Points Leader Line Can Triumph Twice at U.S. Nationals

Summit Racing Pro Stock driver Jason Line will have the unique opportunity to race for two trophies this weekend at the 60th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, most prestigious race on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour. In addition to pursuing his first U.S. Nationals trophy, Line will race to win the rain-halted Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd during qualifying in Indianapolis.

The fact that victory in Indianapolis has been elusive isn’t weighing heavily on the 34-time NHRA Pro Stock winner’s mind. Line is currently in possession of the points lead and has two consecutive wins on his scorecard.

"For me, it's going to be unusual because we're finishing the Brainerd race," said Line. "But I look at that as a positive thing. It gives me another chance to have a crack at race day. If things don't go my way (in the Brainerd race) I'll only have to wait another day to make a final round. We are certainly in a position to win. We have the Summit Racing Camaros running a lot better than they were three months ago, but it's hard to say how it will turn out because you just don't know what everyone else is doing. I do know that we will be right in the hunt."

Another task on Line’s checklist is helping teammate Greg Anderson stay in the Pro Stock Top 10. The U.S. Nationals is the last race of the regular season, and the final chance for drivers to lock in their spot in the Countdown to the Championship.

"Indy is a place where Greg shines," said Line. "He has a stranglehold on that race. He thrives there, and I certainly wouldn't want to race against him. Our team tested a couple of days after Brainerd and we've been working on engines and getting ready for the Countdown, and we'll be ready for this weekend.”

Jason Line By the Numbers, U.S. Nationals Edition
1: Number One qualifying performance by Line (2011).
1: Final round appearance in Indianapolis, also in 2011.
6.538: Lucas Oil Raceway Pro Stock ET record, set in 2011.
8: Times Line has qualified in the Top Five in 11 previous starts in Indianapolis.

Event Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday, August 29: One qualifying session at 6 pm
Saturday, August 30: Two qualifying sessions at 2:30 and 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 31: Two qualifying sessions at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm
Monday, September 1: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 am

Television Coverage on ESPN2 (All Times Eastern)
Sunday, August 31: Qualifying, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00-7:00 pm     
Monday, September 1: Eliminations, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm