple Grove Outing

Reading, Pa., October 5, 2014 – NHRA’s 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship is narrowing down, and Summit Racing Pro Stock pilot Jason Line achieved the most important goal at this weekend’s 30th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway: he lengthened his points lead in his continued pursuit of a third Pro Stock world championship.

Line, starting from the No. 3 position, drew John Gaydosh as a first-round opponent. When Gaydosh fouled out by a significant margin (-.262-second), Line powered towards the already flashing win light in the Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro with a 6.509, 213.33. As the incoming points leader, Line and the Summit Racing team had their eye on the standings, and with their first round victory, they were able to keep the lead heading into round two and watch as the No. 2 man in the standings, Dave Connolly was knocked out of competition for the day.

The second round, however, took Line’s fate out of his own hands as he rattled the tires on the cold racing surface and watched as Rodger Brogdon sailed ahead for the win. Luck was on Line’s side, however, as Erica Enders-Stevens was halted in the semifinals and Brogdon took out a charging Allen Johnson.

“It was a bizarre weekend, but thankfully I was able to gain in the points and move forward,” said Line, who now leads second-place Enders-Stevens by 35 marks. “I’d like to say congratulations to Rodger Brogdon, I’m very happy for him to be able to win for his new sponsor. I didn’t like being a victim of it, but I thought it was cool and would like to congratulate him.”

Line, who held the track records for both elapsed time and speed heading into the event and will leave still in possession of the fastest Pro Stock speed ever recorded at the venerable facility (214.35 mph).

“Yeah, I normally have a pretty good relationship with Reading, but this time around, it didn’t go as planned,” continued Line. “It was a strange weekend, but all in all, it certainly could have been a lot worse. For now, we’re going to go back to the shop and try to reevaluate things and get everything freshened up for the last two races. At this point, it’s a two-race countdown, and our challenge will be to keep the points lead and hopefully lengthen it even more in these final two races. It’s going to come down to the end, and it’s exciting. It’s going to be a good show for the fans.”