Line Resets Track Record for Speed, Takes over Points Lead in Qualifying at zMAX Dragway
CONCORD, N.C., March 28, 2015 – Qualifying was shortened to just two sessions at the 6th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, but for Summit Racing Pro Stock driver, the situation didn’t pan out to be much of a challenge. Line, driving the brilliant blue Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro powered by KB Racing, flew to wicked-quick times that vaulted him to the front of the pack and ripped right into a new zMAX Dragway track record for speed.
The first day of qualifying was a complete washout, with rain plaguing the area for much of the day and then an afternoon of too-cold temps with a high dew point that prevented even one car from going down the track. Day two, however, dawned crisp, cold, and fast. The sunshine on the racetrack warmed it to ideal temperatures, and the conditions were ripe for thrilling passes.
Line expertly piloted his racecar to a 6.489-second pass at a new track record speed of 214.04 mph in the first session of qualifying on Saturday. The run was the quickest of the round and good for three bonus qualifying points, and his was one of only two passes to break into the 6.4-second zone. Line’s 6.48 was a full hundredth quicker than the No. 2 driver, Chris McGaha. For the excellent passes, Line tipped his cap to zMAX Dragway for their fine repaving of the racing surface before the event.
“They did a fantastic job with this racetrack,” said Line, who lives locally near Mooresville, N.C. “Racers, including myself, like to whine about a lot of things – but kudos to Christian Byrd and everybody here, because they did a nice job. This kind of racing surface with these conditions just make for some fun racing.”
In the second session, Line came back with an improved 6.481 at 214.18 mph to again reset the track record for speed. His run was again very quick in the round, but one car was just a bit quicker. Line forfeited the top spot and will start second, but due to bonus points and his lofty qualifying position, the two-time NHRA Pro Stock champion moved into the points lead in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series standings. Points will not be finalized, however, until completion of the event.
“We needed a better engine tuner today, because he didn’t do his job,” said Line, in humbling reference to his own choice of direction with the engine. “But we’ve got a great racecar with this Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro, and I’m excited for tomorrow. I have a few hours to prepare for four-wide racing, and tomorrow should be a good day for KB Racing and Team Summit.”
Line’s first-round quad will include John Gaydosh, Larry Morgan, and Rodger Brogdon.