Summit Racing Pro Stock standout Jason Line is taking advantage of the week between the Denver race and this weekend’s Fram/Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., to do something typically American – go on a road trip with his family. On Monday, Line, his wife Cindy, son Jack and daughter Emma left the Mile-High city and embarked on the 1,200 mile journey, with one notable stop already planned in their route.
“One of my son Jack’s favorite movies is The World’s Fastest Indian, which is about a New Zealander named Burt Munro who set numerous motorcycle speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats back in the 60’s, so I thought it would be neat to take him there,” said Line. “Although there won’t be any cars running, I know he’ll get a kick out of it, as will I. Most of all, I’m just looking forward to spending time with my family.
“Our schedule throughout the year is so hectic that I don’t get to spend as much time with my family as I’d like, so we thought this road trip would be the perfect opportunity to get away and have some fun. It will be nice to take my mind off racing for a couple days, but once we get close to Infineon Raceway, my competitive clock will kick in and I’ll get back to thinking about ways to get my Summit Racing Pontiac in the winner’s circle.”
When Line and his family reach their destination in Northern California, they will be arriving at a racetrack that rates high on the KB Racing team’s list of favorites. Located in the rolling hills of the Napa Valley, Infineon Raceway is the second stop on the NHRA’s three consecutive weekends known as the Western Swing, and one of the final four races before the start of the Countdown to One championship playoffs. As such, the Minnesota native knows the importance of continuing their success in the wine country.
“I’m really looking forward to going to Sonoma,” said Line. “Infineon Raceway has always been a pretty good track for me, and I feel like we have a pretty good chance of running well and winning there. As is typical of any of the Bruton Smith tracks, it’s a tremendous facility with a great staff taking care of everything.
“They realize the importance of putting on a good show for the fans, so we know we’ll have a fair racing surface. Besides, it’s located in a beautiful area of the country and my family is going to be with me, so no matter what it’s going to be a good time.
“With four races left until the start of the Countdown, we’d certainly like to get back to the winner’s circle, but I don’t think it’s absolutely critical at this point to our chances for the championship due to the playoff format. Having said that, this Summit Racing team’s goal is to win every race we enter, which we haven’t done in some time. That alone makes winning important, so we just have to make it happen, and I couldn’t think of a better time or place than this weekend at Infineon Raceway. It would be the perfect ending to a great road trip.”
Jason Line & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew
By the Numbers – Infineon Raceway edition:
2 – Infineon Raceway wins by Jason coming into this weekend, most recently in 2009, when he defeated teammate Greg Anderson in the final.
4 - Final round appearances by Line in the Napa Valley, most recently one year ago.
5 – a) Finishes of the semifinals or better by Line at Infineon Raceway in his previous seven starts.
b) Top Three Starts in Jason’s seven previous Sonoma starts.
17 – Elimination round wins by Jason in his previous Infineon starts, versus five losses for a 77.3 winning percentage.
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