Norwalk posing no problems for points leader Enders-Stevens so far

NORWALK, OH – Looking to extend her current points lead in the NHRA championship standings, Pro Stock driver Erica Enders-Stevens topped the leaderboard after the first day of qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals this weekend at Summit Motorsports Park.

Her Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro blistered down the track in Q1 with a 6.523-second pass at 212.63 mph, setting a new track record in both top speed and low E.T. While her pass in Q2 wasn’t quite as fast, it was consistent, at 6.528 seconds 212.15 mph, keeping her in the No. 1 qualifier position.

“That was pretty exciting,” Enders-Stevens said. “We’ve had a couple off weekends lately, more so me as a driver. The guys have really worked hard and I couldn’t be more proud to throw up the numbers we put up today. We were hoping for even better numbers this evening but the starting line got a little challenging.

“We’ll see what we’re dealt tomorrow but I have a lot of faith in my guys. They’ve given me a very consistent race car and that’s really all a driver could ask for. I’ve been able to work on my side of things and they’ve been more than willing to help. I feel good this weekend. I feel confident and most of all I’m having fun.”

Not only have conditions this weekend been better than ever for Norwalk, they may be the best they have seen all season so far for the Pro Stock class. With such great conditions, Enders-Stevens and the Elite Motorsports crew are preparing to make even better passes when qualifying continues Saturday.

“This is abnormal weather up here for this time of year,” Enders-Stevens said. “I remember 2012 here when it was 108 degrees in the shade and how brutal that was. These temperatures are really nice and something you don’t quite often see in the summer months so we should be able to get after it more.

“Providing the starting line is better tomorrow, you’ll see better times, but it just depends. The track is great, it’s just the first four feet we have to navigate that is really crucial in Pro Stock. Rick and Rickie Jones, my crew chiefs, have done a really great job with that though.”