GREG ANDERSON: WHEN FIRST MEANS SECOND
Tue, 2008-11-18 09:00
You can call Pomona Greg Anderson’s home away from home. For the fourth time in his career, 
the three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion won both the opening and season-ending events at the Pomona Fairplex.
Some were just easier than others. He defeated Kurt Johnson in the final round.
“It was for second place in the points but first place for the day,” said Anderson, who had mortally wounded an engine during qualifying. “Second isn’t so bad and we’ll have to settle for that. You can call Pomona Greg Anderson’s home away from home. For the fourth time in his career,the three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion won both the opening and season-ending events at the Pomona Fairplex.
Some were just easier than others. He defeated Kurt Johnson in the final round.
“It was for second place in the points but first place for the day,” said Anderson, who had mortally wounded an engine during qualifying. “Second isn’t so bad and we’ll have to settle for that.
“We had a few hiccups along the way and I have nobody to blame but myself for losing the championship. My hat’s off to Jeg Coughlin because he did a better job during the Countdown than I did.”
Anderson entered the playoff phase of the Countdown as the top ranked driver.
“I probably just tried to hard this season,” Anderson said. “I might have put a bit too much pressure on myself. You just try to have fun and today I was relaxed. I came out and have fun; the end result was a win.”
Anderson’s victory represented the 57th of his career, tying him eight on the all-time wins list with former Top Fuel racer Joe Amato.
This victory is bittersweet considering the vague future that exists for the GM-backed, factory Pro Stock teams.
“I wish I had an answer for that,” Anderson answered, when asked how much he felt the GM landscape might change in 2009. “We have our fingers crossed. We really need GM, Dodge and Ford out here. They drive our economy and Pro Stock is based on factory support. We don’t know what is happening but they are trying to get everything lined up.
“Honestly, it doesn’t look great, but we are hoping. They are looking for a last minute Hail Mary to stay in the sport. I hope they do because I wouldn’t have championships without them. Whether they race or not, I am still going to race a Pontiac. They have been with me all the way through my career and I’m not changing.”
the three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion won both the opening and season-ending events at the Pomona Fairplex.Some were just easier than others. He defeated Kurt Johnson in the final round.
“It was for second place in the points but first place for the day,” said Anderson, who had mortally wounded an engine during qualifying. “Second isn’t so bad and we’ll have to settle for that. You can call Pomona Greg Anderson’s home away from home. For the fourth time in his career,
the three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion won both the opening and season-ending events at the Pomona Fairplex.Some were just easier than others. He defeated Kurt Johnson in the final round.
“It was for second place in the points but first place for the day,” said Anderson, who had mortally wounded an engine during qualifying. “Second isn’t so bad and we’ll have to settle for that.
“We had a few hiccups along the way and I have nobody to blame but myself for losing the championship. My hat’s off to Jeg Coughlin because he did a better job during the Countdown than I did.”
Anderson entered the playoff phase of the Countdown as the top ranked driver.
“I probably just tried to hard this season,” Anderson said. “I might have put a bit too much pressure on myself. You just try to have fun and today I was relaxed. I came out and have fun; the end result was a win.”
Anderson’s victory represented the 57th of his career, tying him eight on the all-time wins list with former Top Fuel racer Joe Amato.
This victory is bittersweet considering the vague future that exists for the GM-backed, factory Pro Stock teams.
“I wish I had an answer for that,” Anderson answered, when asked how much he felt the GM landscape might change in 2009. “We have our fingers crossed. We really need GM, Dodge and Ford out here. They drive our economy and Pro Stock is based on factory support. We don’t know what is happening but they are trying to get everything lined up.
“Honestly, it doesn’t look great, but we are hoping. They are looking for a last minute Hail Mary to stay in the sport. I hope they do because I wouldn’t have championships without them. Whether they race or not, I am still going to race a Pontiac. They have been with me all the way through my career and I’m not changing.”
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