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Elite Motorsports

Erica Enders Continues Strong Start, Rolls to Pro Stock Win in Phoenix

PHOENIX – It didn’t take long for the defending Pro Stock world champion to reach the winner’s circle in 2020.

Erica Enders rolled to the win on Sunday in Phoenix in her Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro, putting together four dominant performances in eliminations at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, notching her first victory of the year with a run of 6.531-seconds at 210.44 mph in the final round against Bo Butner.

The impressive showing also provided Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman with the ultimate birthday gift.

“It was Richard’s birthday and we were able to get it done,” Enders said. “He said this morning at breakfast, ‘Hey, you don’t have to buy me a present, just get me a Wally today,’ and we really wanted to get him one. For the entire operation, I’m just excited. I’m thrilled with the group we have and I’m proud of my guys. It’s really awesome.”

With the win at the second of 18 races in 2020, Enders continued her impressive momentum from the end of 2019, which culminated in her third world championship.

By picking up her 26th career win in her 52nd final round, Enders also earned her first regular-season win since 2018, putting her on a strong path to open Pro Stock’s 50th anniversary season.

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After Learning Process In Pomona, Robertson Staying In The Moment In Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ – Marty Robertson is used to overcoming adversity, which is why he’s enjoyed jumping into this immense Pro Stock challenge so much.

From making his first full pass to getting licensed to making his Pro Stock debut, Robertson was motivated to get it done. Next up on the list is qualifying for his first NHRA Pro Stock race, something he’ll get a chance to do at this weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

“It’s a commitment, it really is,” Robertson said. “My whole life has been about overcoming challenges. That’s what motivates and drives me. It’s definitely exciting, but all of this is humbling and overwhelming as well.”

Robertson didn’t qualify at his Pro Stock professional debut in Pomona, as his best run of 6.719-seconds at 207.50 mph in his Curing Kids Cancer Chevrolet Camaro wasn’t quite enough in another stout Pro Stock field. Continue reading

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LANGDON, HAGAN AND COUGHLIN SECURE PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT 2020 SEASON OPENER

POMONA, CA – Shawn Langdon kicked off the 2020 season opener in style, grabbing the Top Fuel provisional No. 1 qualifier spot on Friday at the 60th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com after making the switch from Funny Car back to Top Fuel dragster.

Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) also claimed provisional No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the first of 24 races on the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Langdon knocked off Brittany Force during Q2 to claim the quickest run with a pass of 3.699-seconds at 322.42 mph in his DHL Toyota Top Fuel Dragster to kick off the season. Langdon is looking to start off the season strong after a two year hiatus in the Top Fuel class to run Funny Car. Langdon is chasing his third No. 1 qualifier at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, and 19th of his career.

“There are tracks you go to and it seems like everything just clicks. I could stage this thing in reverse and it seems like it just works out. There are tracks you go to and it feels like you fall out of bed awkwardly. Pomona is one of those tracks I feel like I’ve had good success at. I’m just excited about today. It’s a good start,” said Langdon. “Every run we’re making small little changes trying to get me more comfortable. It’s a big change going back from a Funny Car to a dragster. We feel confident right now. For Connie (Kalitta, owner and crew chief), I know he’s excited.”

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Erica Enders Set For Title Defense As Pro Stock Opens 50th Year In Pomona

POMONA, CA – Erica Enders will start the Pro Stock season as the defending champion for the third time in her illustrious career. This time, though, she’ll be doing it as the class celebrates its 50th anniversary.

It’s an honor Enders doesn’t take lightly as she heads to this weekend’s 60th annual NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The No. 1 sticker will be emblazoned on her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for a third time, but this one will be extra special as the 50th anniversary year kicks off in Pomona.

“I’m really excited about the 50th year for Pro Stock,” Enders said. “The changes that have been made in our class and what we’ve all done to get more competitors – and we have more entries than any other professional category this weekend – it’s been a long road and taken a lot of work. But it’s been fun to be part of and watch it grow, and I’m honored to be the defending champ for this prestigious year. It’s humbling and it’s surreal to be part of Pro Stock’s history and what the class is becoming.”

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Marty Robertson Enjoying Mix Of Excitement, Nerves Ahead Of Pro Stock Debut

POMONA, CA – Just hours away from his NHRA Pro Stock debut, Marty Robertson is feeling the full gamut of emotions one might expect heading into their first professional NHRA race.

Racing at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for this weekend’s 60th annual NHRA Winternationals adds to the moment, but Robertson has enjoyed the entire process – nerves and all.

“I would say there’s a mix of excitement and anxiety,” Robertson said. “It’s a big venue, there’s a lot of hype and it’s my first time in a professional car at a NHRA race. It’s definitely exciting, but you feel a little bit of the butterflies as well.”

It’s one way Robertson knows he’s excited to make his debut with Elite Motorsports in the Curing Kids Cancer Chevrolet Camaro.

He got licensed last month in Bradenton as part of Elite Motorsports’ extensive testing in preparation for the 2020 season. It was a lot to take in during a short time, but Robertson, who previously excelled in the Radial vs. the World class, made a strong impression on the team.

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ERICA ENDERS HONORED TO BE DEFENDING WORLD CHAMP TO START PRO STOCK’S 50TH YEAR AT 60TH ANNUAL LUCAS OIL NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

POMONA, CA — Coming off her third NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world title, Erica Enders considers it a great honor to have the No. 1 on her car as the reigning champion heading into a special 50th anniversary season for Pro Stock.

That celebratory year starts with this weekend’s 60th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, with Enders eager to celebrate the history of the class in 2020, as well as the resurgence the category has enjoyed in recent seasons. Enders will start as the headliner in her Elite Motorsports/Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro, looking to build on her championship-winning year from 2019.

“I’m really excited about the 50th year for Pro Stock,” Enders said. “The changes that have been made in our class and what we’ve all done to get more competitors – and we have more entries than any pro category this weekend – it’s been a long road and taken a lot of work. But it’s been fun to be part of and watch it grow, and I’m honored to be the defending champ for this prestigious year. It’s humbling and it’s surreal to be part of Pro Stock’s history and what it’s becoming.”

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Richard Freeman Talks Excitement Of $50,000 Pro Stock Payday at Drag Illustrated World Doorslammer Nationals Presented by Elite Motorsports

KIRKSVILLE, MO – A major milestone calls for a major celebration, which is why Elite Motorsports team owner Richard Freeman wanted something big to help celebrate the 50th year of Pro Stock.

A $50,000 payout and a major spotlight definitely does it.

Both will happen at the inaugural Drag Illustrated World Doorslammer Nationals presented by Elite Motorsports, which takes place March 6-8 at Orlando Speed World Dragway. The event will put the spotlight squarely on the stars of Pro Stock and Pro Mod, offering up $50,000 to the winners in each class at the must-see event.

Considering the special year for Pro Stock, Freeman thought it only made sense to sponsor an event that already has the doorslammer world buzzing.

“It’s the 50th year of Pro Stock and we wanted to do something cool for the class and, of course, we love door cars, so marrying it with Pro Mod and having that specialty race right before Gainesville, I thought it was a cool time for a big-money payout,” Freeman said. “We wanted to do that and I think it’s the first time something like this has been done for Pro Stock and Pro Mod at the same race. I’m excited about it and looking forward to it.”

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Enders Rises To The Occasion In Pomona, Claims Third Pro Stock World Title

POMONA, CA – For a third time, Erica Enders is a Pro Stock world champion.  This one – claimed on Sunday during the NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona – was special, both in how Enders succeeded on this day in eliminations, and how the champ and her team have battled back from adversity the last three seasons.

In the end, Enders triumphed in a possible career-defining performance on Sunday against Greg Anderson, clinching a third championship at the Countdown to the Championship finale with her quarterfinal win over Chris McGaha.

On the top end and the championship official, Enders took a minute to pause in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. She gathered herself, exhaled and then the celebration was on.

“This one means a lot because of the valleys we’ve been through. It was a challenge for us and I’m thrilled. It’s just an awesome feeling to be back on top, and it’s the reason why you never give up,” Enders said.

“Today ended up being a great day with us locking up our third championship and my teammate, Jeg Coughlin, winning the race and solidifying the second position. For everyone at Elite Motorsports to take home the top two positions in NHRA Pro Stock, it’s a huge thrill for us. We take a lot of pride in what we do and it paid off this year. I’m just really proud.”

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On Cusp Of Third Pro Stock World Title, Enders Looks To Finish Job In Pomona

POMONA, CA – After an incredible run through the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs, there’s only one thing left for Erica Enders to do heading to this weekend’s NHRA Finals in Pomona: win a third world championship.

Enders is on the verge of accomplishing something great, holding a 92-point lead over Elite Motorsports teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr., but the standout driver is determined to finish the job.

Her win in Las Vegas gave her two playoff victories, but Enders knows the job isn’t done until the championship trophy is in her hands.

“We’re sitting in the best position out of everyone, and I’m excited and hopeful and optimistic, and all of those good things,” Enders said. “I want to do the best I can and I want to win a third world championship. There’s no reason it can’t happen.”

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Enders Hits Vegas Jackpot, Earns Victory & Extends Points Lead In Pro Stock 

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas continues to be very good to Erica Enders and now she’s on the verge of a third Pro Stock world championship.

Enders came up aces on every front on Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, beating Elite Motorsports teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the final round of the Dodge NHRA Nationals with a run of 6.617-seconds at 208.04 mph in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.

This one was steeped in significance, too.

Not only was it Enders’ 25th career win – and her second in 2019 – it marked the 150th overall victory for females in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series racing and the 200th win for the Chevy Camaro.

Perhaps most importantly, the win at the fifth of six races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship gave the surging Enders a 92-point lead over Coughlin with one race remaining, putting the standout on the precipice of a third world title – all in a day’s work.

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