Nothing but positive Vegas memories for multi-time champ Erica Enders

LAS VEGAS, NV — In her championship years of 2014 and 2015, Erica Enders was untouchable at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, winning six straight events, including both the spring and fall national events and consecutive K&N Filters Horsepower Challenges.

The spunky Texan is hoping to recapture some of that magic this weekend when she returns to her favorite racetrack for the 17th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals, the penultimate race of the 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

“It’s no secret I love the Vegas track,” Enders said. “Those two years were pretty darn special. It felt like we could do no wrong but believe me it took a lot of hard work from these guys at Elite Motorsports. We had it all figured out back then and we even clinched our second title at the fall race in 2015 so nothing but good feelings for this place.”

Although her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is slightly off the blazing pace she set during those two glorious years, Enders is a winner this year and she’s desperate to grab another Wally trophy before the season ends.

“It might as well happen in Vegas,” Enders said. “We certainly had a better car at the last race in Dallas, both in qualifying and on race day. That progress should definitely translate to The Strip.

“We wanted more out of this year when we switched back to Chevy but a lot of little things have slowed us down a touch and we all know it doesn’t take much to get beat at this level. Those championship years we always seemed to be on the right side of every close race and we haven’t had that kind of luck this year.”

Nevertheless, Enders’ trust and confidence in her Elite race team hasn’t wavered.

“There’s no lack of love in our pit,” she said. “And there is no lack of hard work. You work extremely hard for world championships and you work just as hard during down years. It’s just the nature of the game.

“I say all the time I have the best team in the sport and that will never change. I’ve never felt so good or been more comfortable with a group of guys in my life. We do everything together. We’re truly a family. I want to win my family another Wally.”

Aside from her Pro Stock duties, Enders will be racing in Buddy Wood’s Super Comp dragster for Wood Racing this weekend.

“It’s something we’ve done throughout the year,” Enders said. “It’s been a lot of fun and it gives us another chance to win so I’m all for it. You kind of keep your mind in race mode when you have more hits at the tree so I welcome the opportunity. Big thanks to Buddy for trusting me with his racecar.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:15 and 3:45 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will carry the first day qualifying action live from 3-4 p.m., Friday. Live eliminations will air on FOX Sports 1 from 1-4 p.m., Sunday. (All times are local and subject to change.)