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Bristol: Greg Anderson preview

Anderson Keeps Priorities in Order Heading to Bristol Mooresville, N.C., June 17, 2010 -- When the NHRA's Full Throttle Drag Racing Series arrives in one of the 20 cities it will visit throughout the course of the year, competitors quickly ...

Edited: Jun 18, 2010, 12:50 AM

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Anderson Keeps Priorities in Order Heading to Bristol

Mooresville, N.C., June 17, 2010 -- When the NHRA's Full Throttle Drag Racing Series arrives in one of the 20 cities it will visit throughout the course of the year, competitors quickly establish their base of operations. The massive 53-foot transporters are unloaded, converting an empty parking lot into a fully functional pit area. The teams will then migrate to their hotels, checking in and getting the lay of the land, including finding their favorite eateries. Finally, they will try to renew friendships made over the years, somehow finding time to spend a few moments catching up on the year's events.

Therefore, as Summit Racing Pro Stock standout Greg Anderson prepared to head to Bristol, TN for this weekend's NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, his thoughts turned towards a track that has played a significant role in his career, as well as the close personal bonds established with those associated with this event during his nine years of competition at Bristol Dragway.

"I love going to Thunder Valley," said Anderson. "It is one of my favorite spots on the tour, and I can't wait to get there. I scored my first national event win back in 2001, so it will obviously always have a special place in my heart. More importantly, the people who run Bristol Dragway are second to none, and with (track general manager) Jeff Byrd having his health issues this year, this race takes on added meaning for myself and this Summit Racing team.

"Jeff has created a beautiful race facility and every year he would make everybody feel welcome when they came to town. It's his track, and it just wouldn't be the same without him there. I don't know if we'll be seeing him this weekend -- I certainly hope that we do -- but if we don't, we'll be racing for him, trying to give him some extra motivation to get back out to the track where he belongs."

With less than four days since the conclusion of the last race in Englishtown, NJ, teams will have little time to do more than the normal between-race maintenance before heading to the Volunteer State. Even so, Anderson and crew worked to make the most of the time available, jump starting their efforts by heading back to their Mooresville, NC headquarters on Sunday evening.

"We'd certainly like to have some extra time to work on addressing the issues we've been having of late, but that's simply not possible at the moment," said Anderson. "It's the same for everybody, so we're just going to have to use every available minute, and do so wisely. That's the key -- working smarter and making gains.

"I honestly believe we are making progress with our Summit Racing Pontiacs, it's just that they're not big enough steps to suit us. We're going to have to be a little more patient and keep working to make it better. I know it's just a matter of time until we get this turned around."

Finally, as this Sunday is Father's Day, Anderson took time to acknowledge the significant impact his father Rod has had on his life, including his choice of professions, noting that he had the perfect present in mind to show his appreciation.

"My father is the one who got me started in drag racing, helping me fall in love with the sport" said Anderson. "If it wasn't for him taking me to races when I was a young whippersnapper I wouldn't be here now. The first time he took me to the racetrack I decided right then that it was how I wanted to make my living. It may sound crazy, but it all worked out, and it was thanks to him. I've won a lot of races on Father's Day back when we raced in Columbus, and he was always there, making it a very special time.

"As a former racer himself, I know our recent struggles have been almost as hard on him as they have been for all of us. I would love nothing better than to break through and get my first win of 2010 on Father's Day, putting a smile on his face, as well as everyone else in our Summit Racing family. If we could do that, it would mean the world to me."

-source: kb racing

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