Anderson Wins in Englishtown, Takes Points Lead

Greg Anderson pulled off a trifecta of victories at the Toyota NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown, New Jersey. He qualified Number One, won the event, and took over the Pro Stock points lead. It was Anderson’s 76th career Number One qualifier and his 76th career NHRA Pro Stock win.

“It's been a great weekend,” said Anderson. “Our Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro was great right off the trailer and I made eight great runs in a row between qualifying and raceday. It was just awesome.”

Anderson made a stellar 6.479 second, 214.76 MPH pass to earn the Number One spot. He met up with Val Smeland in Round One of eliminations; Anderson got a .008 second head start and reached the finish line first with a 6.493/214.28 to Smeland’s 8.725/108.60. Anderson’s pass would set Low ET of eliminations.

Opponent Bo Butner got a .011 second starting line jump on Anderson in Round Two, but Anderson powered ahead in his red Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro to take the win, 6.503/214.11 to 6.549/213.43. In the semifinals, Anderson continued to flex the horsepower muscle, clocking a 6.499/214.14 to V. Gaines’ losing 6.531/213.43.

Anderson advanced to the final—the 121st of his career—against Allen Johnson. Anderson grabbed a .010 second starting line edge and never looked back, running 6.504/214.31 to Johnson’s 6.537/213.87.

“This was an important win for us,” said Anderson. “It’s just so darn competitive in this class and so hard to win. But that’s why it feels so fantastic when you are able to do it. We work so hard for it, and when you find your way to the winner’s circle – well, that’s everything you’ve been working towards. Every win feels like the first, and I hope I never lose that feeling or the gratitude I feel when I win.”

“I feel very good about our chances and our future – but it certainly isn’t going to be easy,” Anderson continued. “I’ll be part of the championship chase this year, and that I’ll be fighting at the end. I look forward to the battle.”

Line Ends Day Early
With two wins in three final rounds, three consecutive No. 1 qualifier awards, and a constant dance with the Number One spot in the Pro Stock standings, Jason Line has been no slouch this season. This weekend’s first round exit in Englishtown was completely unexpected, and Line is fully prepared to set this race aside and get back to work.

Line qualified fifth with a 6.512/213.37 pass and was all set for a first round match with V. Gaines. Unfortunately, Gaines was out of the gate first and his .039 second advantage made all the difference. Gaines took the win with a 6.538/212.36 to Line’s quicker and faster 6.510/215.17. Line’s MPH would stand as Top Speed of the meet.

Line was certainly happy for his teammate, Greg Anderson. Anderson’s win was one of nine total Old Bridge Township Raceway Park victories for the Summit Racing Pro Stock team.

“Today was a good day for Team Summit,” said Line. “It’s really cool to see Greg in the points lead again. He’s on a mission, that guy, and I’ve never met anyone that wants to win more than he does. He’s going to be hard to beat. He’s a tough racer, and I’m honored to be part of this team."

Line is currently third in the Pro Stock points standings.

Team Summit Driver Results: Top Fuel
Doug Kalitta qualified ninth (3.766/322.58). He defeated Steve Torrence in Round One of eliminations, but lost to Antron Brown in Round Two. Kalitta is currently fifth in the points standings.
J.R. Todd qualified second (3.727/319.52) but lost to Terry McMillen in Round One. He is currently ninth in the points standings.

Team Summit Driver Results: Funny Car
Tim Wilkerson qualified ninth (4.005/292.58) but lost to Ron Capps in Round One. He is currently ninth in the points standings.
Del Worsham qualified third (3.998/314.53). He defeated Jeff Diehl and Tony Pedregon in the first two rounds of eliminations, but lost to Alexis DeJoria in the semifinals. Worsham is currently third in the points standings.
Alexis DeJoria qualified 10th (4.046/302.75). She defeated Jack Beckman, Dominick Lagana, and Del Worsham to reach the final round, where she lost to Matt Hagan. DeJoria is currently eighth in the points standings.

Team Summit Driver Results: Pro Mod
Kenny Lang did not qualify (5.979/246.66). He is currently 11th in the points standings.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel: Antron Brown defeated Brittany Force, 3.843/318.47 to 5.398/150.16.
Funny Car: Matt Hagan defeated Alexis DeJoria, 4.132/299.53 to 4.138/298.40.
Pro Stock: Greg Anderson defeated Allen Johnson, 6.504/214.31 to 6.537/213.87.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Jerry Savoie defeated Jim Underdahl, 6.794/197.71 to 6.845/197.16.
Pro Mod: Billy Glidden defeated Don Walsh, 5.923/243.24 to 5.897/252.33.

Next Race
The next event is the New England NHRA Nationals, June 12-14 in Epping, New Hampshire. Visit Drag Race Central for more news and in-depth results from the Toyota NHRA Summernationals.