What the kid who started as a protege for the late Pro Stock racer John Hagen has accomplished is nothing short of remarkable.
Greg Anderson achieved his latest in a long list of milestones at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, claiming his 110th national event victory and surpassing 1,000 career round wins. Anderson’s winning run of 6.623 seconds at 205 miles per hour was more than enough when teammate and No. 1 qualifier Dallas Glenn red-lighted.
The milestone round win came during the semi-finals, placing Anderson alongside drag racing legend John Force as the only drivers in NHRA history to reach the 1,000 mark.
“It is pretty magical,” Anderson said, reflecting on the significance of achieving this pinnacle at a track where he secured his very first national event win in 2001.
“To get that record in the semi-final was fantastic, but you want to cap it off,” he added.
Anderson, being the veteran he is, noted the importance of savoring such moments.
“These days are magical, they’re fantastic,” he said. “It makes you want to go back home and work harder yet.” He emphasized the competitive intensity of the class, describing it as tougher than ever due to the influx of talented drivers.
KB-Titan has been on a tear this season, especially Anderson, in reaching every final round thus far. He’s won four times this season, and when he did, Glenn picked up the victory.
“My team is just firing on all eight cylinders right now,” Anderson said. “It’s been fun, been having a blast, overachieving, beyond anything I could imagine this year.”
The last two events have been a battle against a fierce Pro Stock field and Mother Nature, especially Mother Nature. Racing was stopped multiple times due to rain, with a downpour just before the final round, which forced NHRA to postpone the remaining Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competition.
“The good Lord was shining on Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend,” he stated, appreciative of the conditions that allowed him to perform at his best.
Adding to the impressive nature of fighting formidable foes, and Mother Nature was the ornery nature of the track, which can chew up and spit out the most noted tuners in the business. If Anderson has his say, he doesn’t want a thing changed.
“This track has got a lot of personality, and I love that about it,” he said. “Don’t change a thing, man. We love that it’s got a personality. That’s an extra challenge.”
Anderson has earned his latest accolade in an era he deems the best and most competitive it has ever been.
“There’s more talent in this class than there’s ever been,” Anderson said. “It’s really hard to beat these guys and gals,” Anderson said. “Those special days mean everything. They tack three or four more years onto your career when you get a day like that.
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll race, but I’m going to race until I can’t win anymore. It’s as good as any time I’ve raced in my entire career.”
