Five days after the completion of the last race in Charlotte, NC, the NHRA's Full Throttle Drag
Racing Series will return to action on Friday with the start of qualifying for the O'Reilly Super
Start Fall Nationals in Dallas, TX. Although this is only the second of six races in the Countdown
to One championship playoff, there is already a sense of urgency among the qualified competitors to
maximize any points earning opportunity.
Coming into the we ekend third in the Pro Stock standings, Summit Racing Pontiac driver Jason Line
is certainly not among those about to push the panic button. Even so, he acknowledges that,
especially in light of the new qualifying points system, any margin for error has been effectively
eliminated.
"Awarding bonus points during qualifying has changed the face of the Countdown," said Line. "Now,
every time you hit the track you're under the gun. That's good news for those that are running
well, and some extra work for those who are not.
"Fortunately, our Summit Racing team has always tried to get the most out of every run, whether
it's during qualifying or eliminations, so we really don't have to change the way we approach
things. I absolutely believe in this team, as I always have, but we have to do a better job than
we did last week. To contend for the championship, we need to be nearly perfect, and that's what
every member of this crew is focused on doing this weekend in Dallas."
To contend for the win and its accompanying points, Line and the Summit crew will have to
effectively transition the set-up on their 1,400-horsepower, 210-mph hot rod between the demands of
the all-concrete surfaces at zMAX Dragway in Concord and the Texas Motorplex, site of this
weekend's event. As the 19-time national event winner explains, the process begins back at the
team's shop in Mooresville, NC as they decide on what adjustments need to be made.
"The fact that the Texas Motorplex has an all-concrete track is really not an issue anymore," said
Line. "Every track has its idiosyncrasies and as a team and driver, we just have to keep them in
mind. In fact, we're coming off a race in Charlotte where the racing surface was also concrete, so
it's not as big a change as it used to be. It's a matter of studying the data and developing a
plan of attack.
"What is important is that we come out on Friday afternoon and make a good run right out of the
box. If we do that, we'll have a baseline that we can work from, setting the stage for a run deep
into eliminations on Sunday. After all, our goal for this weekend is simple, and the same as it is
every time we race. I want to go out, qualify our Summit Racing Pontiac No. 1, win four rounds on
Sunday and take home the Wally. The potential is certainly there - it's just up to us to bring it
out."
Fast Facts on Jason Line & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew at the O'Reilly Super Start Fa ll NHRA
Nationals:
Jason at the Motorplex: This will be Jason's sixth appearance at the Texas Motorplex, where he has
one final round appearance (in 2005), and two finishes of the semifinals or better.
Line Hopes for Addition by Subtraction in Dallas: The Texas Motorplex is one of nine stops (of 21
total) on the 2009 Full Throttle Schedule where Jason has yet to reach the winner's circle. Should
he accomplish that feat this weekend, the Ennis quarter-mile will be the 14th different track where
he will have won.
Jason Starts Near the Head of the Line in Texas: Jason has qualified in the Top Five positions in
four of his five previous starts at the Texas Motorplex, highlighted by his starting second in
2005, 2006 and 2008.
Event Schedule:
Friday, September 25: Two qualifying sessions at 2:00 & 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, September 26: Two qualifying sessions at 11:15 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 27: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m.
Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2):
Qualifying: Sunday, September 27 - 12:15 - 2:1520a.m.
(Repeat) Sunday, September 27 - 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, September 27 - 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
RaceDay: Sunday, September 27 - 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
(All times Eastern)
Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories
company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in
the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is
headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and
McDonough, Georgia. For more information, please visit http://www.summitracing.com.
