DragChamp Racer Spotlight: Jonathan Anderson

In the spotlight this week is Division 2 Allstar Jonathan Anderson.

Jonathan has been involved in drag racing for over 20 years. He currently campaigns his ’05 Sunfire in Super Street and his ’09 Mullis dragster in Super Comp.

The Williamson, GA racer is off to a great start in 2019. After a win and runner up on the Divisional level and a win at the 4-Wide Nationals, Jonathan is gearing up for a championship run.

In the following Q&A, we learned more about Jonathan and his racing endeavors.

Racer Spotlight with Jonathan Anderson

How did you get introduced to the sport?

My uncle David Simmons got me hooked. I remember admiring all the Wallys and Iron Man trophies on his shelves.

Tell us about your current race cars.

My Super Street car is a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire built for Super Stock by PK Race-n-Rods in Ohio. My Super Comp car is a 2009 Mullis. Tim Nabors does all my engine work. The Sunfire has a 441 SBC and the dragster has a 584 BBC.

Please list your major racing accomplishments.

• 2019 Super Comp winner at Charlotte 4 Wide Nationals
• 2019 Super Street Winner at Atlanta Dragway LODRS
• 2019 Jegs Allstar Qualifier
• 2019 Super Comp RU South GA Motorsports Park LODRS
• 4X Summit ET Bracket Series Champion
• 2X JEGS Allstars Qualifier
• 2016 JEGS Allstars Super Street Winner
• 6X NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Winner

What’s on your bucket list?

I want to win the US Nationals, I’m going to have to go first. I also would like to win a championship.

What is your favorite race car, and why?

The Pontiac is a great car, it is probably my favorite

Tell us what you do for a living?

My dad and I own two automotive repair shops.

How do you support your racing operation?

We are very fortunate to have H.J. Wings and Things Summergrove and Bulldawg Trucking LLC as our sponsors. We do product sponsorship from Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Penske Shocks, Hughes Performance, Brodix and Wiseco.

Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?

There is really no one in particular, most of the time I am my own worst enemy.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

The hardest part about drag racing is the time in between races, there is so much involved in being prepared.

What’s your most embarrassing moment in a race car?

It’s not really embarrassing, but my wife beat me the only time we have raced against each other, I’ll never live that down.

What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?

I try to focus on positive thoughts and executing my plan for that round.

Click here for more on Jonathan’s Moser Shootout win & runner up.

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

I enjoy the family time and the friendships made.  There are so many great people involved in this sport.

Are you superstitious?

I wouldn’t say that I am superstitious, but I do have a strict routine I follow between every round.  I even have a routine for things I do at home getting prepared for a race.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

I absolutely hate to lose.

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?

I feel I am better at the finish line.

What motivates you to continue racing? 

The drive to continually strive to be better.  I am never satisfied with where I currently am.

How often do you use a practice tree?

NEVER! I have always seemed to do worse when I would use them.

What is your daily driver?

2006 GMC Dually

Favorite movie or TV show?

Just about anything on the History or Discovery Channel.

Favorite music, artist?

I listen to just about anything pre 2002.

Where do you spend the most time on the internet?

Looking for more racecars to buy, hahaha.

Besides racing, what do you do in your free time?

Spend time with the family, we have a 10 year old son and 4 year old twins.

What are you really good at?

I hope being a father.

Name one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have a college degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?

Definitely a quiet evening at home.

What’s your favorite thing to eat?

I love Italian food.

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

First I have to thank God for all the blessings he has given us to be able to chase these dreams.

My wife, Melissa for all of her support on and off the track. My Dad, who is also always there. Brad Plourd, we have become like best friends in the last four years and he has helped me race to my potential. My uncle David Simmons.

Donald Munford and Penny Nittolo for allowing us to represent them on and off the track and to help them promote there businesses.

Kevin Kleinweber at Hughes Performance, Feron Lubbers and Ronnie Maggart at Hoosier Racing Tire. David Morris and Marc Wesler at VP Racing Fuels, Adam Drzayich at Sportsman Racer Services, and Eric Davis at Penske.