<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/B_Bernstein07.jpg" alt="B_Bernstein07" align="right"borders="0"/>
POMONA , Calif. – Brandon Bernstein is anxious to get the 2008 season underway. Bolstered by solid performances in pre-event testing, the second generation driver is invigorated and ready to renew his pursuit of an NHRA Top Fuel championship.
The popular driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster came ever so close to winning the championship last year, finally losing the battle for the coveted “Wally” trophy in the semifinals of the season-ending event at Auto Club Raceway. Building off the team’s consistent success in ’07, team owner Kenny Bernstein feels the Bud/Lucas Oil Team has all the markings of another strong run for the Series title in 2008.
When Bernstein competes at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals Feb. 7-10, he’ll be looking to equal or better his runner-up finish at last year’s season-opener. Bernstein will be sporting a new red Budweiser paint scheme, inspired by Bud’s new tagline, “The Great American Lager.”
Six-time champion Kenny spent five days in Phoenix monitoring the team’s progress in pre-season testing.
“Tim (Richards, crew chief) was able to get some good data from the Phoenix test session despite the frustration of losing some days to weather,” said Kenny.
“We were right there in the hunt in terms of elapsed times and speeds and we’ve got something to work with,” said Brandon . “We would like to open with a strong performance to get a leg up in the point standings from the beginning.
“It looks like the new 90 percent nitro rule, up from 85 percent last year, may only throw a momentary curveball into the equation for the crew chiefs in this sport before they all get a handle on the tune-up. I don’t think anybody’s going to drive away with the championship.
“I am a big fan of the new Countdown format. Last year we were fortunate to make the Countdown to Four, but with only two races left to determine the championship, you couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. I think 10 teams going after it for the last six races will create a great level playing field. Our goal is to build on the success we had last year and use it to our benefit.”
Last season Bernstein scored a career-high five victories in seven final round appearances, topped the Top Fuel leader board twice, and hovered near the top the remainder of the season. He ended the season in third-place less than two rounds away from claiming the championship crown.
Bernstein experienced emotional lows last year when a testing accident claimed the life of his best friend, fellow Funny Car driver Eric Medlen, and then again near the end of the season when he witnessed a terrifying accident involving his father and John Force. Fortunately Kenny Bernstein was uninjured; however, John Force was sidelined the remainder of the season recuperating from injuries.
“I will always miss Eric,” said Brandon . “I still think about him every day, and mentally I think of him riding right in the cockpit with me each run we make. Thankfully, Dad will be safe and sound on the starting line and in the pits to give me support and advice along the way.
“We’re just looking to continue Dad’s winning ways and add to the trophy collection at the race shop for our sponsors and our fans. And if I’m fortunate enough to win some more races, I’ll know spiritually that Eric will be smiling down on us, enjoying the festivities.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals will begin Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m., with a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m. There will be two qualifying sessions Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
BERNSTEIN AND BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM READY FOR THE CHALLENGE OF THE NEW SEASON
POMONA , Calif. – Brandon Bernstein is anxious to get the 2008 season underway. Bolstered by solid performances in pre-event testing, the second generation driver is invigorated and ready to renew his pursuit of an NHRA Top Fuel championship.
The popular driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster came ever so close to winning the championship last year, finally losing the battle for the coveted “Wally” trophy in the semifinals of the season-ending event at Auto Club Raceway. Building off the team’s consistent success in ’07, team owner Kenny Bernstein feels the Bud/Lucas Oil Team has all the markings of another strong run for the Series title in 2008.
When Bernstein competes at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals Feb. 7-10, he’ll be looking to equal or better his runner-up finish at last year’s season-opener. Bernstein will be sporting a new red Budweiser paint scheme, inspired by Bud’s new tagline, “The Great American Lager.”
Six-time champion Kenny spent five days in Phoenix monitoring the team’s progress in pre-season testing.
“Tim (Richards, crew chief) was able to get some good data from the Phoenix test session despite the frustration of losing some days to weather,” said Kenny.
“We were right there in the hunt in terms of elapsed times and speeds and we’ve got something to work with,” said Brandon . “We would like to open with a strong performance to get a leg up in the point standings from the beginning.
“It looks like the new 90 percent nitro rule, up from 85 percent last year, may only throw a momentary curveball into the equation for the crew chiefs in this sport before they all get a handle on the tune-up. I don’t think anybody’s going to drive away with the championship.
“I am a big fan of the new Countdown format. Last year we were fortunate to make the Countdown to Four, but with only two races left to determine the championship, you couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. I think 10 teams going after it for the last six races will create a great level playing field. Our goal is to build on the success we had last year and use it to our benefit.”
Last season Bernstein scored a career-high five victories in seven final round appearances, topped the Top Fuel leader board twice, and hovered near the top the remainder of the season. He ended the season in third-place less than two rounds away from claiming the championship crown.
Bernstein experienced emotional lows last year when a testing accident claimed the life of his best friend, fellow Funny Car driver Eric Medlen, and then again near the end of the season when he witnessed a terrifying accident involving his father and John Force. Fortunately Kenny Bernstein was uninjured; however, John Force was sidelined the remainder of the season recuperating from injuries.
“I will always miss Eric,” said Brandon . “I still think about him every day, and mentally I think of him riding right in the cockpit with me each run we make. Thankfully, Dad will be safe and sound on the starting line and in the pits to give me support and advice along the way.
“We’re just looking to continue Dad’s winning ways and add to the trophy collection at the race shop for our sponsors and our fans. And if I’m fortunate enough to win some more races, I’ll know spiritually that Eric will be smiling down on us, enjoying the festivities.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals will begin Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m., with a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m. There will be two qualifying sessions Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
