Defending champion looks to reward team owner, sponsor with eighth LVMS win
Mooresville, N.C., March 29, 2011 – Universally acknowledged as the Entertainment Capital of the World, the city of Las Vegas offers something for everyone. For those looking to make their fortune in a game of chance, there is a myriad of casinos featuring a form of gambling to suit every taste and budget, while those wanting to be entertained have their choice of top acts from around the world. Shopaholics have a wealth of outlets at their disposal, while those preferring to enjoy the great outdoors can make the short drive to the Hoover Dam. Finally, race fans can take in one of several major-league events held at the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including this weekend’s SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals.
As the driver of one of the flagship Summit Racing Pontiacs, defending Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson is naturally looking forward to racing in front of his sponsor, where he will be considered one of the favorites. In addition, as with every trip to the Nevada desert, he eagerly anticipates spending time with his friend and mentor, team owner Ken Black. It is a combination that provides the KB Racing teamwith plenty of incentive.
“Every trip we take to Las Vegas is special because of Ken Black, but it gets even better in the spring because as a Summit event we get to see all our friends from Summit Racing,” said Anderson. “Ken means everything to this race team, and he just keeps swinging away, working hard to get better. We miss him at the races he can’t come to right now, but he’ll be at the track with us all weekend, so life will be right again.
“As far as Summit is concerned, we are both excited and proud to have their name on our race cars. They are absolutely the perfect sponsor for us. Naturally, with all the brass in attendance, there will be little extra pressure, but we love racing in Las Vegas. We’ve had a lot of success on The Strip, as well as at the various other races Summit sponsors, and there’s nothing better than to have one of them hand you the trophy and then join you in the winner’s circle.
“We have a lot of reasons to do well this weekend, and we’ve been working hard so we can put smiles on everyone’s faces. Jason has done a tremendous job this year, coming out and winning the first two races. It’s great for KB Racing, and everybody on the team is happy for him including me, but now it’s my turn. I need one of those special silver Wallys, so I’ll be trying even harder this weekend, seeing if I can wrestle one away from him.”
Fortunately, the KB Racing crew will be competing on a track where they have experienced tremendous success, as attested by Anderson’s seven wins in nine final round appearances, the most by any NHRA professional racer. Although certainly focused on adding to that impressive record this weekend, the four-time champion cannot help but recall his most recent win on the Silver State quarter-mile, one that will ultimately remain as his most cherished.
“When we were here last October, we had a storybook weekend, one I will never forget,” recalled Anderson. “It was also an example of how much you can achieve with a positive attitude. Eleven months earlier, we came close to losing Ken, but between he and Judy, they never gave up, they just kept fighting to get to the point where he could get back to the racetrack, and that race was his first back out there with us. That alone made the weekend special, and lifted everyone’s spirits.
“Although we struggled a little bit in qualifying, we didn’t give up and on race day everything came together, with Jason (teammate Line) and I meeting in the final, where we had an incredible race, one that I was fortunate enough to win, putting me in position to win my fourth championship. Best of all, we had Ken, Judy, Kenny and the Black family in the winner’s circle, along with the folks from Summit, both cars and the entire KB Racing team. I don’t see how we could ever top that experience, but our goal is to try and equal it. We love racing in front of Ken and Summit, and we love racing on that track – twice a year it’s a place we really look forward to going to, so we know it’s going to be a great weekend.”
But before Anderson even takes to the track for his first qualifying attempt on Friday, he will have completed a whirlwind of activity in the Las Vegas area, including appearances and media work, starting shortly after his arrival.
“Wednesday night, Jason and I will be heading over to Findlay Chevrolet to meet the fans and sign some autographs,” said Anderson. “Findlay has been a big supporter of KB Racing for almost seven years, providing vehicles that we use to chase around the country, getting to and from the racetrack. We’re proud to have their name on our race cars, and they have played a big part in our success.
“Cliff and Justin Findlay, Doug Fleming and the whole gang at Findlay are a great group. It will be good to bring our race cars to their dealership and spend a little time with them, meeting the employees and giving them a close look at what they’re involved with. It’s our first time we’ll be able to do this, and it’s long overdue, so we’re looking forward to getting there. It’s going to be a neat deal, and I invite everyone to come out and join us.”
Greg Anderson Las Vegas Appearance Schedule:
Wednesday, March 30 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Findlay Chevrolet
6800 South Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 545-6839
Thursday, March 31 - 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New York, New York Hotel & Casino
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV
Greg Anderson & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew
By the Numbers – The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway edition:
3 - Wins scored by Anderson at the SummitRacing.com Nationals heading into this weekend most recently in 2007, when he qualified No. 3 and defeated Jim Yates, Richie Stevens, V. Gaines and Jeg Coughlin.
5 – No. 1 qualifying performances by Anderson in 18 previous career Las Vegas starts, with only four starts outside the top half of the field.
7 – Overall wins scored by Anderson at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway heading into this weekend most recently last October, when he qualified No. 11 and defeated Rodger Brogdon, Jeg Coughlin, Shane Gray and his teammate Jason Line en route to the 65th win of his career.
8 – Overall wins by KB Racing at The Strip at LVMS in the last seven years encompassing 16 races (Anderson 7, Line 1).
9 – Final round appearances by Greg in 18 previous career starts at The Strip.
12 - Finishes of the semifinals or better by Anderson in his previous 18 Vegas starts.
41 – Elimination round wins scored by Greg in his previous 18 Las Vegas starts versus 11 losses for a 78.8 round win percentage.
Did you know? Greg’s seven wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are more than the combined career win total of six drivers currently in the Top Ten in the Full Throttle Pro Stock Championship standings.
Event Schedule:
Friday, April 1: Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 & 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Two qualifying sessions at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 3: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m.
Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2):
Qualifying: Saturday, April 2 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 3 – 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
(All times Eastern)
Mooresville, N.C., March 29, 2011 – Universally acknowledged as the Entertainment Capital of the World, the city of Las Vegas offers something for everyone. For those looking to make their fortune in a game of chance, there is a myriad of casinos featuring a form of gambling to suit every taste and budget, while those wanting to be entertained have their choice of top acts from around the world. Shopaholics have a wealth of outlets at their disposal, while those preferring to enjoy the great outdoors can make the short drive to the Hoover Dam. Finally, race fans can take in one of several major-league events held at the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including this weekend’s SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals.
As the driver of one of the flagship Summit Racing Pontiacs, defending Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson is naturally looking forward to racing in front of his sponsor, where he will be considered one of the favorites. In addition, as with every trip to the Nevada desert, he eagerly anticipates spending time with his friend and mentor, team owner Ken Black. It is a combination that provides the KB Racing teamwith plenty of incentive.
“Every trip we take to Las Vegas is special because of Ken Black, but it gets even better in the spring because as a Summit event we get to see all our friends from Summit Racing,” said Anderson. “Ken means everything to this race team, and he just keeps swinging away, working hard to get better. We miss him at the races he can’t come to right now, but he’ll be at the track with us all weekend, so life will be right again.
“As far as Summit is concerned, we are both excited and proud to have their name on our race cars. They are absolutely the perfect sponsor for us. Naturally, with all the brass in attendance, there will be little extra pressure, but we love racing in Las Vegas. We’ve had a lot of success on The Strip, as well as at the various other races Summit sponsors, and there’s nothing better than to have one of them hand you the trophy and then join you in the winner’s circle.
“We have a lot of reasons to do well this weekend, and we’ve been working hard so we can put smiles on everyone’s faces. Jason has done a tremendous job this year, coming out and winning the first two races. It’s great for KB Racing, and everybody on the team is happy for him including me, but now it’s my turn. I need one of those special silver Wallys, so I’ll be trying even harder this weekend, seeing if I can wrestle one away from him.”
Fortunately, the KB Racing crew will be competing on a track where they have experienced tremendous success, as attested by Anderson’s seven wins in nine final round appearances, the most by any NHRA professional racer. Although certainly focused on adding to that impressive record this weekend, the four-time champion cannot help but recall his most recent win on the Silver State quarter-mile, one that will ultimately remain as his most cherished.
“When we were here last October, we had a storybook weekend, one I will never forget,” recalled Anderson. “It was also an example of how much you can achieve with a positive attitude. Eleven months earlier, we came close to losing Ken, but between he and Judy, they never gave up, they just kept fighting to get to the point where he could get back to the racetrack, and that race was his first back out there with us. That alone made the weekend special, and lifted everyone’s spirits.
“Although we struggled a little bit in qualifying, we didn’t give up and on race day everything came together, with Jason (teammate Line) and I meeting in the final, where we had an incredible race, one that I was fortunate enough to win, putting me in position to win my fourth championship. Best of all, we had Ken, Judy, Kenny and the Black family in the winner’s circle, along with the folks from Summit, both cars and the entire KB Racing team. I don’t see how we could ever top that experience, but our goal is to try and equal it. We love racing in front of Ken and Summit, and we love racing on that track – twice a year it’s a place we really look forward to going to, so we know it’s going to be a great weekend.”
But before Anderson even takes to the track for his first qualifying attempt on Friday, he will have completed a whirlwind of activity in the Las Vegas area, including appearances and media work, starting shortly after his arrival.
“Wednesday night, Jason and I will be heading over to Findlay Chevrolet to meet the fans and sign some autographs,” said Anderson. “Findlay has been a big supporter of KB Racing for almost seven years, providing vehicles that we use to chase around the country, getting to and from the racetrack. We’re proud to have their name on our race cars, and they have played a big part in our success.
“Cliff and Justin Findlay, Doug Fleming and the whole gang at Findlay are a great group. It will be good to bring our race cars to their dealership and spend a little time with them, meeting the employees and giving them a close look at what they’re involved with. It’s our first time we’ll be able to do this, and it’s long overdue, so we’re looking forward to getting there. It’s going to be a neat deal, and I invite everyone to come out and join us.”
Greg Anderson Las Vegas Appearance Schedule:
Wednesday, March 30 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Findlay Chevrolet
6800 South Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 545-6839
Thursday, March 31 - 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New York, New York Hotel & Casino
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV
Greg Anderson & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew
By the Numbers – The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway edition:
3 - Wins scored by Anderson at the SummitRacing.com Nationals heading into this weekend most recently in 2007, when he qualified No. 3 and defeated Jim Yates, Richie Stevens, V. Gaines and Jeg Coughlin.
5 – No. 1 qualifying performances by Anderson in 18 previous career Las Vegas starts, with only four starts outside the top half of the field.
7 – Overall wins scored by Anderson at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway heading into this weekend most recently last October, when he qualified No. 11 and defeated Rodger Brogdon, Jeg Coughlin, Shane Gray and his teammate Jason Line en route to the 65th win of his career.
8 – Overall wins by KB Racing at The Strip at LVMS in the last seven years encompassing 16 races (Anderson 7, Line 1).
9 – Final round appearances by Greg in 18 previous career starts at The Strip.
12 - Finishes of the semifinals or better by Anderson in his previous 18 Vegas starts.
41 – Elimination round wins scored by Greg in his previous 18 Las Vegas starts versus 11 losses for a 78.8 round win percentage.
Did you know? Greg’s seven wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are more than the combined career win total of six drivers currently in the Top Ten in the Full Throttle Pro Stock Championship standings.
Event Schedule:
Friday, April 1: Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 & 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Two qualifying sessions at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 3: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m.
Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2):
Qualifying: Saturday, April 2 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, April 3 – 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
(All times Eastern)
