Pro Stock champ Erica Enders eager to return to Chicago winner’s circle

CHICAGO – Elite Motorsports driver Erica Enders knows from experience how to win races and get to the final round at Route 66 Raceway, and she’d love to win again at the Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals on Sunday.

Enders raced to an historic win here in 2012 when she became the first woman to score in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock class, and she also reached the final round here in 2006 and 2011.

Enders qualified No. 4 for the 2015 race and will battle No. 13 qualifier V. Gaines in the first round Sunday.

“You can win from anywhere,” Enders said. “We’re not ashamed of our performance by any means, but we didn’t show our hand, and that’s fine. We’ll go into race day with a confident attitude and do our best. Chicago’s been good to me in the past, and I like racing here.

“I’m hungry to get another win. We’ve got something to prove this week, to rebound from Norwalk. I’m excited for race day.”

Enders lost in an upset in the first round in Norwalk after qualifying No. 1. In Chicago, she made a best pass of 6.536 seconds at 211.26 mph, which s less than a hundredth of a second behind Elite teammate and No. 1 qualifier Drew Skillman.

“My teammate and I got to run against each other Friday night, and he made a great run,” Enders said. “He ended up on the pole — his first No. 1 qualifier — and I’m really excited for him. It’s his first No. 1 qualifier, and it speaks volumes of our team and what we’re capable of at Elite Motorsports.

“I remember my first No. 1 qualifier (in Topeka in 2006) like it was yesterday, and it’s been almost a decade ago. This will stand out in his mind forever.”

Elite Motorsports announced Saturday that five-time Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. will join the team for three races later this year, driving the car Enders took to the 2014 championship.

“It’s going to be really fun to be able to race with him,” Enders said. “He is one of the best drivers Pro Stock has ever seen, so he’ll be a huge asset to our team. It’ll be fun to race alongside of him and continue to learn from him. I know with him we’ll be able to put an Elite car in the winner’s circle more often.

“It’ll be an exciting venture. We’re going to show him how much fun we have over here at Elite Motorsports.”