Anderson Makes it Two in a Row at New England Nationals

Greg Anderson drove his red Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro to a second consecutive victory and the 77th win of his career at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. It was Anderson’s third win of the season and the 122nd final round of his career.

“We’re definitely on the upswing ever since we brought this little red Summit Racing Chevy Camaro out at Gainesville,” said Anderson. “We went to victory circle there, and the performance of the car has gotten better every race we’ve gone to. Looking back at today and last weekend in Englishtown, I have made 16 so-close-to-perfect runs in a row. This is what you work for, what you push for. Our team has it going on right now, and I’m absolutely having a ball.”

Anderson qualified second with a 6.521 second, 213.30 MPH pass. He clocked a 6.515/214.38 run to defeat Val Smeland in Round One of eliminations, then went on to defeat Drew Skillman in Round Two, 6.519/214.11 to 6.533/213.84. Anderson met up with Summit Racing teammate Jason Line in the semifinals. Anderson got a 0.007 second jump on Line at the starting line and took the win, 6.516/214.42 to Line's 6.533/212.39.

The final round was a rematch of last week’s final in Englishtown between Anderson and Allen Johnson. Again, it was Anderson with the win light at the top end, 6.512/214.72 mph to Johnson’s 6.530/213.50.

“It was an incredible feeling to win today,” said Anderson. “We want to race, and we want to win—that’s everything to the Summit Racing team. I can’t thank my family enough for the support they give me. This will never get old for me.”

The victory gave Anderson credit for the 100th win for a Pro Stock Chevrolet Camaro. Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins won the first two driving a 1968 Camaro in 1970, the first year of NHRA Pro Stock.

“That’s really something, and we’re honored to have that,” said Anderson. “I’ve had a lot of good fortune along the way, with a lot of people who are responsible for the wins that I have. I realize how important it is to make the most of this opportunity. I have a great team behind me. Everyone is doing a fantastic job, and I can’t wait to go to the next race, and the next, and the next.”

Anderson is currently first in the Pro Stock points standings.

Line Makes Semifinals in Epping
Jason Line qualified his blue Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro in third place with a 6.530/212.69 run. He defeated Alan Prusiensky in Round One of eliminations, 6.531/213.50 to a 6.664/210.31. Line got lucky in Round Two. Opponent Jonathan Gray cut an excellent 0.004 second light, but lost traction, making a hard turn right out of the gate and shutting down. Line took the win with a 6.615/210.44.

Line’s day ended against the freight train that was Greg Anderson. His Summit Racing crew changed the engine before the semifinals, but it wasn’t enough to match Anderson’s horsepower.

“We had a chance today, for sure,” said Line. “But to win, you have to do everything perfect, and we weren’t perfect. It was still a great day no matter what. Any time you’re in the winner’s circle whether it’s you or your teammate, it’s a great day.”

Line is currently third in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Top Fuel
Doug Kalitta qualified seventh (3.795/323.12) but lost to Brittany Force in Round One of eliminations. He is currently sixth in the points standings.
J.R. Todd qualified eight (3.813/322.27) but lost to Clay Millican in Round One. He is currently ninth in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Funny Car
Tim Wilkerson qualified 10th (4.095/310.20) but lost to Del Worsham in Round One. He is currently 10th in the points standings.
Del Worsham qualified eight (4.073/31.66). He defeated Tim Wilkerson in Round One, but lost to Cruz Pedregon in Round Two. Worsham is currently fourth in the points standings.
Alexis DeJoria qualified eighth (4.075/309.42). She defeated Ron Capps in Round One, but lost to Tommy Johnson Jr. in Round Two. DeJoria is tied with Cruz Pedregon for 10th place in the points standings.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel: Tony Schumacher defeated Larry Dixon, 3.809/321.35 to 3.881/319.60.
Funny Car: John Force defeated Tommy Johnson Jr., 4.160/309.49 to 4.195/304.25.
Pro Stock: Greg Anderson defeated Allen Johnson, 6.512/214.72 to 6.530/213.50.

Next Race
The next event is the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, June 19-21 in Bristol, Tennessee. Visit Drag Race Central for more news and in-depth results from the NHRA New England Nationals.