When the NHRA’s Full Throttle Drag Racing Series arrives at Infineon Raceway for this weekend’s Fram Autolite Nationals, only four races will remain before the start of the Countdown to One playoffs, where the Top Ten drivers will have their points reset for a six-race dogfight for the championship. Sitting third in the standings with two wins and four final rounds to their credit, Greg Anderson and the Summit Racing team’s spot in drag racing’s postseason is all but assured.
Even so, the defending Pro Stock champion knows that in order to successfully defend his title, both he and his KB Racing team will need to maintain a high level of performance in these final four events, beginning with this weekend’s race in Sonoma.
“I think it’s very important that we get our Summit Racing Pontiac back to the winner’s circle in these last four races before the Countdown,” said Anderson. “Of course, that’s what we try to do every race, but at this time of year you have to be on top of your game, knowing how to win on a consistent basis. You can’t just flip a switch at the start of the playoffs, you have to be at full song going in, and I think we can do just that.
“I’m going to write our performance off in Denver due to the unique conditions on the mountain, and go back to the previous race in Chicago, where we ran really well in winning the race. We should have similar weather and track conditions in Sonoma this weekend, so I believe our race cars should be back performing at a high level and giving us a great shot at the trophy.
“Our goal is to have two very fast hot rods and win these last four races to give everyone else something to think about going in to the Countdown. I know it’s a lot to ask, but that’s what we’re trying to achieve, and I believe this KB Racing team is fully capable.”
If the four-time champion were to hand pick one track on which to start his four-race push to the playoffs, Infineon Raceway, site of this weekend’s event, would certainly be at the top of the list. In eight of the last nine races held at the Wine Country quarter-mile, a KB Racing entry has advanced to the final, winning five times including two that featured an all-Summit championship round. With three wins and six final round appearances in his 10 previous Sonoma starts, it is easy to see why the Mooresville, NC racer is looking forward to the weekend ahead.
“Sonoma is one race that we circle on the calendar every year,” said Anderson. “Infineon Raceway is just a great racetrack, and one of my favorites on tour. Every driver and team has certain tracks throughout the year that rank among their favorites, and Infineon is certainly one of mine. I guess you can say it’s just our type of racetrack. Of course, being located in the heart of the California wine country makes it one of my wife Kim’s favorites as well.
“I love when you have a big barometer and good air that allows you to make a lot of horsepower as well as a racing surface with great traction as we do in Sonoma, because that’s when our Summit Racing Pontiacs really come alive. Ever since they redid the track a few years ago, it has been smooth as glass, and we’ve made some really nice runs there. Those conditions fall right into our wheelhouse, which explains why we’ve been able to do well there over the years.
“The entire team has a lot of confidence going into this race, and I really hope we can go in there and put both Summit cars in the final and back at the top of the pack. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend in the wine country, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Greg Anderson & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew
By the Numbers – Infineon Raceway edition:
3 – Wins by Anderson at Infineon Raceway heading into this weekend, which is tied with Darrell Alderman, Warren Johnson and Jim Yates for the most by a Pro Stock driver.
6 – a) No. 1 qualifying performances by Greg in Sonoma in 10 prior starts, most recently in 2009.
b) Final round appearances by Anderson at Infineon, most recently in 2009, when he was the runner-up to teammate Jason Line.
25 – Elimination round wins scored by Greg in his previous 10 Sonoma starts versus 7 losses for a 78.1 round win percentage.
Did you know?
A KB Racing entry has advanced to the final round in eight of the last nine races at Infineon Raceway, with Anderson winning three times and teammate Jason Line twice. Two of those final rounds in 2007 & 2009 featured both Summit entries, with the teammates each scoring a win.
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