Summit Racing Jason Line NHRA Las Vegas Pre Race: Internal Pressure Powering Line in Las Vegas
Contact: Jon Knapp Summit Racing PR Ph: 704.662.3121 J2Racing@aol.com Internal Pressure Powering Line in Las Vegas Mooresville, N.C., April 13, 2010 – A quick review of the circumstances surrounding this weekend’s SummitRacing.com Nationals would reveal several reasons why Pro Stock standout Jason Line might feel some pressure to perform. On one hand, it is the first of three NHRA national events on the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series sponsored by his team’s primary backer Summit Racing Equipment. In addition, it is the first of two visits the straight-liners will make to Las Vegas, home of Line’s team owner Ken Black. Finally, it will be the first opportunity for Line and the KB Racing crew to race in front of their leader, as he continues his recovery from a series of off-season health issues. Even though any one of these factors would certainly increase the average team’s sense of urgency heading into the weekend, as Line is quick to point out, this combination does not approach the demands for competitive excellence coming from within the Summit Racing team. “The way we have run in recent races is totally unacceptable to every member of this racing team,�?? said Line. “That is why we went home after Houston and worked on improving our performance for Las Vegas. We sent some things back to the shop than we’re going to work on before the weekend, and will do whatever it takes to make ourselves stronger. The good news is that we know we are better than we have shown so far this season, and everyone is committed to doing a better job. “There is no doubt that we have a lot on the line this weekend. From Summit sponsoring the event, with many of the people from the main office in Ohio coming out to watch us in person to racing in front of Ken, Judy and the entire Black family for the first time in 2010, we have plenty of reasons for wanting to win. However, none of that will add any more pressure than what we already put on ourselves. We are going to this race to win.�?? Fortunately, a win at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway would not be an uncommon occurrence for the KB Racing crew, as they have a long-standing record of success in the Silver State. Although their total of seven wins in eleven final round appearances in their previous appearances may offer little in the way of technical assistance, the team’s mental outlook will certainly benefit from recalling their previous victories, as well as spending time with their owner and his family. “The racing surface at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a good one, and Vegas is a fun place to race,�?? said Line. “It’s also been a good track for the Summit Racing team over the years. However, that means little coming into this weekend beyond giving our confidence a much-needed boost. In fact, the biggest benefit we’ll get before the race will most likely be from seeing Ken, Judy and Kenny, who mean so much to all of us. “This year it is more important than ever that we put one of our Summit Racing Pontiacs in the winner’s circle in Las Vegas. Having said that, all it means to me is that every one on the team has to do their part. From the moment we pull into the track until we pack up on Sunday night, we have to make sure to pay attention to every little detail, making good calls and racing mistake-free. We’re not the first team to struggle, and we’re certainly not the last. I’m confident we’ll get our program turned around - it just going to take a little time. Given everything that’s involved, it would just be nice if that time was this weekend.�?? Notes for Jason Line & the Summit Racing Pontiac crew At The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Autograph session: Jason will be signing autographs on Thursday, April 15 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.lvms.com Line Reaches a Milestone: This year’s SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals will be the 150th Pro Stock race of Jason Line’s career. During that time, he has scored 21 NHRA national event wins in 45 final round appearances, captured 16 #1 qualifying positions and posted a 242-128 elimination-round record, as well a winning the Road to the Future award given to the top rookie performer in 2004 and the Pro Stock championship in 2006. The line on Jason in Las Vegas: In 13 career starts at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jason has one win in three final round appearances and seven finishes of the semifinals or better. The Strip is KB Racing country: In the last 14 races contested at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jason and his Summit Racing teammate Greg Anderson have combined to advance to the final round eleven times, taking home the trophy seven times. Line’s Qualifying Stats on The Strip: Jason has been the No. 1 qualifier twice in Las Vegas (in 13 career starts), with nine starts in the top four positions. Overall, he has an average starting spot of 4.61 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Event Schedule: Friday, April 16: Two qualifying sessions at 12:30 & 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17: Two qualifying sessions at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18: Final eliminations starting at 11:00 a.m. Television Coverage (all coverage on ESPN2): Qualifying: Saturday, April 17 – 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Eliminations: Sunday, April 18 – 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. RaceDay: Sunday, April 18 – 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. # # #