NHRA Summit Racing Jason Line Pre Race: Line is Ready to Rise to the Top in Phoenix

Contact: Jon Knapp
Summit Racing PR
Ph: 704.662.3121
J2Racing@aol.com
 
Line is Ready to Rise to the Top in Phoenix
 
Mooresville, N.C., February 17, 2010 – A key element in a race team’s long-term success is having a short memory.  Whether winning or losing, it is more beneficial to concentrate on what lies ahead than contemplating past events.   For example, Jason Line and the Summit Racing team quickly dismissed any negative aspects of their premature exit at last week’s race in Pomona.  Instead, they focused on finding a way to improve their race car’s performance in the scant few days available before this weekend’s Arizona NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. 
 
Therefore, they took advantage of a Monday visit with team owner Ken Black in Las Vegas to incorporate a quick test session on Tuesday.  Making numerous runs, they gathered valuable information about their race car’s tuning envelope, which they look to put to good use this weekend at Firebird International Raceway.
 
“We struggled a little in Pomona, with my Summit Racing Pontiac not making a decent run until the first round on Sunday,�?? said Line.   “As close as the competition is in Pro Stock, you just can’t afford to do that and still expect to win.  Although as a team we were able to salvage a decent showing with Greg (teammate Anderson) making it to the final, we left California knowing we needed to get our act together.  
 
“That’s why we went testing after seeing Ken (team owner Black) in Las Vegas.  We needed to get a better handle on our race cars, so we could go to Phoenix and perform the way we’re capable of.   We know it’s there, we just have to keep digging.�??
 
Having a good handle on their race car will be crucial at this weekend’s event, as it will be held at one of the few facilities the KB Racing team has yet to completely master.  Located on the outskirts of Arizona’s capital city, Firebird Raceway is one of only three on the 20-race 2010 Full Throttle Drag Racing circuit where Line and his teammate Greg Anderson have yet to record multiple wins.  With two runner-up finishes to his credit in six previous starts, the 2006 Pro Stock champion is more than ready to add an FIR win to his racing resume.
 
“For some reason, we never seem to shine at Firebird Raceway,�?? said Line.  “We’ve come close with two final round appearances, but have yet to close the deal.  Of course, that only serves to motivate this KB Racing crew even further.  This track isn’t any different from any others we race on – it’s all a matter of adapting our car to what the surface will give us, making good runs every time out, and doing a better job than our competitors.  If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.
 
“Still, the best thing about this weekend is that our previous history there doesn’t matter at all.  Therefore, we’re going in to this race with the same objective as we have at all the other tracks, namely to end the weekend with one of our Summit Racing Pontiacs in the winner’s circle.  It’s up to us to get it done.�?? 
 
Jason Line Firebird International Raceway Scorecard –
 



Races

Wins

Finals

#1 Qual.

Rounds W

Rounds L

Pct.


6

0

2

1

9

6

.600



 
Notes for Jason Line & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew
At Firebird International Raceway:
 
Line in Phoenix: In six career starts at Firebird International Raceway, Jason has two final round appearances in 2007 & 2008, and advanced to the quarterfinals or better five times.
 
Looking to make Firebird Lucky No. 13:  Jason has won races at 12 of the 20 tracks on the 2010 Full Throttle circuit, and hopes to add Firebird International Raceway to the list this weekend.
 
Line’s Firebird International Raceway Qualifying Stats: Jason has been the No. 1 qualifier once at FIR in 2007 (in six career starts), with four starts in the top five positions.  Overall, he has an average starting spot of 6.17 in Phoenix.
 
Event Schedule:
            Friday, February 19:               Two qualifying sessions at 1:30 & 4:00 p.m.
            Saturday, February 20:           Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 & 3:00 p.m.
            Sunday, February 21:             Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m.
 
Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2):
            Qualifying:                   Sunday, February 21 – 2:00 – 4:00 a.m.
            Eliminations:                Sunday, February 21 – 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
            RaceDay:                    Sunday, February 21 – 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 www.summitracing.com.                                                                                                        
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