On the strength of a 6.510-second, 212.56 mph pass made on his first attempt on Friday afternoon, Summit Racing Pro Stock racer Jason Line earned the No. 1 qualifying position for Sunday’s final eliminations of the O’Reilly NHRA Nationals in Concord, NC. Even though the unseasonably cool conditions remained in the area on Saturday, Line’s opening time was never seriously challenged over the final three sessions, allowing him to secure the 22nd No. 1 qualifying position of his career.
This was Line’s sixth No 1 qualifying performance of the season, third in as many races and third consecutive pole at zMAX Dragway. Although naturally pleased by his performance, Line’s primary focus remained on scoring his first national event win at the North Carolina quarter-mile on Sunday, where he will open against veteran and No. 16 qualifier V. Gaines in the first round tomorrow.
“With the exception of the last session where we went for it and shook the tires, we made some pretty decent runs with our Summit Racing Pontiac this weekend,” said Line. “Nobody ran as quick as I thought they would this weekend, and even though I feel like we also left something on the table, we still ended up as the No. 1 qualifier, which shows just how strong our car is. Our top priority now is do whatever it takes to make sure we capitalize on it tomorrow.
“The Countdown has started, so now is the time to make hay. The team seems to be peaking at just the right time, which feels really good, and they’ve given me a tremendous hot rod to drive. We’ve had our issues starting out of the No. 1 spot here in the past, but that is about to change tomorrow. If everyone, including the driver, does their job the way they are capable, we have as good a chance as anyone to end the day in winner’s circle with all our family and friends.”
This was Line’s sixth No 1 qualifying performance of the season, third in as many races and third consecutive pole at zMAX Dragway. Although naturally pleased by his performance, Line’s primary focus remained on scoring his first national event win at the North Carolina quarter-mile on Sunday, where he will open against veteran and No. 16 qualifier V. Gaines in the first round tomorrow.
“With the exception of the last session where we went for it and shook the tires, we made some pretty decent runs with our Summit Racing Pontiac this weekend,” said Line. “Nobody ran as quick as I thought they would this weekend, and even though I feel like we also left something on the table, we still ended up as the No. 1 qualifier, which shows just how strong our car is. Our top priority now is do whatever it takes to make sure we capitalize on it tomorrow.
“The Countdown has started, so now is the time to make hay. The team seems to be peaking at just the right time, which feels really good, and they’ve given me a tremendous hot rod to drive. We’ve had our issues starting out of the No. 1 spot here in the past, but that is about to change tomorrow. If everyone, including the driver, does their job the way they are capable, we have as good a chance as anyone to end the day in winner’s circle with all our family and friends.”
