FINAL FOUR FINISH FOR KENNY BERNSTEIN AND MONSTER ENERGY/LUCAS OIL TEAM IN SEATTLE
KENT , Wash. (July 22) – Kenny Bernstein scored his best qualifying effort of the season, moved up in the NHRA Funny Car point standings and captured a final four finish at the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals.
With persistent rain plaguing both days of qualifying, NHRA officials were forced to set the elimination field after one Saturday qualifying session.
Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team were seeded second in the 16-car field with a 4.854/307.44. Their best effort this season earned them the $3000 Full Throttle award for performance and consistency in qualifying. The Kenny Bernstein-owned team collected the bonus check by virtue of a problem-free run, while the No. 1 qualifier caused a race track oil down.
Though Sunday’s start of eliminations was rain delayed by nearly an hour, the competition was fierce. Bernstein was on his game, first out of the gate against Cruz Pedregon. Bernstein took the round win with a Jimmy Walsh 4.818/317.05 tune up, defeating a solid 4.843/311.13 effort by Pedregon.
In the second round Bernstein faced off against second-generation driver Ashley Force.
Both drivers lost traction early in the run. Bernstein was on and off the throttle before “hooking up” and getting traction to the ground while Force fought the car as it thrashed right and left, finally hitting the wall and bursting into flame. Force emerged from the car without injury. Bernstein gained the round win with a 6.453/292.52.
“I couldn’t see what was going on with Ashley in the other lane,” said Bernstein. “I’m glad to know she is okay.
“We were fortunate to have a lot of experience with pedaling the car and maybe that gave us an edge in this round.”
In the semifinals against Jack Beckman, Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team put forth a valiant effort but were edged out by Beckman’s 4.800/319.75 to their 4.824/320.58.
“The more runs we make, the more consistency we gain,” said Bernstein. “We’re happy with the progress we’re making. We’re right there.”
Bernstein is 14th in NHRA Funny Car standings, 104 points out of the countdown to eight.
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