Cody Anderson Secures NHRA Pro Stock License

A Methodical Climb Toward the Pro Ranks

After a carefully structured progression of test sessions, Cody Anderson has officially earned his NHRA Pro Stock license, signaling the beginning of what could be a promising professional driving career. The second-generation racer completed the required runs through a deliberate three-track process that started at Mooresville Dragway, continued at Bradenton Motorsports Park, and concluded successfully at Rockingham Dragway.

Final approval came with the signatures of reigning world champion Dallas Glenn and six-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson, who watched the milestone unfold from the starting line.

“This is pretty awesome, standing on the starting line watching my son,” said Greg, a six-time Pro Stock champion and the most winning driver in the history of the class. “To jump into a Pro Stock car like this – this is the first time he’s ever let the clutch out on any type of vehicle, let alone a Pro Stock car, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s done fantastic.”

Unlike many second-generation racers who begin in Jr. Drag Racing or Sportsman competition, Cody’s foundation was built through immersion. Growing up around KB Titan Racing, he absorbed the rhythm of professional drag racing from the inside, witnessing the preparation, discipline, and relentless work that fuel championship programs.

Learning the Craft Step by Step

The path to licensing was intentionally patient. Rather than rushing into full competition, the Anderson team first focused on building comfort and confirming Cody’s long-term interest behind the wheel. Early sessions took place in the team’s burnout car — notably the same chassis Greg drove to the 2010 world championship — giving the younger Anderson a controlled environment to master clutch management and gear changes.

Greg emphasized the importance of the measured approach.

“We’ve taken it slow and gone step-by-step,” explained his father. “After Cody got the burnout down, he was doing it better than I’ve ever done. Leaving the starting line and driving downtrack and shifting gears, you can see that the kid’s got talent, without a doubt. I couldn’t be a prouder papa. This is a new chapter for me, and I am really looking forward to this.”

With continued guidance from Glenn and veteran driver and tuner Dave Connolly, Cody’s confidence grew with each outing. The team ultimately moved to Rockingham shortly before the NHRA Gatornationals, where he completed his first full Pro Stock pass — the final requirement for licensing.

“It’s definitely difficult to drive one of these things,” shared Cody. “But I’ve been enjoying it. It’s starting to get easier, and it gets more and more fun as you start to learn more and get more comfortable.”

From Crew Member to Rookie Contender

Although new to driving competition, Cody is far from inexperienced in the Pro Stock environment. As a teenager, he worked the back half of an entry for Bo Butner at the Four-Wide Nationals, and in recent seasons, he has been a full-time fixture on his father’s team.

Working alongside crew chief Rob Downing and assistant Nate VanWassenhove, Cody developed a technical understanding of the class while sharpening the competitive mindset required at the professional level.

Now, the focus turns to race-day execution. Backed by J&A Service, support from Mid-West Drag Racing Series owner Keith Haney, and Troy Humphrey Motorsports, Anderson is slated to compete in at least 10 events during his rookie campaign, making him eligible for Rookie of the Year honors.

Even with momentum building, expectations remain grounded.

“I’m not going to Gainesville with any expectations, other than to continue to learn and to try to enjoy every minute of this,” he said. “This is just the beginning, and there is still a lot left to learn. I’m just going to soak it all in, enjoy the opportunity, and see what we can make of it.”

For Cody Anderson, the license is secured — but the true education begins when the competitive lights turn on.