NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Finally, Greg Anderson claims fifth career Pro Stock world championship

It took more than a decade, but Greg Anderson can finally say he’s a five-time Camping World NHRA Series Pro Stock champion. Anderson clinched his latest title, his first since 2010, on Sunday in Pomona when he defeated his archrival Erica Enders in the semifinal round.
14 Nov 2021
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Race coverage
Greg Anderson

It took more than a decade, but Greg Anderson can finally say he’s a five-time Camping World NHRA Series Pro Stock champion. Anderson clinched his latest title, his first since 2010, on Sunday in Pomona when he defeated his archrival Erica Enders in the semifinal round. Anderson, who has had the quickest car in the field in each round, drove his HendrickCars.com Camaro to a 6.578 at 208.23. Enders grabbed a four hundredths edge, but shook the tires and could only manage a 6.742.

Earlier in the day, Anderson defeated Mike Callahan and Deric Kramer to advance to the semifinal round and his date with Enders.

“I don’t know if I need to leave a legacy; I just want to do the best job I can,” said Anderson. “I’m the luckiest man in the world to be able to do what Iove to do and to be associated with the greatest people in the sport for 20 years. Thanks to [team owner] Ken Black and my great team. I've got the best guys in the sport."

Anderson’s previous titles came in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.

 

Statistically, the 2021 season has been one of the best of Anderson’s career with four wins in eight final rounds. Anderson won in Gainesville and Atlanta and secured crucial Countdown victories in Reading and Dallas to boost his chances.

Anderson’s KB Racing Camaro has also been nearly unstoppable in qualifying, taking the pole position 12 times in 17 events. He’s been first, second, or third at every race this season except Indianapolis, where he started from the seventh spot.

Anderson also celebrated perhaps a bigger milestone in Dallas when he won his 98th race, making him the winningest driver in the Pro Stock category. Anderson had previously been tied with his former mentor Warren Johnson for the class’ all-time lead.

Anderson also gave a second championship to sponsor Rick Hendrick, who is also the team owner of the HendrickCars.com Chevy driven by newly crowned NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson.

“How bad ass was my car today?” Anderson said. “I don’t think anybody could have screwed this up. Rick [Hendrick], you put the pressure on me. When Kyle won, he told me to bring that trophy home or don’t come at all. Guess what Rick? It’s coming home with me.”

While he took a few moments to celebrate his title, Anderson's work in Pomona is not done yet. He's scheduled to take on teammate Kyle Koretsky in the final of the Auto Club NHRA Finals.