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TOPEKA , Kan. -- When Brandon Bernstein suits up and slides into the familiar confines of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel cockpit, he feels comfortable and knows he has a chance to add to his trophy collection.
In the three years that Bernstein has been competing at Heartland Park Topeka, he has been in the final round twice, winning in 2004 and finishing runner-up last year.
When Bernstein rolls to the ready line for the June 1-3 O’Reilly Summer Nationals, he’ll be in his own words, or make that the words of Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, ready to “shake and bake.”
“With the unexpected postponement of the Bristol event because of racetrack surface issues, we had a three-week break,” said Bernstein. “I think all of us are ready to get back to racing.
“We’ve enjoyed some good fortune at Heartland Park , but the truth is we’re lucky to have the team we have and the combined tuning efforts of Tim (Richards, crew chief) and Kim (Richards, co-crew chief). These last few races especially, we have been consistent. On race day, it seems each round we go, Tim is able to refine the tune-up. If we’re lucky enough to reach the finals, he’s like a magician. His 14-5 final round record in my career alone is a testament to his ability and racetrack savvy.
“It’s a lot of fun racing when you know you have a real shot at winning each round. The team has worked a lot of long hours to get to this point, and we hope we can keep the mojo going.”
In the first seven races thus far this season, Bernstein has scored two victories ( Las Vegas and Atlanta ) and one runner-up finish ( Pomona , Calif. ). He led the Top Fuel point standings briefly after his Atlanta win and is currently second.
“With the championship chase format this season, the first step is to remain seeded deep into the top eight,” said Bernstein. “After the first 17 national events, the top eight vie for the countdown to four and ultimately the countdown to one. Beginning with the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indy which begins the countdown to four, the pressure will really be on the crew chiefs and the drivers. You won’t be able to make a mistake and survive. It’ll be an interesting end to the season.
“But right now we want to stay focused and consistent. The fans are in for some really good racing.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, June 1 at 5 p.m. , followed by a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. , with Sunday’s final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Follow the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team at Kenny Bernstein Racing. Please visit our sponsors at Budweiser, Lucas Oil, Initializing...., AlphaTrade.com - Get real time stock quotes, charts, market news, level 2, portfolios and more (OTCBB:APTD) and AlphaTrade FN - Free stock quotes, stock market news & personal finance..
BERNSTEIN ENJOYING SEASON, CREDITS BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM
TOPEKA , Kan. -- When Brandon Bernstein suits up and slides into the familiar confines of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel cockpit, he feels comfortable and knows he has a chance to add to his trophy collection.
In the three years that Bernstein has been competing at Heartland Park Topeka, he has been in the final round twice, winning in 2004 and finishing runner-up last year.
When Bernstein rolls to the ready line for the June 1-3 O’Reilly Summer Nationals, he’ll be in his own words, or make that the words of Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, ready to “shake and bake.”
“With the unexpected postponement of the Bristol event because of racetrack surface issues, we had a three-week break,” said Bernstein. “I think all of us are ready to get back to racing.
“We’ve enjoyed some good fortune at Heartland Park , but the truth is we’re lucky to have the team we have and the combined tuning efforts of Tim (Richards, crew chief) and Kim (Richards, co-crew chief). These last few races especially, we have been consistent. On race day, it seems each round we go, Tim is able to refine the tune-up. If we’re lucky enough to reach the finals, he’s like a magician. His 14-5 final round record in my career alone is a testament to his ability and racetrack savvy.
“It’s a lot of fun racing when you know you have a real shot at winning each round. The team has worked a lot of long hours to get to this point, and we hope we can keep the mojo going.”
In the first seven races thus far this season, Bernstein has scored two victories ( Las Vegas and Atlanta ) and one runner-up finish ( Pomona , Calif. ). He led the Top Fuel point standings briefly after his Atlanta win and is currently second.
“With the championship chase format this season, the first step is to remain seeded deep into the top eight,” said Bernstein. “After the first 17 national events, the top eight vie for the countdown to four and ultimately the countdown to one. Beginning with the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indy which begins the countdown to four, the pressure will really be on the crew chiefs and the drivers. You won’t be able to make a mistake and survive. It’ll be an interesting end to the season.
“But right now we want to stay focused and consistent. The fans are in for some really good racing.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, June 1 at 5 p.m. , followed by a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. , with Sunday’s final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Follow the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team at Kenny Bernstein Racing. Please visit our sponsors at Budweiser, Lucas Oil, Initializing...., AlphaTrade.com - Get real time stock quotes, charts, market news, level 2, portfolios and more (OTCBB:APTD) and AlphaTrade FN - Free stock quotes, stock market news & personal finance..
