Anderson and Line Disappointed at NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Things did not go according to plan for Greg Anderson and Jason Line at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee.

Anderson started the weekend with a strong 6.646 second, 206.67 MPH pass to qualify second. He has qualified second or better for four consecutive races, so Anderson felt that he had a great hand to play for race day.

Unfortunately, Anderson was uncharacteristically slower off the line against V. Gaines in Round One of eliminations. Gaines’ .062 second starting line advantage made the difference at the finish line stripe as he took the win with a 6.713/206.01 to Anderson’s quicker and faster 6.707/207.24.

“Our Summit Racing Camaro was definitely the quicker car, but I couldn’t make it happen,” said Anderson. “We went up there a little too conservative. We were too safe, and I was too conservative on the tree, and that combination cost us. You can’t be second off the starting line against anybody because you have a real chance of losing.”

“It’s unfortunate, but at the same time it gives us that motivation to get better before we get to Norwalk for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals,” Anderson continued. “We want to be on our game, better than ever, by the time we get there. We know we have a great car, it’s just been an off day for us. I’m happy to put that behind us and get back to work.”

Anderson is currently second in the Pro Stock points standings.

Line Makes Second Round in Bristol
Jason Line qualified ninth with a 6.659/205.26. He and Drew Skillman were the first Pro Stock cars to hit the race track on Sunday. Line got a 0.007 second advantage at the starting line and stayed ahead of Skillman to win, 6.702/206.83 to 6.707/206.20.

In the second round, Line jumped the gun with a .027 second redlight. Erica Enders moved ahead to win with a 6.698/206.64 win to Line’s 6.717/205.38.

“It was a tough weekend, but that makes us stronger,” said Line. “We have good race cars, and we’re certainly looking forward to Norwalk and bringing our Summit Racing Camaros out to make amends for this weekend.”

Line is currently third in the Pro Stock points standings.

Team Summit Results: Top Fuel
Doug Kalitta qualified second (3.750/329.50). He defeated Terry McMillen and Dave Connolly in the first two rounds of eliminations, but lost to Richie Crampton in the semifinals. Kalitta is currently sixth in the points standings.
J.R. Todd qualified ninth (3.790/318.62). He defeated Brittany Force and Tony Schumacher in the first two rounds of eliminations, but lost to Larry Dixon in the semifinals. Todd is currently ninth in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Funny Car
Tim Wilkerson qualified sixth (4.027/318.32). He defeated Tommy Johnson Jr. in Round One of eliminations, but lost to Jack Beckman in Round Two. Wilkerson is currently 10th in the points standings.
Del Worsham qualified fourth (4.006/322.58). He defeated Chad Head in Round One, but lost to Tony Pedregon in Round Two. Worsham is currently fourth in the points standings.
Alexis DeJoria qualified fifth (4.025/314.90) but lost to Tony Pedregon in Round One. She is currently ninth in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Pro Mod
Kenny Lang qualified 15th (5.968/242.23). He defeated Mike Janis in Round One, but lost to Rickie Smith in Round Two. Lang is currently 10th in the points standings.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel: Richie Crampton defeated Larry Dixon, 3.884/321.04 to 4.004/250.41.
Funny Car: Matt Hagan defeated Ron Capps, 4.164/303.23 to 4.186/307.02.
Pro Stock: Erica Enders defeated Chris McGaha, 6.685/206.95 to 6.689/207.46.
Pro Mod: Rickie Smith defeated Bob Rahaim, 5.944/244.52 to 5.962/230.72.

Next Race
The next event is the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 2-5 in Norwalk, Ohio. Go to Drag Race Central for more news and in-depth results from the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.