Pomona: Jason Line final summary

Jason Line loses close race in round 2

POMONA, Calif. (February 12, 2006) -- CarQuest Auto Parts Winternationals No. 5 qualifier, Jason Line piloted the Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac GTO to the second round before losing a close race to Larry Morgan in round two.

Line, who finished No. 3 in the 2005 POWERade Drag Racing Series point standings, was No. 1 qualifier on his first run off the trailer on Thursday, but was later replaced in the top spot by teammate, Greg Anderson.

In the opening round, Line had an easy time of turning back Greg Stanfield. In round two, Morgan was away first at the light and held on to take a hole-shot win over Line by 0.017 seconds.

Line feels this initial outing gives his team the base to build on for the remainder of the season. "We really made great strides towards improving the car. It is an R&D piece and it's going to be good. I really like this car so far, we just need more time with it. The driver really needs to improve on the reaction time though," said Line.

ESPN2 will air same-day television coverage of eliminations from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 12). The elimination show repeats early Tuesday morning from 3-5 a.m. Television times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.

Next up for Line is the NHRA Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals, Feb. 24-26, at Firebird International Raceway (FIR) in Chandler, Ariz., just outside Phoenix.

-kbr-