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The NHRA Top Fuel championship is dangling between four drivers with five races remaining before the coronation of this year's best of the best.
Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, is only 96 points out of the lead and 42 points out of second place as the NHRA circuit makes a stop in Reading, Pa. Sept. 15-17. He has been to six final rounds in 18 starts this season, winning three events.
"There's no question that this is going to be a tough battle to the end," said Bernstein. "We gained 56 points on the leader at Indy, but that was an unusual circumstance. It's all about going rounds. We had a good showing at Indy with a runner-up finish. We had a crankshaft break in the final round, but Tim (Richards, crew chief), Kim (Richards) and the team had our car just perfect. We were running competitive elapsed times and we were able to repeat the consistency all day.
"Our team strategy is just to focus on one round at a time. We also have to be aware of those behind us in the points. It's obvious that the four of us who are really battling for the championship can't make it to the final round every remaining race, so whoever stumbles will be very vulnerable since we're all packed in there within a few rounds of each other.
"Maple Grove Raceway conditions are traditionally cool, quick and fast. With all the trees surrounding the track, there's plenty of oxygen to feed the horsepower of these engines.
"It should be a good race for the fans and media in Reading and for the remainder of the season."
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. with a second session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations beginning Sunday at 11 a.m.
Brandon Bernstein Third in Top Fuel Points as Battle Heats Up in Reading
The NHRA Top Fuel championship is dangling between four drivers with five races remaining before the coronation of this year's best of the best.
Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, is only 96 points out of the lead and 42 points out of second place as the NHRA circuit makes a stop in Reading, Pa. Sept. 15-17. He has been to six final rounds in 18 starts this season, winning three events.
"There's no question that this is going to be a tough battle to the end," said Bernstein. "We gained 56 points on the leader at Indy, but that was an unusual circumstance. It's all about going rounds. We had a good showing at Indy with a runner-up finish. We had a crankshaft break in the final round, but Tim (Richards, crew chief), Kim (Richards) and the team had our car just perfect. We were running competitive elapsed times and we were able to repeat the consistency all day.
"Our team strategy is just to focus on one round at a time. We also have to be aware of those behind us in the points. It's obvious that the four of us who are really battling for the championship can't make it to the final round every remaining race, so whoever stumbles will be very vulnerable since we're all packed in there within a few rounds of each other.
"Maple Grove Raceway conditions are traditionally cool, quick and fast. With all the trees surrounding the track, there's plenty of oxygen to feed the horsepower of these engines.
"It should be a good race for the fans and media in Reading and for the remainder of the season."
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. with a second session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations beginning Sunday at 11 a.m.
