Denver: Jason Line final report

Line falls to Krisher in opening round

MORRISON, Colo. (July 15, 2007) -- In the opening round of eliminations for the 28th annual NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals, Jason Line, driver of the KB Racing LLC Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GTO, who qualified No. 10, did all he could but it wasn't enough to hold off the veteran Ron Krisher, who qualified seventh.

Line's KB Racing Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GTO jumped out first at the start, gaining an advantage of 34 hundredths of a second, but the reigning NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champ was unable to hold off the hard-charging Krisher, who earned his first round win of the year. Krisher crossed the Bandimere Speedway finish line in 7.084 seconds; while, Line followed close behind in 7.136 seconds. Even with the win by Krisher, Line now holds a 5-2 round win advantage over Krisher, who drives a Chevy Cobalt.

"We couldn't get untracked here on the mountain this weekend," said Line. "It is what it is, but I was happy with my driving here and now look forward to getting to Seattle. I think you'll see a different Summit Racing Pontiac there next weekend."

Line collected the Bandimere Speedway track speed record of 195.73 mph, which he ran in the first qualifying session on Friday.

After 13 events, Line is fifth with 749 points, 332 behind the leader, KB Racing teammate Greg Anderson. Anderson leaves Denver with 1,081 points, which also puts the three-time Pro Stock champ (2003-1005) in the lead for the first segment -- Countdown to Eight -- of the Countdown to the Championship.

-credit: kbr