Anderson launched into raceday with a qualifying-best 6.569 at 209.30 that would count as his best start since Atlanta earlier this season.

He had a cool 0.016-second reaction time to V. Gaines' 0.055 and sealed the deal at the top end on a holeshot, recording a slower e.t. but crossing the finish line ahead of his opponent thanks to a very strong start. Anderson's scoreboard flashed a winning 6.619 at 208.94 mph to a 6.602 with an identical 208.94.

In the next round against Erica Enders-Stevens, Anderson was first off the starting line, and his 0.002-second advantage was the deciding factor in his 6.662 to 6.660 win. The margin of victory was an incredible 0.0008-second. Anderson continued the charge as he wheeled his Summit Racing Camaro off the starting line with a psychic 0.002-second reaction and parlayed the tremendous advantage into an astonishing third consecutive holeshot win. No. 1 qualifier Mike Edwards was 0.076 at the starting line and a quicker but losing 6.640 at the finish line stripe.

The charge came to an end in the final round of eliminations, however, when Anderson’s white Camaro went into tire shake after getting off the line first.

There was some concern that Erica Enders-Stevens would not be able to compete at Joliet, as funding for the team has become an issue. Her Chevy Camaro made its debut in Gainesville, Fla. and has since raced to three final round appearances, but has yet to win. The team is working hard to find the right balance for the new machine.

“Every car has a different personality and it takes some time figuring it out,” Enders said. “It is just like the dating process. They act right and then out of the clear blue sky something crazy will happen. We knew the Cobalt like the back of our hand, but this car is a great car and the Camaro will be a great car and we are figuring it out.” 

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

Michael Ray

Michael Ray earned his second win of the season and third of his career in Pro Stock Motorcycle by defeating former teammate Matt Smith in the final round. Ray used a near-perfect reaction time and powered his Soeverign-Star Racing Buell to a 6.986 at 191.29 to hold off Smith’s charging Viper Motorcycle Company Buell, which finished in 6.992 at 190.22.

“Most people know that I rode for Matt last year and we do have a little bit of a rivalry,” Ray said. “When I moved to Star I think it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve won two races so far and it was especially nice to beat my old crew chief. This was definitely a bit of redemption.”

Ray used a string of mid-6.9 second runs to defeat Epping winner John Hall, teammate Scotty Pollacheck and Hector Arana Sr. to advance to the final round.

“After I won in Englishtown we wanted to keep the momentum going,” said Ray, who moved to second in the series standings with the victory. “Then we went to Epping and I got beat on a holeshot. I told myself coming in here that I’d either be red or perfect and I was solid on the tree all weekend.”