Anderson breaks Pro Stock record with 98th win

ENNIS, Texas — Greg Anderson broke the Pro Stock victory record with his 98th win Sunday in the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.

The 60-year-old Anderson won when Chris McGaha red-lighted in the final.

“I saw (McGaha’s red light) on the scoreboard and I had a difficult time getting to the finish line from third gear on down,” Anderson said. “I think I took my arm off the shifter and pumped my fist a couple of times in between gears. I shouldn’t even be looking at (the scoreboard) but for some stupid reason I looked at the scoreboard and I saw mine was on. That was a hell of a relief.”

Anderson, the four-time season champion and current points leader, broke a tie with Warren Johnson for the class record. Anderson once worked as Johnson’s crew chief.

“It’s been a big build-up and I’ve had such a fantastic race car all year, it was almost impossible for it not to happen, but at the same time there’s so many great drivers that can whip you,” Anderson said. “There’s no guarantees it would happen, so I knew now was the time. I certainly expected myself to step up and get it done. I’m honored to be part of this and thank goodness we got it done.”

Anderson qualified first in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro en route to his sixth victory at the track.

Justin Ashley won in Top Fuel, Ron Capps in Funny Car and Matt Smith in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the fourth of seven events in Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Ashley beat Steve Torrence with a 3.759-second run at 326.40 mph for his second career victory.

Capps won for the first time in Dallas since 1998, beating Matt Hagan with a 3.930 at 326.87 in in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. He has two victories this year and 68 overall.

Defending series champion Smith moved into the points lead, topping Hector Arana Jr. with a 6.839 at 199.08 on an EBR. He has five victories this year and 31 overall.