Anderson Dallas Saturday report

Starting Second, Anderson Looks for a Texas Motorplex Three-Peat

Greg Anderson, Summit Racing Pontiac GXP

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

With the temperatures on Saturday at the Texas Motorplex expected to be more than ten degrees warmer than they had been the day before, Summit Racing Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson felt his 6.559-second, 210.67 mph pass from Friday evening, which had placed him second behind teammate Jason Line, would not be threatened. Therefore, both he and his crew looked to use their final two qualifying attempts at the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas, Texas to work on their set-up for race day, when the mercury is expected to climb even higher.

It was a decision that would prove wise, as there were no changes among the top twelve times from Friday, resulting in the 30th 1-2 qualifying performance of Line and Anderson’s careers, seventh of the 2011 season and third at the Texas Motorplex. As for his final two attempts, it would seem to have been a productive day, with Anderson tying for low elapsed time in the opening round and being second-quickest in the fourth and final session. However, the ultra competitive Mooresville, N.C. resident was not satisfied, feeling there was still room for improvement, with the KB crew immediately looking for answers that could help them achieve their third consecutive win at the Ennis quarter-mile, starting with their first round match-up with rookie and 15th qualifier Chris McGaha.

“Our runs today were far from bad, but if we don’t live up to what we believe is our potential, we’re not satisfied,” said Anderson. “That’s why we started poring over the computer as soon as we got back from the runs, trying to see what we did, and how we can make these Summit Racing Pontiacs even better for tomorrow. We’re close but we just don’t feel we’re running the way we’re capable, so we’re going to keep digging.

“The forecast is calling for even higher temperatures tomorrow, which will be a challenge, and we know the track conditions will also change, especially as we will be running behind the fuel cars. Still, it will be the same for everyone, and we have to figure out a way to do it better.

“We have some work to do, but we should be fine. Tomorrow is an important day, because we need to make up for last weekend and gain back some of the ground we lost. I want to successfully defend my championship, so it’s time for me to get going. I’m looking for a big day tomorrow.”