KENNY BERNSTEIN HOPEFUL OF STRONG PERFORMANCE IN SEATTLE TO CELEBRATE FALLEN FRIEND AND TO EARN TOP EIGHT COUNTDOWN BERTH
KENT , Wash. – Competition is as fierce in the NHRA Funny Car category as it has been in all of NHRA’s 50-plus year history.
Kenny Bernstein, a six-time NHRA champion, came out of retirement this season to drive the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car and scored runner-up honors at the July 1 event in Norwalk , Ohio .
Bernstein, who won in Seattle driving a Funny Car in 1988, is looking forward to the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals July 20-22.
“We know we have the talent in our camp to be competitive,” said Bernstein. “We proved that by going to the finals a few weeks ago. It is extremely important for us to go rounds in Seattle . Our focus with four races remaining is to try to earn a spot in the countdown to eight, which sets up the first cut line for the newly formatted championship chase.
“Additionally, we have a personal desire to win in Seattle to pay tribute to our friend, Russ Tom, who we lost in a helicopter crash last October. Russ was a sponsor on our Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster driven by my son Brandon. He was also a personal friend and owned Downtown Harley-Davidson in Tukwila.
“On Thursday of race week (July 19), many of us who used to gather for an annual ride, will draw together to celebrate his life and love of motorcycles by participating in the Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run.
“Russ was a true competitor and used to come to Seattle and some of the other races to root for our team. He kept us in stitches most of the time with his stories and antics. He is truly missed.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals begins Friday, July 20 at 3:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two scheduled qualifying runs Saturday, noon and 3 p.m. , with Top Fuel kicking off Sunday’s eliminations at 11 a.m.
Fans, motorcycle and car club members are invited to join Kenny and Brandon Bernstein for the Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run in Seattle Thursday, July 19. The riders will depart Downtown Harley-Davidson, 13002 48th Ave. S. , Tukwila, at 5 p.m. and will make the run over to BB Magraw’s, 440 16th NE in Auburn . At BB’s a local band will entertain, while fans and riders enter to win prizes. A silent auction will be held to benefit Boyers Children’s Clinic. There is no charge to ride. Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run t-shirts will be available for purchase.
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