"This is definitely a different situation for us, but the old girl isn't singing quite yet, so we're not about to give up," said Anderson. "We know our chances might be a little slim, and we're going to need some outside help, but this Summit Racing team is still going to keep fighting.

"Looking at things realistically, Mike (current points leader Edwards) will have to suffer some misfortune along the way for us to have a chance. I certainly don't wish it on him, and I don't expect it to happen, but, if it does, we have to be ready to make the most of it. That's why we're going into Las Vegas with the same mindset, doing everything we can do to win.

"Besides, with all the talk about the championship, people tend to forget there's still a race to be won, and it's in our team owner's hometown. Any way you look at it, we have a lot on the line this weekend, and we're not looking to finish second."

With so much at stake, Anderson can take comfort in knowing he will be racing on one of his best tracks. Since joining the Full Throttle tour in 2000, the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has established itself as one of drag racing's premiere facilities, and the home track for KB Racing owner Ken Black. With six wins in eight final round appearances, Anderson leads all professional competitors. As such, he is well versed on what it takes to succeed in the Nevada desert.

"It certainly helps your confidence going to a track that you not only like, but on which you have a good record of success," said Anderson. "It's a good race track, a fun place to race, and I love going there, which is reflected in how well we've raced there. The first time I went there with Ken in 2002, I actually DNQ'ed, so we did a lot of testing before the next race, and we ended up winning the next four times we went to Vegas.

"Racing in Las Vegas is a lot different than most racetracks. It has a couple thousand feet of altitude, so you know the motor's not going to make a ton of power. The power loss is not as bad as going to Denver, but it's about a third of the way there. Fortunately, the surface is really good, so as long as you adapt to the loss of horsepower, you can be in good shape.

"Of course, another part of the challenge of racing in Vegas is the nightlife, which goes to a completely different level with Halloween being this weekend. Looking at the way the qualifying sessions are set, it looks like they want to give us some time to go out and enjoy it. Still, this Summit Racing team knows they'll have to keep their trick or treating under control. After all, this is a business trip, and we have a job to do."

However, before Anderson even takes to the track, he will participate in an event of extra significance, playing in the Sixth Annual Cards for Kids Poker Tournament. Held on Wednesday night at the Cannery Hotel & Casino, Anderson and his Summit Racing teammate Jason Line will be among a host of NHRA drivers playing against the fans in an evening of high-stakes fun benefiting the Speedway Children's Charities.

"We've taken part in the poker tournament for the last four or five years, and it's always a lot of fun," said Anderson. "It's a great deal supporting the tremendous work done by the Speedway Children's Charities. I don't consider myself a card shark, but I enjoy watching it on TV, as well as playing once a year in this event.

"Fortunately, since we are such novices, the dealers usually help us out so we don't look too bad, and everyone ends up having a great time. This year, I'm going to get Jason in it with me, so it will be a fun way for us to kick off the weekend, all while helping out a great cause. After that, it will be game on."

Fast Facts on Greg Anderson & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals:
Greg Anderson Las Vegas Appearance Information: On Wednesday, October 28, Greg will be participating in the Sixth Annual Cards for Kids Poker Tournament at the Cannery Hotel & Casino, which will run from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.. In addition, Greg will be signing autographs as part of the NHRA FanFest, which will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 at the Fremont Street Experience. For more information, please visit http://www.lvms.com and/or http://www.nhra.com.

Greg has been the NHRA headliner in Las Vegas: In 15 career starts at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Greg has six wins (including four in a row), the most by any NHRA professional racer, in eight final round appearances and ten finishes of the semifinals or better.

The Strip has a home track feel for Anderson: Greg's eight final round appearances at The Strip are tied for the most at any one track in his career, with his six wins on team owner Ken Black's home track the second most at any single facility.

Anderson starts at the top in Las Vegas: Since 2003, Greg has only three starts outside the top three positions, highlighted by his five No. 1 qualifying performances. In fifteen starts at LVMS dating back to 2000, Greg has a 4.2 average starting position.

Event Schedule:
            Friday, October 30:                   Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 & 3:00 p.m.
            Saturday, October 31:               Two qualifying sessions at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
            Sunday, November 1:                Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m.
 
Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2):
            Qualifying:                    Saturday, October 31 - 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
            Eliminations:                 Sunday, November 1 -  7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
            RaceDay:                      Sunday, November 1 - 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

Courtesy of Jon Knapp