NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Following a second straight Sonoma victory, Pro Stock’s Greg Stanfield heads to Pacific Raceways with plenty of momentum for this weekend’s 37th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals.

This time of year, momentum can go a long way, and Stanfield has plenty of it after his victory on Sunday in Sonoma. Continuing it isn’t easy, but things could be coming around at the perfect time for the Elite Motorsports veteran.

Stanfield has been consistent all season, staying in the top five in points since the third race of the season in his Janac Brothers Racing car. But he took a big step in Sonoma, moving into a tie for third in points, and hopes that success continues this weekend in Seattle.

“I think momentum is everything, especially with the (Countdown),” Stanfield said. “If we can peak at the right time, there’s a lot of great drivers on this Elite team. If we can keep these cars moving in the right direction, it’s going to be fun watching until the end.”

Stanfield’s victory also represented a solid step forward for Elite Motorsports. KB Titan Racing has been in control of the class the last couple of years, but things may have changed in Sonoma.

Elite Motorsports had all four cars in the semifinals, guaranteeing a victory, with Stanfield finishing the job in the final round against teammate and six-time world champion Erica Enders.

Reigning world champion – and defending event winner –Glenn and Greg Anderson remain handily atop the points standings, with Matt Hartford tied with Stanfield in third, but Stanfield hopes the tide is changing.

If that’s the case, Stanfield and his teammate will need to come through in Seattle and keep that going through the final stretch of the season. It won’t be easy, but Stanfield is thrilled with the idea of a competitive battle the rest of the way.

“My whole goal is to make sure I don’t let the team down,” Stanfield said. “I just try to do my job, but I think this team is gaining ground on the KB guys. I think we’ve gained a little bit and I think it’s going to be good for the fans and good for the sport to have an all-out brawl at the end. I hope it’s that way.

“We’ve worked hard trying to get the cars competitive. It’s been tough and it’s been hard on everybody. It beats you up, but once it starts coming around, it feels good. But you still have to keep your head down and keep working hard.”

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds on Friday, July 24 for Pro Stock at 2 and 4:30 p.m. PT, with Top Fuel and Funny Car taking to the track at 2:30 and 5 p.m. On Saturday, July 25, nitro teams will qualify at 12 and 2:30 p.m. with Pro Stock at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Race day will kick off with nitro eliminations on Sunday, July 26 at 10 a.m.

Television coverage includes qualifying action at 10 p.m. ET on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Tickets for the 37th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals are currently on sale at www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult.