JOLIET, Ill. – Four of the top five NHRA Pro Stock drivers have something Greg Stanfield covets, and he is focusing on rectifying that situation in the United Association NHRA Route 66 Nationals, Friday through Sunday, at Route 66 Raceway.
What does he lack? Stanfield has not been able to drive the Nitro Fish/Coffman Tank Trucks GXP into the winner’s circle after 10 of 16 regular-season events. Nevertheless, he is in fourth place with 688 Full Throttle series points and in contention for a Countdown to the Championship berth. The top 10 will battle it out for the winner’s trophy and a $250,000 check in the final six races.
“I’m excited about racing at Route 66 Raceway,” said Stanfield, who also is the team’s engine builder. “We have a good team. We’re working hard at the shop every day. I think we definitely need a little luck.”
He has been to three final rounds this season, with decisions coming by a few thousandths of a second, but there are no bonus points for close losses. However, he has boosted his point total by grinding out 17 round wins. That includes two at Norwalk, Ohio two weeks ago after starting from the No. 16 position. Stanfield, one of the quickest drivers off the starting line, stopped number one qualifier Erica Enders and number eight qualifier Allen Johnson.
“We are going into the weekend planning to qualify well and race well,” said crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia. “We’ve already had opportunities to win a race. If it presents itself again this weekend, we want to take advantage of it.”
What does he lack? Stanfield has not been able to drive the Nitro Fish/Coffman Tank Trucks GXP into the winner’s circle after 10 of 16 regular-season events. Nevertheless, he is in fourth place with 688 Full Throttle series points and in contention for a Countdown to the Championship berth. The top 10 will battle it out for the winner’s trophy and a $250,000 check in the final six races.
“I’m excited about racing at Route 66 Raceway,” said Stanfield, who also is the team’s engine builder. “We have a good team. We’re working hard at the shop every day. I think we definitely need a little luck.”
He has been to three final rounds this season, with decisions coming by a few thousandths of a second, but there are no bonus points for close losses. However, he has boosted his point total by grinding out 17 round wins. That includes two at Norwalk, Ohio two weeks ago after starting from the No. 16 position. Stanfield, one of the quickest drivers off the starting line, stopped number one qualifier Erica Enders and number eight qualifier Allen Johnson.
“We are going into the weekend planning to qualify well and race well,” said crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia. “We’ve already had opportunities to win a race. If it presents itself again this weekend, we want to take advantage of it.”
