NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

No racer really wants the pressure entering an event of a make-or-break weekend, but when the Countdown to the Championship passes its midpoint, that’s the agenda for a lot of title contenders, including former Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Eddie Krawiec.

Despite failing to reach the winner’s circle this year and just four round wins in the Countdown’s first three events, the four-time world champ still sits third in points, albeit more than 100 points behind Harley-Davidson teammate Andrew Hines, who has eight wins already this season.

That’s not to say that you can’t win a championship without winning a race –- heck, Krawiec did that in 2008 to win his first championship -– it’s just not the preferred way, and unless you’re going to late rounds, you’ll never make up distance on the points leader.

“Luck just hasn’t rolled my way in certain situations, but with that being said, I think it’s shown that consistency is key,” Krawiec said. “I’m sitting third in points consistently going rounds, putting myself in good situations. Truthfully, I think these last three are make-or-break weekends, especially [this one]. If I can go to Dallas and win, it puts me right in contention to win a championship. But I don’t think I’m in a bad position going into this race.”

Although he’s yet to lift his 48th career Wally, Krawiec isn’t frustrated, remaining happy with a consistent season that includes four semifinal appearances -– including two races ag in St. Louis -- and four runner-ups, but a win this weekend would go a long way into cutting into Hines’ lead.

“I like having the pressure on me and I would rather race with pressure,” Krawiec said. “You know what you have to do. You go to win and you have to make it happen, and that’s it. In the past, I’ve been able to pull through in those pressure situations. But this time of year, the pressure is on everybody. I enjoy it and I like being in that situation and it’s something that comes with experience. I’m a relaxed racer and I try to not let emotion bother my routine, no matter the round or situation.

“There’s just certain races you go to where things click, and Dallas is one of them,” he added. “It’s about being consistent and it’s about being on your game. Right now, if you’re not on your game there’s a lot of people who can disrupt your weekend. I’d obviously love to get a win, but I’d rather win a championship and not get the win. I’ve done it before, so why not do it again.”