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CHANDLER , Ariz. – Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster, who finished runner-up in the season opener in Pomona , Calif. Feb. 11, is hoping to continue to ride the crest of that wave into the Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals Feb. 23-25, the second race on the NHRA calendar.
“Our pre-season testing was good here in Phoenix , and Tim (Richards, crew chief) had some strong, aggressive, consistently quick tune-ups at Pomona for the first race this year. We’re very optimistic and want to keep the momentum going to gain as many points as we can early in the season.
“Last season we had weird mechanical gremlins in the first round of the first three races. We’re already way ahead of last year’s curve which we hope is a good omen.”
Bernstein is second in NHRA Top Fuel point standings, only 18 points out of the lead.
Bernstein’s most memorable career run was the final round of the first race he won in his 2003 rookie season at Firebird International Raceway.
“We won back-to-back events here in 2003 and 2004,” said Bernstein, son of six-time champion Kenny.
“I remember in the final round of the first race in 2003, I bumped into the staging beams deeper than I wanted to and the top bulb went out. When that happens you have to be very careful not to leave too soon, what we call ‘red lighting’, and disqualify yourself. I was talking to myself, telling myself not to leave too soon. Everything worked out and we won the event. The added pressure in that round was we were racing Larry Dixon, who was the reigning Top Fuel champion and driving a car sponsored by a rival beer company. It was my first experience with the beer wars. I know Dad was holding his breath, afraid that I would red light, while he was standing on the sidelines. That win was my first national event win and only my second career race.
“So we have a good record at this track. I’m amped up and ready to go racing!”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. , with a second session scheduled for 4:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. , with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.
BRANDON BERNSTEIN LOOKING TO RIDE MOMENTUM INTO PHOENIX
CHANDLER , Ariz. – Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster, who finished runner-up in the season opener in Pomona , Calif. Feb. 11, is hoping to continue to ride the crest of that wave into the Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals Feb. 23-25, the second race on the NHRA calendar.
“Our pre-season testing was good here in Phoenix , and Tim (Richards, crew chief) had some strong, aggressive, consistently quick tune-ups at Pomona for the first race this year. We’re very optimistic and want to keep the momentum going to gain as many points as we can early in the season.
“Last season we had weird mechanical gremlins in the first round of the first three races. We’re already way ahead of last year’s curve which we hope is a good omen.”
Bernstein is second in NHRA Top Fuel point standings, only 18 points out of the lead.
Bernstein’s most memorable career run was the final round of the first race he won in his 2003 rookie season at Firebird International Raceway.
“We won back-to-back events here in 2003 and 2004,” said Bernstein, son of six-time champion Kenny.
“I remember in the final round of the first race in 2003, I bumped into the staging beams deeper than I wanted to and the top bulb went out. When that happens you have to be very careful not to leave too soon, what we call ‘red lighting’, and disqualify yourself. I was talking to myself, telling myself not to leave too soon. Everything worked out and we won the event. The added pressure in that round was we were racing Larry Dixon, who was the reigning Top Fuel champion and driving a car sponsored by a rival beer company. It was my first experience with the beer wars. I know Dad was holding his breath, afraid that I would red light, while he was standing on the sidelines. That win was my first national event win and only my second career race.
“So we have a good record at this track. I’m amped up and ready to go racing!”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. , with a second session scheduled for 4:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. , with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.
