Brainerd: Jason Line final notes

Line out in two

BRAINERD, Minn. (August 12, 2007) -- Jason Line's Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac made an unexpected move toward the Christmas Tree (starting lights) that cost him a chance at victory in the second round of eliminations at the 28th annual NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals today.

Against Justin Humphreys in the opening round, Line left first and never looked back. At the Brainerd International Raceway finish line, the reigning Pro Stock champ crossed first in 6.690 seconds, followed by Humphreys in 6.707 seconds. In the process Line recorded the top speed of the weekend, a 207.02 mph run.

In the second round, Line, who qualified No. 1, was matched against No. 8 qualifier Jeg Coughlin. Leaving together, Line, who was in the preferred left lane, veered sharply to his right, did a great job of correct his car but was unable to catch Coughlin.

Line recorded a 6.756 second pass in a losing effort to 6.659 seconds for Coughlin.

"For us and the other cars that have gone toward the center line out of that left lane, it seems to be a function of the car rather than the lane," said Line following the second round set back. "All-in-all, it's been a good weekend for both of the Summit Racing Pontiac and both (teammate) Greg (Anderson) and I are looking forward to the start of the next segment of the Countdown at Indy. Although, I will say we still have a lot of work to do before then."

Going into the last race of the first segment of the Countdown to the Championship, Line remains fifth in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock point standings.

-credit: kbr