Anderson Recharged and Ready for Route 66 Raceway
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 25, 2014) – NHRA’s Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is in high gear, and the tireless competitors are right in the middle of four races in a row as the tour hits Chicago for the 17th annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals this weekend. For Summit Racing Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson, the furious pace is nothing of concern. In fact, it is welcomed.
“Well, I know it’s going to be hard to believe, but we actually like racing every weekend,” admitted Anderson. “We’re racers, and we feel we can learn more on the racetrack than off of it. It’s a good thing for us, the trick is just to make sure that you keep your battery charged.”
Anderson’s batteries were recharged as he took some time on the Monday afternoon following last week’s event in Epping, N.H., and on Tuesday morning he was back at the shop with the rest of the team, focused as ever on gaining horsepower and fine-tuning an already strong program that is only gaining as time presses on.
Last week, Anderson enjoyed his best qualifying position of the year, and starting from the No. 7 spot he dug deep to drive with heart on Sunday in a quest for the title. Although he did not return to the winner’s circle, the race in Chicago would be an ideal setting for his long awaited 75th career victory.
The Summit Racing crew has a strong history at Route 66 Raceway. Although a win at the stadium-style facility eluded Anderson until 2011, he has a total of seven final-round appearances there – including a final round finish last season. He also has six low qualifier awards in Chicago, and Summit Racing teammate Jason Line holds a record of three wins in five final rounds.
“Jason and I both really like racing there in Chicago,” said Anderson. “I’ve always liked it a lot, and I don’t really have a reason as to why it took me so long to crack that place. It’s a great racetrack, just for some reason it took me a long time to close the door. It’s a good-feeling place for us, and we like it because you don’t have to tiptoe down the racetrack; you can put all the power to the ground. We love racing there.
“We struggled with the first 10 feet of the racetrack last weekend in Epping, but that will not be an issue in Chicago. The starting line is great, and we’re making up ground and getting better. Everything should play into our hands.”