ANDREW HINES WANTS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE PACK AT SPEEDY MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY DURING NHRA NATIONALS

MOHNTON, Pa. — Andrew Hines has been in the role of being the chaser and also in the position where everyone is chasing him. After experiencing both during his NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle career, Hines much rather prefers his current position as points leader.

Hines was the points leader from the second race on in the NHRA regular season and after a brief spell in second after the first event of the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, Hines has regained the top spot over his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammate Eddie Krawiec.

That has Hines excited for the second half of the Countdown, which starts at this weekend’s 30th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. It is annually one of quickest and fastest strips on the NHRA circuit and also the site where every other rider in the Countdown must try to track down the three-time world champion.

“Being in front is the best place to be,” Hines said. “My teammate is in second so it’s looking good as a team. I would much rather be out in front, try and set a get pace and go as far as I can on Sunday. I think we’re in a good spot. Our main focus is to have both bikes be competitive and go rounds.”

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. It is the fourth of six events in the Countdown.

Hines, who has five wins in seven final-round appearances in 2014, averted a minor crisis when his bike suddenly fell on hard times at Indy and during the opening event in the Countdown. A semifinal loss to Krawiec bumped Hines down to second but he rebounded impressively thanks to some standout work from his team, led by crew chief Matt Hines.

Hines won in Dallas to jump back into the points lead and then advanced to the final round last weekend in St. Louis before losing a razor-close race to Jerry Savoie. The strong back-to-back performances stretched his points lead to 57 over Krawiec and gave Hines peace of mind that his bike is once again performing at a high level.

“The bike is coming back to life,” Hines said. “It was running better in St. Louis and we’ve got a pretty positive outlook. We were really battling with the tune-up on the bike. Matt (Hines) just kept picking away at it until it started showing signs of consistency. The biggest thing is being consistently fast. We’ve picked up the pace and had a positive increase every run. We’re just trying to keep up with Eddie and get some of those qualifying points back.”

Solving the issue quickly was of utmost importance for Hines, especially after struggling through so many problems a year ago that he didn’t even advance to the Countdown.

For a rider with 37 career wins that was a tough pill to swallow, but Hines has more than redeemed himself with an incredible 2014 season, crediting a remarkable work ethic on the time that dates back to the offseason.

“It’s all about hard work,” Hines said. “We’re not happy unless both bikes are extremely competitive. Everyone puts in the effort and we’ve all been putting in the hours trying to get the bikes to where they need to be.”

Even with the points lead don’t expect Hines to stop working, especially when facing off against strong Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown competitors like Smith, who was victorious at Maple Grove last season en route to his second championship. Others nipping at Hines’ heels in hopes of a championship are Angie Smith, Hector Arana Jr., Hector Arana, Michael Ray, Scotty Pollacheck, John Hall and Steve Johnson.

But the quick conditions at Maple Grove Raceway could bring out the best in Hines, who has one win at the facility and has his sights set on strengthening his hold on the top spot in the class.

“It’s going to be fast and it could be faster throughout the weekend,” said Hines, who holds the track E.T. record at 6.728 seconds. “It’s more excitement and going faster requires more skill. We’ve been running in hot weather all summer and with cooler weather you have to react to it as a driver. It’s a different mindset but it’s going to be fast and that gets your adrenaline pumping.”

Langdon won in Reading last year en route to his first career Top Fuel world championship. Standing in his way of a repeat title is a host of star challengers including red-hot points leader Tony Schumacher, who won the first two races of the Countdown and also has four wins at Maple Grove Raceway, Doug Kalitta, who has advanced to nine finals in 2014, Antron Brown, who ended a brief slump with a win at the most recent event in St. Louis, Spencer Massey, Brittany Force, 2012 winner Khalid alBalooshi, rookie Richie Crampton, Steve Torrence and J.R. Todd.

In Funny Car one year ago, Force won in Reading and set the stage for him to claim his 16th world championship title. Force, the current points leader, has raced to seven career victories at Maple Grove Raceway, most all-time for a driver in any professional class. Standing in his way of another championship are teammate Robert Hight and Courtney Force, who has two straight victories to move to second, as well as Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, Alexis DeJoria, Cruz Pedregon, Tommy Johnson Jr., Tim Wilkerson and Del Worsham.

In Pro Stock, Coughlin defeated teammate Allen Johnson to win at Maple Grove Raceway last year, a win that became one of the differences in Coughlin claiming his fifth Pro Stock world championship. He is currently chasing points leader and two-time event winner Jason Line, as is the rest of a talented Countdown field consisting of Dave Connolly, who has won back-to-back events to climb to second in points, Shane Gray, Jonathan Gray, Erica Enders-Stevens, V Gaines, Vincent Nobile and Chris McGaha.

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, Oct. 3, with sessions at 1:15 and 4:15 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Maple Grove Raceway at (610) 856-7200 or visit www.maplegroveraceway.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

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NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 30th annual NHRA Nationals, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 2-5

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Oct. 2 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying

FRIDAY, Oct. 3 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:15 and 4:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 4 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 5 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Sunday, Oct. 5, ESPN2 will televise 90 minutes of coverage starting at 3:30 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 5, ESPN2 will re-air 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 4:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 5, ESPN2 will televise three hours of coverage starting at 8 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE: (Digital HD feed)

Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 – 8 p.m. (ET), SES 2/ Transponder 04C

Saturday, Oct. 4, 6 – 6:30 p.m. (ET), SES 2/ Transponder 04C

Sunday, Oct. 5, 6:30 – 7 p.m. (ET), SES 2/ Transponder 04C

(3780 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:

Shawn Langdon, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin, Pro Stock; Matt Smith, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

MOST VICTORIES:

John Force, FC, 7; Angelle Sampey, PSM, 6; Jeg Coughlin, PS, 4; Warren Johnson, PS, 4; Tony Schumacher, TF, 4

TRACK RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.701 sec. by Antron Brown, Oct. ’12; 334.15 mph by Shawn Langdon, Oct. ’12

Funny Car – 3.986 sec. by Jack Beckman, Oct. ’12; 323.50 mph by John Force, Oct. ’13

Pro Stock – 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. ’11; 214.35 mph by Line, Oct. ’12

Pro Stock Motorcycle- 6.728 sec. and 198.73 mph by Andrew Hines, Oct. ’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.

PS Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct. ’12, Reading, Pa.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.

TICKETS: For tickets call (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at www.maplegroveraceway.com.

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NHRA MELLO YELLO COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

GLENDORA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the third of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship-

Top Fuel: 1. Tony Schumacher, 2,337; 2. Shawn Langdon, 2,280; 3. Steve Torrence, 2,266; 4. Antron Brown, 2,257; 5. Doug Kalitta, 2,250; 6. J.R. Todd, 2,228; 7. Spencer Massey, 2,199; 8. Khalid alBalooshi,2,188; 9. Richie Crampton, 2,125; 10. Brittany Force, 2,085.

Funny Car: 1. John Force, 2,344; 2. Courtney Force, 2,314; 3. Matt Hagan, 2,302; 4. Robert Hight, 2,253; 5. Ron Capps, 2,218; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 2,216; 7. Alexis DeJoria, 2,196; 8. Del Worsham, 2,193; 9. Tim Wilkerson, 2,155; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 2,135.

Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 2,364; 2. Dave Connolly, 2,338; 3. Erica Enders-Stevens, 2,297; 4. Shane Gray, 2,256; 5. Jonathan Gray, 2,245; 6. Vincent Nobile, 2,241; 7. Jeg Coughlin, 2,231; 8. Allen Johnson, 2,220; 9. V. Gaines, 2,155; 10. Chris McGaha, 2,104.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Andrew Hines, 2,400; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 2,343; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 2,256; 4. Steve Johnson, 2,253; 5. Matt Smith, 2,202; 6. John Hall, 2,191; 7t. Hector Arana, 2,176; 7t. Scotty Pollacheck, 2,176; 9. Angie Smith, 2,125; 10. Michael Ray, 2,071.