Line Gunning for Front-Runner Status at Four-Wide Nationals

Summit Racing Pro Stock driver Jason Line is just 15 points away from first place in NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Pro Stock standings. But the two-time Pro Stock champion is a relentless competitor and is not easily deterred. He plans on running at the front of the pack at this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Four-Wide Nationals is exactly what its name implies. Four drivers at a time race down the track during four qualifying sessions. Final eliminations will feature a trio of four-car rounds. In rounds one and two, the first two cars to cross the finish line will advance. The final four-car standoff will result in one winner and one runner-up; the last two cars to cross the finish line will post semifinals finishes.

Line was a runner-up in the first Four-Wide event in 2010 and a finalist in 2012. He was the Number One qualifier in 2011 and 2012, and currently holds the track record for speed at 213.91 MPH (2012).

For Line, running up front doesn't necessarily mean moving into the top spot in the standings. The season is long, and the points lead will likely change hands several times before it’s all said and done. But Line always wants to be one of—if not the—quickest car on the track.

"It is certainly more fun to race at the front, and to be honest, that's our job," said Line. “We need to get back there. Everyone on this team is very motivated. We want to be the best, and there has been a lot of amplified effort towards that."

"zMAX just seems to suit the Summit Racing team,” Line continued. “Four-wide is quite a way to race, and it changes everything, but we tend to run good there. It's a challenge, but it's one we've handled well in the past."

Jason Line By the Numbers, Four-Wide Nationals Edition
4: Final round appearances at zMAX Dragway, most recently at the fall race in 2012.
5: Number One qualifying performances at zMAX Dragway.
213.91: Current zMAX Dragway Pro Stock speed record, set by Line in April 2012.

NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Event Schedule
Friday, April 11: Two qualifying sessions at 1:15 & 4:15 pm
Saturday, April 12: Two qualifying sessions at 1:15 & 4:15 pm.
Sunday, April 13 Final eliminations beginning at 12 noon

Television Coverage on ESPN2 (All Times Eastern)
Qualifying: Saturday, April 12, 9:00-10:00 pm           
Eliminations: Sunday, April 13, 8:0-11:00 pm

Keep track of Jason Line, Jimmy Alund, and the rest of Team Summit at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at Drag Race Central!