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TOPEKA, Kan. --Brandon Bernstein has confidence that new tune-up combinations by Budweiser/Lucas Oil crew chief Tim Richards put them in a good position to defend last year’s Top Fuel victory at Heartland Park Topeka. Bernstein comes off a final four finish at Bristol , Tenn. as the NHRA circuit makes its ninth stop at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals May 30-June 1.
“We were going some rounds at Bristol with some really competitive elapsed times,” said Bernstein. “I think Tim’s on to something here that may give us an edge.
“We’re looking for our first win of the ’08 season, and we’ve had good success at Topeka in the past. That helps give us confidence going into the event.”
Bernstein has a remarkable record at Heartland Park Topeka, making three final round appearances in the four years he’s raced there. He won in 2004 as well as last year, and was runner-up in 2006.
The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team’s best finish this season is runner-up at Gainesville , Fla. in March.
“We need to get some rounds behind us to assure a spot in the Countdown to the Championship,” continued Bernstein. “There are a lot of Top Fuel cars that are very evenly matched so there is some very close, competitive racing. It’s great for the fans, but it’s a nail-biter for the crew chiefs and drivers. Everyone has to be focused and on their game. Our team is pretty hungry for a win so we’ll be digging deep.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Summer Nationals begins Friday, May 30 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. with final eliminations set for 11 a.m. Sunday.
BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM HUNGRY FOR A WIN A TOPEKA
TOPEKA, Kan. --Brandon Bernstein has confidence that new tune-up combinations by Budweiser/Lucas Oil crew chief Tim Richards put them in a good position to defend last year’s Top Fuel victory at Heartland Park Topeka. Bernstein comes off a final four finish at Bristol , Tenn. as the NHRA circuit makes its ninth stop at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals May 30-June 1.
“We were going some rounds at Bristol with some really competitive elapsed times,” said Bernstein. “I think Tim’s on to something here that may give us an edge.
“We’re looking for our first win of the ’08 season, and we’ve had good success at Topeka in the past. That helps give us confidence going into the event.”
Bernstein has a remarkable record at Heartland Park Topeka, making three final round appearances in the four years he’s raced there. He won in 2004 as well as last year, and was runner-up in 2006.
The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team’s best finish this season is runner-up at Gainesville , Fla. in March.
“We need to get some rounds behind us to assure a spot in the Countdown to the Championship,” continued Bernstein. “There are a lot of Top Fuel cars that are very evenly matched so there is some very close, competitive racing. It’s great for the fans, but it’s a nail-biter for the crew chiefs and drivers. Everyone has to be focused and on their game. Our team is pretty hungry for a win so we’ll be digging deep.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Summer Nationals begins Friday, May 30 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. with final eliminations set for 11 a.m. Sunday.
