Pro Stock champ Erica Enders ready to show what her Mopar can do in Denver

DENVER, CO — Two-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders has come to Bandimere Speedway for the Mopar Mile-High Nationals for many years, always knowing how difficult it is racing in the thinner Colorado air, but this year Enders is driving a Hemi-powered Dart, and she relishes the chance to race on even terms with her Elite Motorsports/Mopar Dodge.

“I’m pretty excited about the opportunity,” Enders said. “The Hemis have run well on the mountain for years and years and years. Hopefully, this can be a turnaround weekend for us.”

Plus, this Denver race marks a special occasion. Ten years ago, she raced as a teammate to Richie Stevens, Shaun Carlson, and Gene Wilson.

“This race also marks the 10-year anniversary of my first race with Mopar back in 2006,” Enders said. “Pretty cool deal.”

This Denver race is pretty cool for another reason, too: It will be the first race in NHRA history to be televised live on a national broadcast channel (FOX).

“That will definitely be awesome,” Enders said. “It’s my sponsor’s race, and hopefully we’ll get some additional coverage. It’ll be great for our class and our sport.”

The FOX broadcast team will show an event unlike any other in the sport. Since Denver has a mile-high altitude, engines in Pro Stock are robbed of air and horsepower. That completely changes the dynamic of Pro Stock drivers from the moment they drop the clutch to when they cross the finish line.

“It’s very different as a driver,” Enders said. “Pro Stock being a naturally aspirated class, we’re the ones who are most affected by the thin air. We’re the ones who probably run the slowest, according to class. From a driver’s standpoint, the clutch feels completely different, your shift points come at a completely different time, and the way the motor accelerates is very different. Driving with your ear is completely out of the question.

“I’ve raced up on the mountain for the last 12, 13 years, so hopefully my experience comes into play. It will certainly take us a couple of qualifying passes to be able to get a handle on things as far as car setup and driving, but I’m optimistic and looking forward to the challenge.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 5 and 7:30 p.m., Friday, and 4 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, and 9 to 10 p.m., Saturday. FOX will carry eliminations live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in MDT).