Anderson Anxious to Return to Action in Pomona

One place Greg Anderson truly enjoys being is behind the wheel of his race-winning Summit Racing Pro Stock Pontiac. However, for the first time the team’s approach to this year’s off-season preparations has precluded the normal test sessions. The last time the four-time champion piloted his car was almost three months ago during the final race of the 2011 season.

“I am so ready to get back in my Summit Racing Pontiac,” said Anderson. “This is the first time that I can remember that I didn’t go somewhere testing during the off-season, so when we rolled into Las Vegas this past weekend for a quick two-day test, it was the first time I had gotten behind the wheel since the Finals in Pomona last November, making it the longest layoff I’ve ever had.

“Still, I have a ton of confidence in my guys so we should be fresh with everything ready to go when qualifying starts on Thursday," Anderson continued. "It’s taken a lot of hard work by everyone on this KB Racing team, but  I think we will be in great shape this weekend in Pomona. That’s why I’m itching to get behind the wheel and back in the groove – so I can see what everything we did this winter will get us, and how we stack up against our competition.”

Even though his four wins at the season-opening event trail only Hall of Famers Bob Glidden and Warren Johnson for the most in Pro Stock history, the Minnesota native admits he still approaches the first race of the year with a little trepidation.

“Every year, it’s the same thing,” explained Anderson. “You show up scared to death about what the other teams have done, knowing everybody has worked hard and tested extensively during the off-season. This year, for the first time, we were not a part of any of those tests to see where everyone stacks up, so it adds an extra question mark that won’t be answered until qualifying is over.

Despite Anderson’s concerns, the Pomona track has proven quite favorable to the KB Racing team, with the four-time champion combining with teammate Jason Line to win six of the last eight Winternationals, and eleven races overall, a record they look to add to this weekend.

I have 100% confidence in the job everyone on this Summit Racing team has done over the last three months, and believe we will have great hot rods when we get to Pomona, and hope we’ll be able to continue our love affair with that track," Anderson explained. "To be honest, I can’t wait to get there and mix it up with those guys. This team’s goal heading into a season is to win every race, and you can’t do that without winning the first one, so we have our work cut out for us in Pomona, but any way you look at it, I’m excited to get the year started.”

Greg Anderson By the Numbers - The Auto Club Raceway in Pomona
4: Wins scored heading into this weekend in five final round appearances, including 3 in a row from 2006 – 2008
8: a) Finishes of the semifinals or better in 12 previous starts 
     b) No. 1 qualifying performances in 22 career starts, with only three starts outside the top half of the field (none since 2003).
9: Overall wins in 22 career starts, which is tied with Warren Johnson for the second most by a Pro Stock competitor (Bob Glidden has 12).
14: Finishes of the semifinals or better in his previous 22 Pomona starts
27: Elimination round wins in his previous 12 Winternationals starts versus 8 losses for a 77.1 round win percentage