PHOENIX, AZ — Erica Enders-Stevens and the Elite Motorsports team has re-grouped after the season-opener at Pomona and is prepared to defend her 2013 Phoenix victory at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Phoenix’s Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.
“From both a driver and performance standpoint, we’re going to show up locked and loaded,” said Erica. “We had some fresh hardware shipped down from the shop in Oklahoma and we’ll be ready.”
Phoenix holds special meaning for Erica that goes beyond the track. Her father’s family hails from area, and her older brother’s family calls neighboring Scottsdale home.
“It’s like a mini-reunion at the track each year,” said Erica. “It means a lot to have them here, to see my nieces, and to share what we do with them. Last year we got to take pictures together in the winner’s circle, and it made the win even more special.”
A win Sunday will also hold special meaning for Elite Motorsports owner, Richard Freeman, who will be celebrating his birthday on race day.
“We want to win it for him and my ‘hometown’ crowd,” said Erica.
Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions for the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals take place at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (MST), with Sunday eliminations kicking off at 11:00 a.m. Fans can watch live via ESPN3, or catch the condensed qualifying and elimination broadcasts on ESPN2.