Brogdon can’t bring home back-to-back Bristol wins

BRISTOL, TN – Last year, everything went right for Rodger Brogdon at Bristol Dragway, as he was able to secure his first career Pro Stock victory, but at this year’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, he didn’t have the same kind of luck.

The ProtectTheHarvest.com Camaro driver was bounced out in the first round by Greg Anderson, ending Brogdon’s shot at back-to-back Bristol wins.

“As much fun as Bristol was last year, it wasn’t so fun this time around,” Brogdon said. “Hey, that’s drag racing, right? One time you’re a hero and the next time you’re what?”

Brogdon returned to his in-house engine program for Bristol after racing with Elite Motorsports power for three races. Brogdon was quick, securing the No. 6 qualifying spot and running with the top half of the field all weekend.

His pass of 6.702 seconds at 206.67 mph was quicker and faster than Anderson’s 6.712 at 206.13 mph, which meant the difference was on the starting line.

Anderson’s reaction time was .034-second, giving him a .062-second head start that Brogdon could not make up.

“That one was all on me,” Brogdon said. “I just didn’t do my job. My guys have worked so hard to get our engines better, and we had a car that could’ve won the race today but Greg got me on the line. I rolled into the staging beam a little too deep, and then we had a long Tree. I guess my concentration wasn’t quite there. No excuses though; I still need to do my job.

“But I’m proud of my guys, especially in the engine shop. They really stepped up, and we’re headed in the right direction now.”

Brogdon remains 10th in the Pro Stock points standings heading to the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals next weekend at New England Dragway.