Fri, 3 Sep 2010, 05:40 PM Pro Stock's Anderson Seeking More Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Magic

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2010 Auto Imagery, Inc.

CLERMONT, Ind. --

Greg Anderson

Like most other drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Greg Anderson was hooked on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals mystique from the very first time he stepped onto the property at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. And like many of his peers, that first time was as a youthful wide-eyed spectator.

Now when he rolls through the gates of the world's most prestigious drag race Sept. 1-6 as a five-time winner, Anderson will need to take a moment to compose himself. The sheer magnitude of the event still raises major goosebumps, whether you are a rookie fan or one of the drivers whose impact on the race creates its awesome legacy.

Greg Anderson

"I've never needed any kind of artificial motivation for the U.S. Nationals, because it's the biggest race of our year, and the one that means the most to me," Anderson said. "I've felt that way ever since I went there as a little kid and was blown away by the grand scale of it all. From the size of the event and its extensive history to the prestige associated with winning as well as the greats who have won there, just going as a spectator made an impression that lasts to this day. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win the U.S. Nationals, let alone win it five times, so to be five-time winner is huge to me."

Anderson, who trails only Bob Glidden (9) and former mentor Warren Johnson (6) on the Pro Stock wins list at Indy, will try to add another U.S. Nationals victory to his resume, and in the process, make a run at a fourth world championship crown in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's post-season playoffs. The tradition-rich race, which will be showcased in 10 hours of coverage by ESPN2 HD, is the first of six races in the Countdown.

"As if being our biggest race was not enough, this year we have the Countdown to One starting in Indy, which just adds a little more intrigue, suspense and meaning to the U.S. Nationals," Anderson said. "I don't know how you could possibly have a more important race, but including the start of the playoffs into the event makes it seem like your entire season is coming down to that one race."

Anderson raced to two victories this season in three final round appearances and enters the Countdown in fourth place, 50 points back of the series leader. Defending world champ Mike Edwards, the 1998 U.S. Nationals winner, comes into the race as the top seed over Allen Johnson, who has been a solid contender all season in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger. Three-time Indy winner Jeg Coughlin is third in the points order still riding high from his Brainerd victory two weeks ago in his JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt.

SCHEDULE: The first of five qualifying sessions are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. Two sessions will be held on Sept. 4 at 3 and 6 p.m. and the final two qualifying sessions will take place on Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

TICKETS: Tickets are available for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Tickets are available by calling (800) 884-NHRA (6472), or online at www.NHRATIX.com.

ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise more than 10 hours of coverage of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. One hour of qualifying coverage will air on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. (ET). NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show will air on Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. (ET). Two more qualifying shows will air on Sept. 5, a two-hour and 30-minute show at 11:30 a.m. (ET), and a two hour show at 5 p.m. (ET). Five hours of final eliminations coverage will air on Monday, Sept. 6, starting at 1 p.m. (ET).

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