"I was calm," said Line. "I just went up there and said, I have to be .00 (near perfect) when I leave the starting line. If you go out there and go .80 on the tree, you might as well go home – you aren't going to beat anyone like that. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out as we had planned."

Line illuminated the red light when he left the starting line .011-second too soon. Enders-Stevens also fouled, but by a lesser margin (.002) and was awarded the win light.

"Of course we're disappointed," said Line. "The Summit Racing team worked very hard and we almost had what would have been the seventh championship for KB Racing. But wow, what a way to end the day. To race for the championship in the last round of the last race of the year was really something big that brought a lot of attention to Pro Stock. I would say I'm proud to be part of that, for sure. We battled some adversity and gave up more points in the Countdown than we should have, but we still battled back and salvaged a pretty good season.

"All in all, it was a super cool day for Pro Stock and anyone that's a fan of good racing. Congratulations to the whole Elite team and Erica – they had a great car all year long. Of course, I would have liked to win, but it'll just make us work harder over the winter. I don't want to feel this way at this time next year, but it's all good. That's what keeps you going. It's part of competition."

Jeg Coughlin ended a frustrating season with yet another red-light in the semifinal round against Jason Line. Coughlin is not planning on returning to the Pro Stock ranks next year … but maybe sometime.  (Ron Lewis photo)

Ford will not return to the professional ranks next year, leaving Larry Morgan’s plans unsettled at this point in time.  (Ron Lewis photo)

The Gray brothers have been up and down this season. Jonathan (far lane) took the second-round win with a holeshot (.019 to .058) win 6.529, 212.13 over Shane’s 6.502, 212.73. In the semifinal Jonathan’s 6.524 at 212.29 came up short against Enders-Stevens’ 6.494 at 213.67 mph. (Tim Marshall photo)