Shane Gray hoping to recreate magic of 2011 and win another Topeka title

TOPEKA, KS – Drag racers know how difficult it is to earn a national event win at the top level of the sport. That’s why Pro Stock pilot Shane Gray says the 2011 version of the NHRA Kansas Nationals, which runs again this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka, is one of his favorite memories in the sport.

“When we can put all these pieces together on a given weekend and pull off a win, there’s simply no better feeling,” Gray said. “Especially when you have to fight hard to get there.

“The 2011 Topeka race was pretty special, for sure. In the first three rounds we beat Erica Enders, Jason Line, and Greg Anderson — all three of them have multiple world championships. Then we had a heckuva race against Greg Stanfield in the final, and he’s won world championships at the Sportsman level, which is every bit as hard as winning one as a Pro.

“We truly felt like we’d accomplished something special that day.”

Gray and his Valvoline/Nova Services Chevrolet Camaro team, which is owned by his parents, Johnny and Terry Gray, would love to recreate that feeling this weekend, and they have good reason to be optimistic. A few days ago in Atlanta, Gray pulled off his best qualifying effort of the season, and the team seemed to be clicking well with the addition of crew chief Dave Connolly, who works shoulder-to-shoulder with Jim Yates and Craig Hankinson.

“Dave came in and suggested some little tweaks to what we had and it definitely showed promise,” Gray said. “We’re not entirely running at 100 percent but we are a lot closer to that goal. I’m actually really excited to get to the track and run this car.

“Even better, I’d love to win another trophy.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, and 1:30 and 4 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET, Saturday. Elimination action will be broadcast live from 2 to 5 p.m. ET, Sunday.