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ROCKINGHAM, NC. - Call Pete Berner a visionary or whatever you want, but in December when the mechanical engineer from Crete, Ill., walks across the stage in Greensboro, NC. During the IHRA Awards Banquet, you can call him the IHRA Torco's CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock World Champion.
Berner battled the toughest Pro Stock racers in the world for that opportunity throughout a tough season and last weekend in Rockingham realized the lifelong dream as reality. He realized the dream, yes. But he also exhaled after holding his breath for the last two months.
"This is unbelievable," Berner said of his come-from-behind championship triumph. "My crew is as good as gold in my eyes. You've heard the cliché that many drivers say - "I'm just the driver and these guys do all the work":blah, blah, blah."
"That is exactly the truth here. I feel I did a good job of driving when I had to and even when I didn't but that was only made possible by the great confidence I had in the car coming to the starting line. When we came to San Antonio we had all the odds against us in switching brands and combinations. We had determination.
"We had a team that wouldn't concede to second-place. We never lost sight of the vision we had to win the championship. We did what we had to do.
"I certainly have to thank my wife Cheryl for her love and support. It has been the most valuable tool in our success."
Berner had long campaigned a Ford combination for the last few seasons and traded it in for a new Rick Jones-built Pontiac Grand Am. He also sold off the Ford engine pieces and had engine builder Jon Kaase build a GM powerplant. Berner brought in clutch specialist Pat Norcia as his crewchief to join a talented crew.
"It was as seamless of a transition as we could hope for," Berner said. "I had the feeling it would be that way. We displayed the car at the RAM Clutches display in Orlando during the PRI show and I couldn't help but look at it and think": "Man that car looks like it can win. And, it did."
Berner entered the final event in Rockingham with a 31 point deficit separating himself from leader Tony Gillig. He knew that two round victories were needed above Gillig's finish if he hoped to remain in contention.
Gillig lost in the first round and Berner ran the table with a first round victory over Mike Corvo Jr., and Dan Sweeney in the quarters.
"I am just so happy and this week, we'll celebrate," Berner said. "Next week, we'll be out testing. I have a feeling defending this thing will be even tougher than winning it was."
Photo courtesy of IHRA
BERNER CONCLUDES FINEST DRAG RACING EFFORT AS WORLD CHAMPION
ROCKINGHAM, NC. - Call Pete Berner a visionary or whatever you want, but in December when the mechanical engineer from Crete, Ill., walks across the stage in Greensboro, NC. During the IHRA Awards Banquet, you can call him the IHRA Torco's CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock World Champion.
Berner battled the toughest Pro Stock racers in the world for that opportunity throughout a tough season and last weekend in Rockingham realized the lifelong dream as reality. He realized the dream, yes. But he also exhaled after holding his breath for the last two months.
"This is unbelievable," Berner said of his come-from-behind championship triumph. "My crew is as good as gold in my eyes. You've heard the cliché that many drivers say - "I'm just the driver and these guys do all the work":blah, blah, blah."
"That is exactly the truth here. I feel I did a good job of driving when I had to and even when I didn't but that was only made possible by the great confidence I had in the car coming to the starting line. When we came to San Antonio we had all the odds against us in switching brands and combinations. We had determination.
"We had a team that wouldn't concede to second-place. We never lost sight of the vision we had to win the championship. We did what we had to do.
"I certainly have to thank my wife Cheryl for her love and support. It has been the most valuable tool in our success."
Berner had long campaigned a Ford combination for the last few seasons and traded it in for a new Rick Jones-built Pontiac Grand Am. He also sold off the Ford engine pieces and had engine builder Jon Kaase build a GM powerplant. Berner brought in clutch specialist Pat Norcia as his crewchief to join a talented crew.
"It was as seamless of a transition as we could hope for," Berner said. "I had the feeling it would be that way. We displayed the car at the RAM Clutches display in Orlando during the PRI show and I couldn't help but look at it and think": "Man that car looks like it can win. And, it did."
Berner entered the final event in Rockingham with a 31 point deficit separating himself from leader Tony Gillig. He knew that two round victories were needed above Gillig's finish if he hoped to remain in contention.
Gillig lost in the first round and Berner ran the table with a first round victory over Mike Corvo Jr., and Dan Sweeney in the quarters.
"I am just so happy and this week, we'll celebrate," Berner said. "Next week, we'll be out testing. I have a feeling defending this thing will be even tougher than winning it was."
Photo courtesy of IHRA
