Six-Time U.S. Nationals Winner Anderson Wants Another
Mooresville, N.C., September 1, 2015 – Last year at this time, Summit Racing NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson was in a whole different position. He entered the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals fighting for the No. 10 spot in the points and hanging on by a thread. Ultimately, he lost in the first round and forfeited the chance to race for the championship for the first time in his career. This season marks a drastic departure from that bleak scene, and Anderson is preparing for the best at the 61st annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
To ensure a good race that will launch a strong Countdown to the Championship performance, Anderson and the KB Racing team spent a solid two days testing at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte last week.
“Our test went well, and we definitely learned a few things,” said Anderson. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to get out and go test with the Western Swing and then Brainerd, and we got a little off base these last few races. I think that thorough test session allowed us to find our happy car again, and we should be in a whole lot better shape when we roll into Indy. Hopefully we can be the best that we’ve been all year and head into the playoffs with some momentum.”
In an intriguing twist, points at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals will have one and a half times the usual value. For Anderson, that could mean a big payoff. The Summit Racing campaigner was No. 1 in the Pro Stock points from Norwalk through Seattle, but in Brainerd, he edged down to the No. 2 spot by just 16 marks. Indy will be an ideal opportunity to return to the top.
“Indy is, without a doubt, the most special race of the year,” said Anderson. “I think it’s great that it’s worth more, because it absolutely should have more on the line. I’m glad that NHRA made this change because we need every point we can get hold of right now. I would love to go into the Countdown to the Championship as the No. 1 seed, and you’re going to need those extra points because it’s going to be a dogfight in the playoffs. Last year, it came down to the final run in the final race of the year, so you’re darn right it matters if you’re No. 1 seed or No. 2 going into the Countdown. It’s very important for us to have a great weekend in Indy.”
The U.S. Nationals are a favorite for many drivers on the tour as one of the most historic events and most coveted titles. With six Indy wins, Anderson will be the most decorated U.S. Nationals Pro Stock competitor on the property. The only currently-competing driver in any professional class to have more wins than Anderson at the U.S. Nationals is Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher with nine.
“I love this race,” said Anderson. “Some shy away from it because it’s bigger than any other, but I love it. I can’t think of a better place to finish off the regular season and try to get that No. 1 back. It’s a special place for me, and when you win there, it’s a feeling you don’t get winning anywhere else. I’ve been fortunate in the past, but I’m due. I want that win. It’s a marathon, and it’s tough – absolutely the toughest race to win. But that’s why you love it. That’s what you want racing to be.”