Starting Ninth, Anderson Preps for a Tough Challenge in Denver

Starting Ninth, Anderson Preps for a Tough Challenge in Denver

Event:  33rd annual Mile-High NHRA Nationals

Location: Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colorado

Day/Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012

Summit Racing Pro Stock Camaro driver Greg Anderson knew he had his work cut out for them heading into the Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Morrison, Colo.  As one of a handful of cars that opted not to test prior to the event, Anderson and his KB Racing crew faced the tough assignment of having to adapt to the unique conditions at Bandimere Speedway while trying to secure a starting spot for Sunday’s final eliminations.  This challenge was complicated even further on Friday when an ignition problem prevented the four-time champion from making their first qualifying attempt, depriving the team of valuable tuning data.

Although the team was able to rebound and make three respectable runs, including a 7.011-second, 196.44 mph pass on their final attempt to earn the ninth starting position, Anderson acknowledged that further improvement would be necessary in order to contend for his third win on the mountain.

“Since we didn’t test prior to the race, every qualifying attempt became that much more important, so losing that first run certainly didn’t help,” said Anderson.  “As a result, we never made what I would consider a good run, which is not the way you want to head into race day, especially facing as tough a ladder as we will have tomorrow.

“There’s no doubt that between the altitude and the heat these are the toughest conditions we will face all year.  Still, the bottom line is that we have to do a better job of tuning our race cars, getting them closer to those running at the top of the page.  It’s certainly frustrating, but we are not about to throw in the towel.  We have a long night ahead of us, studying the data from both our Summit Racing Camaros and coming up with what we hope will be a winning game plan.  It’s going to be a challenge, but that is when this team usually excels.”