As the 2024 NHRA season gears up for its grand finale at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, all eyes are on Greg Anderson. The five-time Pro Stock champion finds himself in familiar territory: deep in the championship hunt, ready to battle for his sixth title. But this time, the stakes feel different.
“I’m thankful to even have a chance at Pomona,” Anderson said during the NHRA press conference. “It’s win or go home for me. Even winning might not be enough, but that’s the reality of racing at this level.”
At 63, Anderson is no stranger to pressure. He’s been here before, and he admits that the weight of expectations hasn’t diminished over the years. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I revel in moments like this,” he said. “I need the pressure—it gets me focused. The taller the challenge, the better I seem to respond.”
Anderson’s journey to Pomona hasn’t been without frustration. Despite a season of consistent late-round finishes, he has yet to visit the winner’s circle. His last win was in 2023, a drought he acknowledges has been tough to endure.
“Every Sunday, it feels like a gut punch,” Anderson admitted. “I’ve had cars that were capable of winning, but I just haven’t sealed the deal. It weighs on you, but you flush it, reset, and come back swinging.”
The road ahead is daunting. Anderson trails points leader Aaron Stanfield by 56 points and sits just behind Dallas Glenn. Yet, he remains optimistic, knowing Pomona’s legendary quarter-mile is a stage where anything can happen.
“The weather’s going to be perfect, and the cars will be fast,” Anderson said. “I’ve saved my best for last. If I can win at Pomona, I know I’ll have given everything I’ve got.”
What makes this battle even more intriguing is the generational clash it represents. Anderson, a stalwart of Pro Stock’s “old guard,” faces stiff competition from the sport’s rising stars. He’s acutely aware of the target on his back.
“These young guns are blazing this year,” he said, referencing Stanfield and Glenn. “They’ve got their best chance to take the crown. But I’m here to defend the legacy of the old guard. We’ve dodged bullets before, and I’m not ready to hand over the keys just yet.”
For Anderson, this isn’t just another race—it’s a proving ground. The challenge of chasing a sixth championship might be daunting, but if anyone knows how to thrive under pressure, it’s him.
“I’ve been through it all,” he said, a determined edge in his voice. “This weekend is about leaving it all on the track. Win or lose, I’ll walk away knowing I gave it everything.”
As the NHRA world converges on Pomona, Greg Anderson stands ready to add another chapter to his storied career. One thing is certain: come Sunday, the old guard won’t go quietly.
This story was originally published on November 13, 2024. 
