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Driver Profile
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Greg Anderson
Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro
Pro Stocker
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Anderson says 'Let the fun begin'
Pomona, prerace: A basic understanding of geology dictates that carbon under pressure combined with the correct amount of heat and time creates diamonds.
Heat, pressure, and time have also produced a “Crown Jewel” season for the KB Racing team and drivers Greg Anderson and Jason Line.
Rewind to last year’s World Finals POWERADE winner’s circle interview. Anderson recalled, “People thought I was crazy when I suggested we could duplicate or surpass our 2003 performance.”
Anderson proved a racing prophet as his Summit-backed team proceeded to accomplish the impossible. He and teammate Jason Line cut through a list of formidable competitors. The duo won a record 18 of 22 races so far, with Anderson establishing a string of NHRA competition records which are not likely to be challenged for decades.
“There’s always a certain amount of pressure inherent in accomplishing our goals,” said Anderson “but the additional pressure of having the opportunity to establish Drag Racing history added to the normal stress that every event brings.”
After tying the John Force win mark at 13 in Indy, the pressure seemed to increase with each event. While successive events unfolded the team stumbled with an uncharacteristic three race draught. Not winning, the pressure and heat of competitors multiplied as the list of races dwindled.
The team’s record-breaking 14th Pro Stock win in Las Vegas turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. “This was a dream come true,” said Anderson. “We made history at team owner Ken Black’s home track in front of friends and family. My guys are absolutely incredible. We have the best people in the business and it shows on the race track. I say it all the time, I know this isn’t going to last forever so we’ll enjoy the moment and take it all in now while we prepare for the 2005 season.”
Anderson is the defending Automobile Club of Southern California Finals champion and has captured the last two events held at the Pomona fair grounds.
Pro Stock Champion Anderson is prepared to enjoy himself in Pomona. It’s been a pressure-packed emotional season,” said Anderson. “For the first time in my racing career I’m entering a race with zero pressure.
“Pomona is a historic track, it’s a genuine piece of Drag Racing Americana. We enjoy the atmosphere here and the knowledgeable Pro Stock fans. We were fortunate enough to establish track records here during the February Winternationals event. Cooler weather is forecast for the weekend, so its likely fans will see an assault on the records.”
Still up for grabs is the No. 1 qualifying mark which currently stands at 15 events, tying him with Warren Johnson. Anderson has one last shot at elevating several additional performance marks. He can add to the current string of records he’s already established including final round appearances with 18, round wins in a season with 72, largest championship points margin 721, most points accumulated in a Pro category with 2,284 and of course, the total season win mark which currently stands at 14.
Line is focused on wrapping up the “Rookie of the Year” title with a strong finish at Pomona. Line’s win in Reading and runner-up finish in Las Vegas establishes him as the clear favorite for “Rookie of the Year” honors. Line is a seven time Pro Stock finalist winning four events while posting three impressive runner-up finishes to teammate and mentor Anderson. Line is also one of only four Pro Stock competitors to qualify for every race in 2004 and boasts an impressive season round win record of 39-18.
With one race remaining, Line finds himself back in the No. 2 spot with a 69-point margin over third place Dave Connolly. Mathematically, a solid qualifying effort coupled with two round wins, can clinch the No. 2 spot for rookie Line in the final POWERADE Pro Stock standings.
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