NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

New York native Vincent Nobile would like nothing more than to win for the first time at his home track, storied Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. After what has been a frustrating start to his 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, it would also come at the perfect time.

The 47th annual NHRA Summernationals, which takes place June 9-12 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, is the second of four consecutive races in the month of June and would mark an ideal time for Nobile to get his season on track.

The all-new Pro Stock class, which features electronic fuel injection, a 10,500 rev limiter, flattened hoods, and shortened wheelie bars, has presented numerous challenges for Nobile and the rest of the talented Elite Motorsports team, and Nobile currently sits seventh in points.

Nobile, though, has been impressed by the work ethic of everyone on the team, giving him full reason to believe the struggles are almost over.

“As a team, we’re frustrated we’re not doing well, but all the Elite Motorsports teams are struggling together,” said Nobile, who has nine career wins. “When we figure it out, we’re going to figure it out together and run well together. That keeps our heads up. We know we’ll get it eventually, and it’s not for a lack of effort. There’s a bunch of smart guys on this team, and everyone is still pushing hard. It’s a lot of hours and non-stop thinking, but we’re going to get it.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the iconic summertime event that for the first time will be televised on FOX Sports 1. It is the 10th of 24 events on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, and it’s also a race that is extremely important to Nobile.

He’s expecting a large crowd of family and friends at the race, but he also knows that performing well in his Mountain View Tire Chevrolet Camaro is imperative for his own team’s fortunes. Nobile, who is after his first win since 2014, hasn’t been out of the second round in 2016, something he is determined to change.

“It means a whole lot to have my whole family out there, but it’s not that hard to separate,” Nobile said. “You just have to treat it like any normal weekend and don’t try to do anything special. They know I need to focus. That first year racing here, I was super nervous. I wanted to do really good. But as I’ve grown and experienced it, I think I’ve gotten better. But it is like crunch time for us. We’re not where we want to be.”

Nobile is the first to admit the changes in Pro Stock have meant a major learning curve. He’s offering as much input as he can on what he feels inside the car during a run, but Nobile knows it has also been important to keep spirits high during a frustrating stretch.

Nobile has seen progression — with the team winning in the first round at two of the past three races — and he knows he has to be as good as he can be behind the wheel as the car continues to come around.

“We have to deal with it and make the best of the situation,” Nobile said. “We’re not the fastest car, but if I do my job, we can still win races. There are times where the driver has to do his job and win races, and other times the car needs to back up the driver. I have to be really good on the Tree, and once the car comes around, I know everybody will be even more confident. I think we’re going to find it soon.”

Summit Racing teammates Greg Anderson and Jason Line have certainly found the winning combination, as the duo has combined to win the first nine races. Line is the current points leader, winning five events and advancing to eight final rounds, and other top Pro Stock contenders include Nobile’s Elite Motorsports teammates, Erica Enders, the two-time and reigning world champion, and Jeg Coughlin Jr., as well as Bo Butner, Allen Johnson, Drew Skillman, Alex Laughlin, and Chris McGaha.

It’s a talented field, but Nobile said he can’t be worried about the rest of the class until his own performance improves.

“Greg and Jason have found what works, and they’ve got a good combination, but we’re just focusing on this team,” Nobile said. “The last few races we’ve noticed a little bit of a change, and we just have to keep focusing on ourselves. We just need to focus on that, improve on our numbers, and make ourselves better.”

NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:45 and 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 10, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 11, at 1:45 and 4:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 12.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Old Bridge Township Raceway Park at (732) 446-7800. Tickets also are available online at www.racewaypark.com. Kids 12 and under are free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.