[coverattach=1] CHANDLER , Ariz. – Firebird International Raceway holds a special place in the history books for the Bernstein family. Six-time champion Kenny Bernstein and his son Brandon both earned their first Top Fuel victories at this track. Kenny scored his Firebird win in 1991 and Brandon won here in his second national event appearance in his 2003 rookie season, defending the Top Fuel title again in 2004.
The Bernstein family hopes to capitalize on past achievements at this year’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist Nationals Feb. 20-22.
In the rain-delayed season-opener at Pomona , Calif. , driver Brandon Bernstein tallied a final four finish and he and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team come into Firebird International Raceway tied for third in point standings.
“When you’ve had success at a track, it gives you a certain amount of confidence
when you return,” said Brandon . “In pre-season testing here, we ran a stunning 323.50 mph. We had the right set up at the right time of day. Hopefully we can repeat that kind of performance for the national event.
“Obviously our team goal is to have a run at the championship. Right now we’re positioned well in point standings, so we want to keep going rounds and hopefully snag a few victories this season.
“There’s great synergy with our new crew chief Rob Flynn and assistant crew chief Mike Guger. We feel we have tremendous potential and the entire team is optimistic and positive.
“With the rain forcing cancellation of a lot of qualifying in Pomona and the race being postponed for a couple of days due to Mother Nature, none of the race teams have really had an opportunity to get into a rhyth m. Hopefully the weather gods will smile upon us in Phoenix and we can get all four qualifying runs in the books and get into a good tempo.
“However, it is comforting to know that Rob Flynn has a lot of experience to draw upon whether we have one run to get into the show or four runs. We’re excited about the season.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p. m. with a second session at 4:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p. m. and 3 p. m. , with Top Fuel kicking off eliminations at 11 a. m. Sunday.
The Bernstein family hopes to capitalize on past achievements at this year’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist Nationals Feb. 20-22.
In the rain-delayed season-opener at Pomona , Calif. , driver Brandon Bernstein tallied a final four finish and he and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team come into Firebird International Raceway tied for third in point standings.
“When you’ve had success at a track, it gives you a certain amount of confidence
when you return,” said Brandon . “In pre-season testing here, we ran a stunning 323.50 mph. We had the right set up at the right time of day. Hopefully we can repeat that kind of performance for the national event.
“Obviously our team goal is to have a run at the championship. Right now we’re positioned well in point standings, so we want to keep going rounds and hopefully snag a few victories this season.
“There’s great synergy with our new crew chief Rob Flynn and assistant crew chief Mike Guger. We feel we have tremendous potential and the entire team is optimistic and positive.
“With the rain forcing cancellation of a lot of qualifying in Pomona and the race being postponed for a couple of days due to Mother Nature, none of the race teams have really had an opportunity to get into a rhyth m. Hopefully the weather gods will smile upon us in Phoenix and we can get all four qualifying runs in the books and get into a good tempo.
“However, it is comforting to know that Rob Flynn has a lot of experience to draw upon whether we have one run to get into the show or four runs. We’re excited about the season.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p. m. with a second session at 4:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p. m. and 3 p. m. , with Top Fuel kicking off eliminations at 11 a. m. Sunday.
