BRAINERD, Minn. — Greg Anderson has made tremendous strides over the past three races on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit. But the four-time Pro Stock world champion won’t consider himself all the way back until a victory comes.
Anderson, who jumped into the top 10 for the first time this season with a final-round performance at the most recent event in Seattle, would like for that first victory of the season to come before the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship begins, which doesn’t leave him much time.
The most ideal situation would be winning at this weekend’s 33rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the home track for the longtime Pro Stock star. Not only would it snap a lengthy winless drought that stretches back to 2012, it would give Anderson a boost of confidence that could propel another championship run.
“I have to go find a way to win,” Anderson said. “I feel like I’ve got a car that can win, but I need to prove I can win again before the Countdown. I want to win again to prove to myself that I can do it. We’ve had a lot of success here recently, but hopefully I can get a win soon.”
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. It is the 17th of 24 races during the 2014 season and is the penultimate stop in the regular season.
Anderson, who missed the first five races of the season recovering from heart surgery, realizes the immediacy of the event and that is apparent by his recent turnaround. Anderson and his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro posted round wins at each of the three stops on the NHRA Western Swing, losing to teammate Jason Line in the final round at Seattle.
It moved Anderson into the top 10 and he now leads rookie Jonathan Gray by 26 points for the final spot in the Countdown to the Championship. But Anderson hopes that recent string is the start of something even bigger heading into the most important stretch of the season.
“We’ve definitely come a long way in the last month,” Anderson said. “We’ve made some serious gains and I can’t ask for more. We’re getting our act together at the right time and I think we’re now able to run with anybody in the class and compete for a championship. It’s been a stressful summer, but everything is starting to come together the way we want.”
Running well in the high-altitude conditions of Denver and then transitioning smoothly to the quicker tracks in Sonoma and Seattle was also key for Anderson. He believes the team has found a winning combination that can be consistent throughout a weekend, proving that by qualifying in the top five at all three events after not qualifying in the top seven at any previous race.
“The last three races have proven to us that what we’ve done works in all types of conditions,” Anderson said. “It’s very repeatable and that’s very reassuring. Everything has gradually improved and it’s starting to show. I definitely feel like we’ve gotten a lot better.”
Staying stagnant isn’t an option in the talented Pro Stock field headed by points leader Erica Enders-Stevens. Reigning Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin has four wins while other top contenders at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals include Allen Johnson, Dave Connolly, Line, Vincent Nobile, Shane Gray, Jonathan Gray, V Gaines and Chris McGaha.
But Anderson seemingly always feels great at his home track in Brainerd, winning three times previously. A fourth would do wonders for his entire team and feeling comfortable at the track has always played a part in Anderson’s strong success there.
“I’ve been racing up here a lot of years but it’s always fun,” Anderson said. “It’s just one of those where you have a lot of fun and you look forward to it every year. It’s a fun racetrack with great fans and I always recommend that everyone should go there at least once.”
Massey grabbed the Top Fuel Wally last season in Brainerd and is after his third win this season. Tony Schumacher leads active Top Fuel drivers with three wins at Brainerd while points leader Doug Kalitta, who won the most recent event in Seattle, has two. Other marquee challengers include Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon, the reigning Top Fuel world champ, Brittany Force, Richie Crampton, J.R. Todd, Khalid alBalooshi and category veteran Steve Torrence.
In Funny Car, Capps took home the victory in Brainerd, marking his fourth win at the track. But no one owns Brainerd like 16-time and reigning world champion John Force, who has 11 wins at the facility. Both will be challenged from an ultra-competitive Funny Car class that also features Tommy Johnson Jr., points leader Robert Hight, 1992 Brainerd winner Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan, two-time season winner Courtney Force, Tim Wilkerson, Del Worsham and Alexis DeJoria, also a two-time winner this season.
As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and enjoy some cherished face time and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, Aug. 15, with sessions at 3 and 5:30 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Aug. 16, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17.
To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Brainerd International Raceway at (866) 444-4455 or visit www.brainerdraceway.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.
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LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET
WHAT: 33rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the 17th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock – earn points leading to 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Brainerd International Raceway and Resort, Brainerd, Minn. Track is located a few miles north of the Brainerd area off Highway 371. The track is located on the east side of the highway.
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-17
SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, Aug. 14 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
FRIDAY, Aug. 15 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 3 and 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, Aug. 16 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations
MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1 and 3:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, Aug. 17 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION:
Saturday, Aug. 16, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Aug. 17, ESPN2 will televise three hours of coverage starting at 9 p.m. (ET).
SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):
Friday, Aug. 15, 9 – 9:30 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 14C
Saturday, Aug. 16, 7:30 – 8 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 14C
Sunday, Aug. 17, 7:30 – 8 p.m. (ET), SES 2 / Transponder 14C
(3980 MHz, vertical; Data Rate: 40.46147055 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)
Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.
2013 EVENT WINNERS: Spencer Massey, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Mike Edwards, Pro Stock.
MOST VICTORIES: John Force, 11, FC; Joe Amato, 6, TF; Kenny Bernstein, 5, FC/TF; Antron Brown, 5, TF/PSM; Ron Capps, 4, FC; Jeg Coughlin, 4, PS;.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.773 seconds by Khalid alBalooshi, Aug. ’12; 327.90 mph by Morgan Lucas, Aug. ’12.
Funny Car – 4.018 seconds by Jack Beckman, Aug. ’12; 319.45 mph by John Force, Aug. ’13.
Pro Stock – 6.542 sec. by Erica Enders-Stevens, Aug. ’12; 210.87 mph by Allen Johnson, Aug. ’12.
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.701 sec. by Antron Brown, Oct. ‘12, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.
Funny Car – 3.965 sec. and 324.12 mph by John Force, Feb. ’14, Pomona, Calif.
Pro Stock – 6.464 sec. and 215.55 mph by Erica Enders-Stevens, May ‘14, Englishtown N.J.
TICKETS: Order tickets by phone at (866) 444-4455. Tickets also are available online at www.brainerdraceway.com.
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NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the 16th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series –
Top Fuel: 1. Doug Kalitta, 1,345*; 2. Antron Brown, 1,269*; 3. Shawn Langdon, 1,146*; 4. Tony Schumacher, 999*; 5. Steve Torrence, 920; 6. Spencer Massey, 895; 7. Brittany Force, 856; 8. Khalid alBalooshi, 855; 9. Richie Crampton, 808; 10. J.R. Todd, 774.
Funny Car: 1. Robert Hight, 1,271*; 2. John Force, 1,224*; 3. Ron Capps, 989; 4. Courtney Force, 980; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., 975; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 961; 7. Matt Hagan, 949; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 894; 9. Del Worsham, 848; 10. Tim Wilkerson, 815.
Pro Stock: 1. Erica Enders-Stevens, 1,229*; 2. Allen Johnson, 1,197*; 3. Jason Line, 1,192*; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 1,128*; 5. Dave Connolly, 1,075*; 6. Shane Gray, 1,015*; 7. Vincent Nobile, 959*; 8. V. Gaines, 742; 9. Chris McGaha, 718; 10. Greg Anderson, 647.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Andrew Hines, 853*; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 762*; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 614*; 4. Hector Arana, 542; 5. John Hall, 516; 6. Matt Smith, 483; 7. Michael Ray, 462; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, 461; 9. Angie Smith, 435; 10. Steve Johnson, 430.
* Clinched berth in NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
