Team Cummings Motorsports' NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing at Houston Raceway Park
- Jan 16, 2012
The second ranked stock eliminator driver of 2010, Slate was no stranger to success and had no intentions in letting up during the 2011 season. In fact, coming into the race he was only led in points by one driver- Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. From behind the wheel of his B/SA Moser Engineering Pontiac Firebird, the driver managed to earn a victory over Max McGlothan in a final round matchup, giving him a one point edge over Hidalgo. Referring to the key to success during this particular event, Slate said, "We were focused as a team, and we also had good fortune. Everyone was going rounds, which always makes it a lot of fun." When asked if he anticipated moving ahead of Hidalgo prior to the beginning of the race, he continued, "I try to not get too caught up in points. Our goal is to win races. If we do that, the points will take care of themselves. I knew we had a chance. I didn't know the exact figures, but thought we were a long shot."
Hidalgo eventually took the lead back over upon winning the third round of competition in the final NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the season at Las Vegas, Nevada. But Slate's victory also moved him up to the fourth position in the National Stock Eliminator points and practically cinched his second top-five finish for the 2011 season. Referring to having an assured position in this elite group of drivers, Slate said, "It's a great accomplishment. Obviously, the goal is to win the championship, but if we can continue to put ourselves on the top five positions each season, championships will come." While Slate made a showing in the Stock Eliminator class, his teammates were challenging their fellow competitors in various other classes as well. In fact, Slate's team member and "Family patriarch," Larry Cummings made it to the final round in the Super Stock with his Moser Engineering Cavalier, but lost to Jerry Emmons. Even though he lost in the semi-final round against Emmons, Slate Cummings had previously compiled ample points throughout the season to clinch the Division 4 Super Stock Championship with his 3rd place finish.
Driving his B/SA Moser Engineering Pontiac Firebird since early 2009, Slate Cummings has likely grown to know the car inside and out. Although appearing as nothing more than a firebird straight from the factory, the Stock Eliminator Car has seen its share of modifications on the suspension, chassis and engine. As one might suspect, Slate and his crew consider keeping their engine in optimal running condition a crucial element of success. That said, they depend upon K&N products to keep the internal components of the motor contaminant free and well lubed during the rigors of the sport. "We use K&N oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters and have been using them for as long as I can remember," recalled Cummings. "K&N is the industry leader. Knowing we have K&N filters under the hood gives us some peace of mind, and a sense of security, which allows us to concentrate on driving instead of worrying about mechanical issues." Slate Cummings is also acutely aware of the importance of his team. "Our team is all about family. Racing wouldn't even interest me if I couldn't do it with my father, Larry; brother, Britt, and our teammates." Speaking of family, since finishing up his 2011 season, Slate Cummings and his wife have been blessed with a new addition to the family, Brody Ashton, a healthy baby boy. When ask how they would prepare for the upcoming season, Cummings suggested they would pull typical maintenance on their fleet of competition vehicles. Anticipating the upcoming season, the driver and proud father said, "We're looking forward to a great 2012." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
