Deby
Nitro Member
[coverattach=1] POMONA, Calif. – Kenny and Brandon Bernstein would like to make their unprecedented 30th anniversary celebration with Budweiser even more special by kicking the ’09 season off with a strong showing at the Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals Feb. 5-8 at Auto Club Raceway.
“It’s a new season, we have a new crew chief and high hopes to be a championship contender,” said Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster driver Brandon Bernstein.
“We are excited about having Rob Flynn calling the shots this season, and Mike Guger backing him up as assistant crew chief. They have come onboard strong with great ideas and they’re a good fit with the team members who have been with us in previous years.
“In pre-season testing we ran a smoking hot 3.814 at 323.50, so we are pumped!
“We are also using a different chassis this season. We switched from a McKinney to a Hadman chassis so during testing we had a chance to familiarize ourselves with the new feel in the cockpit. The pedals are a little different, just small things, but we feel very comfortable now.”
Bernstein was runner-up at the 2007 season opener and was a contender for the Top Fuel championship that year until the semifinal round of the final event, also at Auto Club Raceway.
“Fans are going to continue to see some dog fights in the Top Fuel division this year,” continued Bernstein. “Pre-season testing shows that everyone is coming to this first event
with guns blazing. We know there is economic unrest and it’s tough on everyone right now.
“NHRA has instituted a fan relief program and is offering a limited number of $20 tickets. If you’re coming out to watch the races, you won’t be disappointed. Racing will be intense.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) racing begins Thursday, Feb. 5 at 2:30 p. m. with a second session Friday at 2:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds scheduled for Saturday, noon and 3:30 p. m. with final eliminations set to begin Sunday at 11 a. m.
“It’s a new season, we have a new crew chief and high hopes to be a championship contender,” said Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster driver Brandon Bernstein.
“We are excited about having Rob Flynn calling the shots this season, and Mike Guger backing him up as assistant crew chief. They have come onboard strong with great ideas and they’re a good fit with the team members who have been with us in previous years.
“In pre-season testing we ran a smoking hot 3.814 at 323.50, so we are pumped!
“We are also using a different chassis this season. We switched from a McKinney to a Hadman chassis so during testing we had a chance to familiarize ourselves with the new feel in the cockpit. The pedals are a little different, just small things, but we feel very comfortable now.”
Bernstein was runner-up at the 2007 season opener and was a contender for the Top Fuel championship that year until the semifinal round of the final event, also at Auto Club Raceway.
“Fans are going to continue to see some dog fights in the Top Fuel division this year,” continued Bernstein. “Pre-season testing shows that everyone is coming to this first event
with guns blazing. We know there is economic unrest and it’s tough on everyone right now.
“NHRA has instituted a fan relief program and is offering a limited number of $20 tickets. If you’re coming out to watch the races, you won’t be disappointed. Racing will be intense.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) racing begins Thursday, Feb. 5 at 2:30 p. m. with a second session Friday at 2:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds scheduled for Saturday, noon and 3:30 p. m. with final eliminations set to begin Sunday at 11 a. m.
