MAVTV pro Brogdon blown away by hardcore Ohio race fans
(7-8-2012) NORWALK, OH – Rodger Brogdon couldn't find a winning combination at the sixth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, falling to Jason Line in the opening round of Pro Stock eliminations. But the driver of the MAVTV Pontiac GXP still leaves Summit Motorsports Park with renewed enthusiasm for the sport of drag racing.
"The only disappointment I have coming out of this weekend is that our team didn't put on a better show for these incredible fans," Brogdon said. "Friday and Saturday were two of the hottest days I've ever experienced, and I live in Houston, Texas. Yet the fans were right there to support us all. What a deal. I salute them all.
"We gave 'er hell. We just didn't have anything for Jason. We got behind in qualifying and didn't qualify as high up the ladder as we needed to. When that happens you get guys like Jason Line in first round and he's wearing the No. 1 on that car for a reason -- he's good. I did all I could do in the car but ultimately I just watched him drive away."
The final numbers had Line crossing in 6.628 seconds at 207.75 mph to Brogdon's 6.665 at 206.76 mph. Brogdon was quick enough to beat five other opponents but he drew the reigning champ instead.
The team's focus will now shift to a test session with their brand-new MAVTV Camaro. If the car works well, Brogdon will bring it on the Western Swing of consecutive races in Denver, Sonoma and Seattle. If not, he'll park it until 2013.
"We're coming up on the Countdown to the Championship and we plan on being a part of that deal," Brogdon said. "We need to make darn sure we hit the playoffs in full stride. If the Camaro reacts well, we'll put it into service. If not, we'll stay with the Pontiac.
"The guys who got Camaros early are doing well with them and by the time the Countdown starts they'll have made 50-60 runs on them. That's a lot of data. At best, we'll have 20-30 runs on ours, if we decide to use it. We've got some decisions to make and we'll get closer to some answers this week when we test."
Brogdon started Sunday eighth in the Full Throttle points. The top 10 drivers advance to the playoffs in five races.
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