NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

In his quest for a third straight Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship and his sixth overall, Andrew Hines could not be entering the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship on a much better note.

On the strength of four wins at the past five events and five wins on the season, the Vance & Hines Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson rider takes the points lead into NHRA’s six-race playoffs, which begin at this weekend’s ninth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. A three-time and defending event winner at the event, Hines simply hopes to keep his remarkable hot streak going.

“I feel like I'm pretty confident right now,” said Hines, who has a class-best 47 career wins. “My performance level has been higher this year. I've been kind of dialed in on the reaction times, and my riding has been fairly decent. I feel good about this year. I'm getting back into better physical condition than I have been, doing a lot more running, keeping my stamina up, which helps on Sundays when you're going rounds.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) also bettered the competition a year ago at a race that will be broadcast on FS1 for the first time.

For Hines, it’s a chance to continue extend his streak of six straight final-round appearances. It has included wins in Chicago, Denver, Brainerd, and Indianapolis, with the win at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals sending him past teammate Eddie Krawiec in the points standings heading into the Countdown to the Championship.

But Hines isn’t taking anyone lightly in a class that features stalwarts like Jerry Savoie, three-time world champion Angelle Sampey, and two-time world champ Matt Smith.

“You're going to have to be super consistent, and you're probably going to have to go to the semifinals every single race of this Countdown to have a shot come Vegas and Pomona,” Hines said. “If we can get off to the right start, be on the right foot, it sets the tone what's going to come in the next few weeks after that. We're ready for the battle, and we're ready for everybody.”

Hines’ recent performances this year and also the past two seasons indicate he will be ready. His first three world championships came in successive seasons, and it’s a feat he would love to try and match this season. A sixth world championship would also tie him with Dave Schultz for the most in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

That possibility isn’t on Hines’ mind at the moment, as his focus is solely on performing strongly right off the bat this weekend in Charlotte.

“You have to get every round-win possible,” Hines said. “This is when experience comes into play, keeping pressure out of your head and in the right spot. I've had an awesome team the entire time that's given me the capability to go out there and perform and have a flawless motorcycle every time. You need a great team behind you.”

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 12:45 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, Sept. 18.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-455-FANS (3267). Tickets also are available online at www.zmaxdragway.com. Kids 12 and under are free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.