Anderson Settles Right in on First Day of NHRA Summernationals
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J., June 5, 2015 – Greg Anderson blasted out of the gate full speed in the first round of qualifying at the 46th annual NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Of course, the driver of the red Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro is on familiar ground as the winningest Pro Stock driver ever at the venerable facility, and he fell right into his comfort zone with an intense pass that led the pack. At the conclusion of the first day of qualifying, Anderson was No. 2 on the board and eager for the second day and two more shots at the accommodating racing surface.
Under a blanket of cool skies and with a hunger for speed, Anderson was out of the gate in the first session with an impressively quick 6.511-second pass at 213.43 mph. The run was top of the class and put him in the No. 1 spot straight away – plus, it came with a trio of valuable bonus points.
Anderson, who has four No. 1 qualifier awards in Englishtown, came back for more in the second session with a 6.511 at 212.90 and ended the first day in the No. 2 position, just .003-second off the top spot.
“I made two very good runs, and they were very fast – unfortunately, they were three-thousandths too slow in my book,” said Anderson, a 5-time winner in Englishtown. “I want a pole. I haven’t had a pole in many years, and I want a No. 1 qualifier. I’m knocking on the door, and I know I’m close – I just thought I had a great chance today and didn’t get ‘er done. That makes me a little bit disappointed, but I’m still happy with my Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro and how things are going. In the big picture, I can’t complain.”
Friday’s sessions were in extremely hospitable conditions, and although they are on the right track, Anderson can’t help but lament a bit of a lost opportunity.
“Tomorrow is supposed to be a little warmer, so we may not be able to improve. We knew today was going to be the prominent session, so we’re a little bit disappointed,” admitted Anderson, who was third quickest overall in the later session on Friday. “But still, we qualified great, and both of our Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaros are great racecars. Whatever happens tomorrow, we go into Sunday feeling confident.”