Line Scores 40th Pole at NHRA’s Houston SpringNationals
HOUSTON, Tex., April 25, 2015 – Jason Line has very high standards. The driver of the blue Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro sets the bar for himself so high, in fact, that his typical response after a pass that most everyone else would consider spectacular is one of dissatisfaction. A diehard racer, Line always wants more. On Saturday at the 28th annual NHRA SpringNationals, that was not the case. Line got all that he wanted and even a little something extra when he rocketed to a remarkable 6.519-second pass at 212.33 mph to reset the Royal Purple Raceway track record for elapsed time and reel in the 40th low qualifier award of his career and third in Houston.
“Everybody gives me a hard time about whining and never saying I made a good run, but I made a good run – it was bad to the bone, and I’m pretty excited,” said a genuinely enthusiastic Line. “We actually put on some new parts today, and they’re definitely better. The good news is that we can make more of them; the bad news is that we only have one set here. Going forward, though, the Summit Racing team is going to be tough.”
In hot and sticky conditions, Line clocked a blazing 6.554-second pass at 211.20 mph in the first round of qualifying. An immediate contender for the pole, the Summit Racing campaigner was the quickest of the session and scored three bonus points. In the last session on Friday, he fell one spot but was still awful-quick, recording a 6.549, 211.59 that was second best of the round. The best was yet to come, though. On Saturday, Line and Team Summit decided to take a chance. Ultimately, the chance put Line in control as he powered his trusty charge to a 6.525, 212.33 for three more bonus points and a return to the top spot. After “nitpicking” at it a bit, he recorded the best pass the racing surface at Royal Purple Raceway has ever seen and waltzed off with the low qualifier award and three more bonus points.
At the beginning of the day, there was a split-second when Line was uncertain that their decision to test new parts was wise.
“I definitely second-guessed myself when we got up there [for first round] because the air looked like it was a little bit better,” admitted Line, who will race Deric Kramer in the first round on Sunday. “I had second thoughts, but my desire to test those pieces was stronger than my desire to qualifying No. 1, and it worked out okay. I’m super stoked about it.
“That was one of the best runs I’ve ever made. I’m not the most excitable guy you’ll ever meet, but this is about as excited as I get. Those were pretty darn good numbers. I didn’t think we could go that fast. It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to win in Houston, and we’re due for another one, for sure. I just have to put my driving shoes on. I definitely have the best car here, I just have to do a good job driving tomorrow.”