Phoenix: Greg Anderson Saturday summary

Greg Anderson starts from the No. 4 position at Firebird

Chandler, Ariz. (February 24, 2007) -- Running a career-best and track record speed, three-time POWERade Pro Stock champion qualified his KB Racing LLC, Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GTO in the No. 4 position at the NHRA Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals.

On the first qualifying pass on Saturday, Anderson ran through the speed traps at the top end of the Firebird International Raceway quarter-mile in 209.49 mph, which not only sets a track record but ties the third fastest time of teammate Jason Line on the list of fastest speeds in NHRA Pro Stock history.

On that same pass, Anderson ran his quickest of four qualifying passes -- a 6.650 seconds -- good for the fourth spot.

"This track is throwing 90 percent of the cars fits, including our two cars," said Anderson following qualifying. "We got a lot of homework to do tonight. We've had tire shake off the starting line and so far it's winning. We've got to conquer it by tomorrow. No easy task, but we've done it before. We're ok under power; we just can't get it hooked up on the starting line. We have another shot to get it solved by opening round tomorrow.

"The new DRCE3 engine (General Motors Drag Racing Competition Engine, third generation) continues to do its job. The speed is showing the power these engines have. The driver is happy, the race car isn't. We'll all put our heads together and come up with a plan for the opening round tomorrow."

When Anderson pulls to the line in the opening round of eliminations tomorrow he will look over and see the Pontiac GTO of Tom Martino in the other lane. Martino qualified No. 13 with a pass of 6.680 seconds at 206. 83 mph.

-credit: kbr