Anderson Makes Semi-Finals, Line Scores Second #1 Qualifier at Houston

Summit Racing Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson exhibited top notch driving skills as he raced to the semifinals at the 28th annual O’Reilly NHRA SpringNationals.

Anderson qualified third with a 6.540 second, 212.13 MPH pass. He came toe-to-toe with nine-time European Pro Stock champion Jimmy Alund in Round One of eliminations. Alund got off the line first with a .011 second advantage, but Anderson made up the difference to take the win, 6.557/210.21 to Alund’s 6.666/ 209.49.

Anderson met up with Larry Morgan in Round Two. Anderson launched first with an awesome .003 second reaction time, which was enough advantage to win the round, 6.572/210.47 to Morgan’s quicker and faster 6.563/211.

Anderson squared off with Chris McGaha in the semifinal round. Unfortunately, it was Anderson’s turn to get go down in defeat, running a 6.588/210.50 to McGaha’s 6.561/211.10.

“We had great Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaros in qualifying,” said Anderson. “But we lost a lot of performance from yesterday to today. We seemed to lose the tune-up and that hurt us. That’s a bummer because I woke up this morning and thought it was going to be a great day.”

“We’re excited to get to Atlanta for the next race,” Anderson continued. “It’s a Summit Racing-sponsored event, and it’s one where we always seem to do well. I have a great car with a chance to win, and that’s a good feeling. The Summit Racing team is going to do nothing but move forward this year.”

Anderson is currently third in the Pro Stock points standings.

Line Qualifies Number One for Second Consecutive Race
Jason Line went into Sunday’s eliminations as the Number One qualifier with a 6.518/212.29. Line started the day with a solid win over Deric Kramer, 6.547/ 210.70 mph to 6.655/208.30. Line’s elapsed time would stand as the quickest of the day.

His day ended in Round Two against Jonathan Gray. Line cut a very uncharacteristic .085 second reaction time, negating his quicker and faster 6.556/211.06 run as Gray advanced to the semifinals with a 6.581/210.11 pass.

“We ran well, I just wish we could have raced better today,” said Line. “We lost the handle a little bit, but anybody that does this long enough is going to go through times like that. It’s just part of racing – you don’t dwell on it. You just keep digging.”

Despite the early loss in Houston, Line’s season stats speak for themselves. So far this year, the two-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion won win in two final rounds appearances, earned back-to-back low qualifier awards, and holds the national record for quickest elapsed time—an honor he has held more than once.

“What we worked on here this weekend went well, and even though today didn’t have the outcome we wanted or expected, we’re pointed in the right direction,” said Line. “Our Summit Racing Camaros are great race cars. I feel really good about where we’re going.”

Line is currently second in the Pro Stock points standings.

Team Summit Results: Pro Stock
Jimmy Alund qualified 14th (6.589/210.28) but was defeated by Greg Anderson in Round One of eliminations. He is currently 12th in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Pro Mod
Kenny Lang did not qualify for the event (6.047/239.23).

Team Summit Results: Top Fuel
Doug Kalitta qualified fourth (3.760/324.12). He defeated Troy Buff. Larry Dixon, and Spencer Massey to reach the final round and defeat Tony Schumacher for the win. Kalitta is currently fifth in the points standings.
J.R. Todd qualified sixth (3.770/321.50) but lost Steve Torrence in Round One. He is currently 10th in the points standings.

Team Summit Results: Funny Car
Tim Wilkerson qualified fifth (4.041/308.78) but lost to Courtney Force in Round One. He is currently 12th in the points standings.
Del Worsham qualified second (4.023/314.97) but lost to John Force in Round One. He is currently third in the point standings.
Alexis DeJoria qualified fourth (4.041/310.77). She defeated Bob Bode in Round One but lost to Courtney Force in Round Two. DeJoria is currently tied with John Force for seventh place in the points standings.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel: Doug Kalitta defeated Tony Schumacher, 3.820/324.98 to 4.014/225.60.
Funny Car: Ron Capps defeated Jack Beckman 4.244/258.32 to 4.480/205.16.
Pro Stock: Erica Enders-Stevens defeated Chris McGaha, 6.571/211.73 to 6.598/211.66.
Pro Mod: Don Walsh defeated Bill Glidden, 5.872/249.12 to 8.945/123.41.

Next Race
The next event is the Summit Racing Equipment Southern NHRA Nationals, May 15-17 in Commerce, Georgia. Visit Drag Race Central for more news and in-depth results from the O’Reilly NHRA SpringNationals.