Greg Anderson set for Maple Grove weekend

Anderson to Adopt New Attitude in Reading

Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson

Photo by: Ted Rossino

Mooresville, N.C., September 29, 2011 – As the four-time and defending NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock champion, Summit Racing driver Greg Anderson is quite familiar with the various trials and tribulations a team must endure en route to the title, as well as the best ways to survive. Therefore, after less-than representative showings in the first two races of this year’s Countdown to the Championship, he has decided to change strategies for this weekend’s Auto Parts Nationals in Reading, Pa.

However, it has nothing to do with the way his team prepares both his and teammate Jason Line’s cars, but rather how the ultra-competitive Anderson will approach competing at Maple Grove Raceway, thanks to the long-anticipated return to the track by his team owner, friend and mentor Ken Black.

“This weekend I just need to take a step back, chill out a little bit, enjoy the fact that Ken and Judy Black are back in the house with us, and just have a good time,” said Anderson. “I’m not going to worry about where I’m going to finish points-wise or if I’m going to win the race or not – if I’m able to do that, nine times out of ten, things will go pretty well.

“Sometimes you think you have to get meaner or press harder, and it backfires on you. So this weekend, this Summit Racing team will try a little different strategy, enjoying ourselves and realizing how lucky we are to have the Black family out there with us. That’s why I’m going to Maple Grove ready to relax and enjoy myself.”

Ironically, despite his early Countdown difficulties, Anderson has been able to maintain second place in the championship standings as other top contenders have suffered similar fates. However, with his deficit to current leader and Summit Racing teammate Jason Line at 112 points, he knows a productive outing in the Keystone State this weekend is almost mandatory, not only to close in on the top spot, but to help separate the talented tandem from the rest of the pack.

“I’m certainly not out of the running for the championship, but it’s going to take a near-perfect effort from this entire team the rest of the way, as well as some misfortune on my teammate’s part, which I would never wish on him,” said Anderson. “I sure as heck want to win that championship, but I have no problem with Jason getting it. As long as it goes to one of the Summit Racing Pontiacs, I’m fine with it. But I am far from giving up.”

Nestled in the middle of the farm country outside of Reading, the appropriately named Maple Grove Raceway offers tremendous conditions for the naturally-aspirated “factory hot rods”, which, combined with the low temperatures forecast for this weekend, could lead to new national records in both elapsed time and top speed, with the former including an enticing 20-point bonus.

“Reading has historically been good for us, and with cooler temperatures forecast, everybody is going to be running faster than fast, which is going to be fun.” said Anderson. “The entire KB Racing team loves racing in those cool, fast conditions. Our Summit Racing Pontiacs seem to thunder that way, and we’re looking forward to this weekend. I’m sure we’re going to have fast cars, and it will all come down to who executes the best.

“Although we’ll have to wait until we get there and see the barometer, I believe there’s a good chance we’ll see some national records fall in several categories, which is very exciting. We don’t have the record right now, which is the first time either Jason or I haven’t held a piece of the record. We certainly would love to get it back, and hope we have a chance to get it this weekend. We almost had a chance at it Charlotte, but didn’t have quite the right air.

“But our main goal, as it is at every race, is taking home the trophy and most importantly, having Ken and Judy join us in the winner’s circle. I believe we have a really good chance of winning this race, so we’re going up and see what develops.”