Anderson Sees Opportunity to Advance at the Northwest Nationals

Despite missing the first five races of the season, Greg Anderson is knocking at the door of the Pro Stock Top 10. As the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour hits Seattle for the 27th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals this weekend, Anderson is less than one round outside of 10th place, and he has three races to get into the Top 10 before the Countdown to the Championship field is set.

"Right now the battle is really between Jonathan Gray and us,” said Anderson. “Last week (at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals) V. Gaines did his job and moved up in the points, and Gray and I have fairly even cars. It's going to come down to the end. There is really only one spot up for grabs right now, and he sure wants it--but so do we. Badly. The whole team wants it, and we didn't want to go home and rest between last race and this one. We wanted to get right back out there.”

“We're glad to have another opportunity this week in Seattle,” Anderson continued. “The Summit Racing Camaros are running very, very well. Jason's win last weekend was very good for us as a team, and the best thing that could happen now is to get back to the winner's circle with my car and put this points deal behind us."

Anderson has a good record in Seattle with three victories in four final round appearances. Heading into this season's Northwest Nationals, Anderson has a respectable scorecard that includes two trips to the final round and a reputation as a racer who regularly leaves the starting line first.

"We like all of those trees in Seattle because they provide oxygen for these naturally aspirated engines we run in our hot rods," said Anderson. "The racing surface can be a challenge when the sun comes out, but it's certainly one that we've mastered before. I hope it's the place where we can get into the top 10 and have a fighting chance for that big trophy at the end of the season."

Greg Anderson By the Numbers, NHRA Northwest Nationals Edition
2: Number One qualifying performances, most recently in 2010.
3: wins in 11 starts, most recently in 2010.
4: Final round appearances.
19: Elimination round wins in his 12 starts in Seattle.

Event Schedule (All Times Pacific)
Friday, August 1:  Two qualifying sessions at 2:30 and 5:30 pm
Saturday, August 2: Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 and 3:30 pm
Sunday, August 3: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 am

Television Coverage on ESPN2 (All Times Eastern)
Saturday, August 2:  Qualifying from 10 pm-12 am
Sunday, August 3: Final eliminations from 7-10 pm