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JOLIET , Ill. – Brandon Bernstein and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team are “smokin” hot this season. In the eight NHRA events contested to date, Bernstein has been in the final round for 50 percent of those races, and has taken home the trophy at three, including last weekend’s O’Reilly Summernationals in Topeka . The Kenny Bernstein-owned team currently leads the Top Fuel point standings.
Brandon Bernstein tasted victory at Route 66 Raceway during his 2001 “training” season in an A Fuel car, used as a stepping stone, in preparation for taking the reins of his father’s legendary Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster at the beginning of the 2003 season. That season he and his father celebrated a double victory at Route 66 Raceway.
With 15 career victories on his scorecard as a professional driver, Brandon is fortunate to have won at 12 of the 21 tracks contested on the NHRA circuit.
When Bernstein comes to Route 66 Raceway for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals June 7-9, he will be looking to add this track to his list of accomplishments.
“We’re having a great run so far this season,” said Bernstein. “Tim (Richards, crew chief) has had our car running consistent numbers and we’ve been quick and fast. Route 66 is a track where I know we can excel.
“We had a good shot at a victory here in 2004, but we did a giant wheel stand in the final round against Doug Kalitta. That one really had my blood pumping. We were just one breath away from blowing over.
“The Chicago facility is awesome and we really enjoy racing here. Dad has had a lot of success here. Ironically, now that dad is back driving the Funny Car, we have another chance to double up with another father/son victory. Now that would really be cool.
“We have a strong tuning duo with Tim and Kim (Richards) and they have a lot of experience to draw upon. The focus this year with the new championship chase format is to go rounds and accumulate points to stay in the top eight for the countdown to eight, the first phase of the chase. We’re looking good right now, but there’s a lot of racing before that field is set.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, June 8 at 4:30 p.m. with a second round of qualifying at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. , with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
BRANDON BERNSTEIN ON A ROLL; HOPES TO SNAG FOURTH VICTORY OF SEASON AT ROUTE 66
JOLIET , Ill. – Brandon Bernstein and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team are “smokin” hot this season. In the eight NHRA events contested to date, Bernstein has been in the final round for 50 percent of those races, and has taken home the trophy at three, including last weekend’s O’Reilly Summernationals in Topeka . The Kenny Bernstein-owned team currently leads the Top Fuel point standings.
Brandon Bernstein tasted victory at Route 66 Raceway during his 2001 “training” season in an A Fuel car, used as a stepping stone, in preparation for taking the reins of his father’s legendary Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster at the beginning of the 2003 season. That season he and his father celebrated a double victory at Route 66 Raceway.
With 15 career victories on his scorecard as a professional driver, Brandon is fortunate to have won at 12 of the 21 tracks contested on the NHRA circuit.
When Bernstein comes to Route 66 Raceway for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals June 7-9, he will be looking to add this track to his list of accomplishments.
“We’re having a great run so far this season,” said Bernstein. “Tim (Richards, crew chief) has had our car running consistent numbers and we’ve been quick and fast. Route 66 is a track where I know we can excel.
“We had a good shot at a victory here in 2004, but we did a giant wheel stand in the final round against Doug Kalitta. That one really had my blood pumping. We were just one breath away from blowing over.
“The Chicago facility is awesome and we really enjoy racing here. Dad has had a lot of success here. Ironically, now that dad is back driving the Funny Car, we have another chance to double up with another father/son victory. Now that would really be cool.
“We have a strong tuning duo with Tim and Kim (Richards) and they have a lot of experience to draw upon. The focus this year with the new championship chase format is to go rounds and accumulate points to stay in the top eight for the countdown to eight, the first phase of the chase. We’re looking good right now, but there’s a lot of racing before that field is set.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, June 8 at 4:30 p.m. with a second round of qualifying at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. , with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
