Consistent Erica Enders still asking for more from Melling Performance/Elite Camaro

BRAINERD, MN — Fresh off a runner-up finish at the NHRA tour’s last stop in Seattle, two-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders has proven her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is very consistent this weekend at the 36th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Enders qualified mid-pack in the No. 8 position in the elimination field, running a best of 6.665 at 206.42 mph to go with a 6.679, a 6.682 and a 6.695. While the car is repeating well, Enders says an issue getting out of the starting blocks is holding them back.

“It’s obvious we have big horsepower based on the speeds we’re running in relation to the other cars,” Enders said. “At the same time, it’s certainly no secret we are struggling with all three of these Elite Motorsports cars in getting them off the line. It’s vital to have big horsepower if you want to contend in this class but you’ve got to be able to apply it right at the initial hit.”

Enders has reached the final round four times in the first 16 races of the 2017 season, winning the trophy in Epping, N.H., and coming in second in Atlanta, Chicago and the tour’s last stop in Seattle.

“We’ll continue to chip away at it,” she said. “That’s what do — work and work until we fix whatever is holding us back. No sense in shoulda, coulda, woulda, we just need to make it run properly. I have extreme confidence in my crew to get us running strong again.”

Enders has the unenviable task of racing one of her teammates, five-time class champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., in Round 1. Coughlin was a touch slower with a best time of 6.669 at 207.40 mph, giving lane choice advantage to Enders. The two have raced just one other time this year with Coughlin taking the win in Round 1 at Englishtown.

“This class is so challenging and extremely humbling,” Enders said, “and now I’ve got my teammate Jeg in the first round. He’s only a five-time champ. The one bright side to that whole deal is one of us is going to the second round. We’ll continue to chip away at it and see what we can find for all of our team cars but we’ve got to find it quick with the Countdown to the Championship (playoffs) approaching.”

Brainerd International Raceway has been good to Enders in the past. She won this race in 2012 and 2015 and was runner-up in 2011. Her win in 2012 came from the No. 1 starting position.

Pro Stock eliminations begin around noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will air the action live from 1-4 p.m., Sunday. (All times are local and subject to change.)