Progress report following the Route 66 NHRA Nationals (race 6 of 18)
and ahead of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals
In Chicago:
Qualifying was really good, and we did a good job with the two Summit Racing Chevy Camaros. We ran well in the first round on Sunday, but we didn’t do the best job. We could have made better runs with both of them and been right there, but the good news is that every weekend, we’re still learning things – especially with Greg’s car. A KB Racing car won the race, and that’s great. All-in-all, it was a good weekend, and we’re looking forward to building on that. The last two races have been very positive, and we feel like we have something we can work with.
Overall grade:
I would go with C+ for Sunday. After qualifying, I would have said B+, but as a whole, we could have done better on race day. Unless you make perfect runs every time – and that’s hard to do – you really can’t give it an A for the weekend.
Any special plans for this race that takes place near Summit Racing headquarters?
We want to go to Summit Motorsports Park and do well for Summit Racing at their event. We’ve had good results there in the past, and we want to do well there again this weekend. We also have the opportunity to go to their headquarters on Wednesday for the Summit Racing Equipment employee picnic, and then we’ll have the sponsor race with them on Thursday evening the track. There is plenty going on, and we’re looking forward to all of the festivities. It’s always fun to hang out with the folks at Summit Racing; they’re good people.
What’s your favorite Summit Motorsports Park memory?
My dad, Lou Downing, was Grand Marshal at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals one year, and we won the race. He doesn’t normally come to that race, but he was there at the finish line when we won. It was great.
The Summit Team as whole is doing GREAT, keep up the good work, we enjoy watching the Summit Team on NHRA, when you are on TV, be good, be safe, Thanks!!!!@