Confidence, momentum on Enders-Stevens’ side heading to Topeka

TOPEKA, KS – Elite Motorsports driver Erica Enders-Stevens carries more than the Pro Stock points lead into the NHRA Kansas Nationals this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka.

She’s bringing confidence and momentum, as Enders-Stevens’ Chevrolet Camaro was the quickest car in all six rounds she ran last weekend at Atlanta Dragway.

“I’ve got all kinds of confidence in my team,” Enders-Stevens said. “They’re awesome, they’ve got my back, and they’re good people. Our group of guys is a true definition of what a team is. They pick me up when I’m down and vice versa. They work their tails off for me, and every time I get in that car I have 100 percent faith that we’re going to get down, it’s going to be safe, and we’re going to do well.

“To have a group like that is a true blessing. I love them. We’re going to continue to have a great year, and we’ve got to take these races one at a time and do our best. That’s what we’ve done all year.”

Enders-Stevens has two wins — not including her K&N Horsepower Challenge victory — and one No. 1 qualifier in seven races, and she has a 110-point lead on the Pro Stock field heading to Topeka.

Plus, she still has an opportunity to claim the 100th national event victory by a female this weekend. She scored wins No. 98 and No. 99, so getting No. 100 would be fitting.

“It would be awesome,” Enders-Stevens said. “It’s a huge milestone for our sport and would certainly be an added bonus for us to get that done for all the women. It would mean a lot to us, but regardless, we’re going to do the best we can this weekend and at every race.”

Enders-Stevens has fond memories of Heartland Park, for it was there as a 22-year-old that she claimed her first No. 1 qualifier.

“That was pretty cool,” Enders-Stevens said. “I was a new driver back then, and I don’t really think I understood how awesome that was to be that new and to be on top of such a competitive class. That was a neat accomplishment.

“We’ve got the car and the team to beat right now, and we’re going to carry that into Topeka and see what happens.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, and 1:30 and 4 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all qualifying and elimination action.