KENT, Wash. (July 25) – The CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals did not go according to any script that would have been written by Kenny Bernstein or the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team members.

After qualifying No. 1 for the last three of four events, driver Brandon Bernstein qualified seventh in Seattle with a 4.766-second elapsed time at 301.8l miles per hour in hot, sunny conditions.

It was approximately 20 degrees cooler on race day with cloud cover, changing tune-up conditions dramatically.

In the opening round of eliminations, Bernstein faced off against David Baca. Baca took the round win with a 4.857/300.80 vs. Bernstein’s 4.819/294.18.

“We’re disappointed for the team that we lost,” said Bernstein. “The team has been working really hard and we were looking forward to going some rounds here in Seattle.

There’s just no way to soften the blow.”

Bernstein remains third in NHRA POWERade championship standings, 26 points out of second place and 136 points out of the lead.

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KENT, Wash. - Though Brandon Bernstein will make his first appearance at Pacific Raceways July 23-25 behind the wheel of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, he scored a victory here in 2001 driving the Darien/Meadows Budweiser Alcohol Dragster.

When he makes the second stop on the three-race West Coast Swing at the CarQuest Auto Parts Nationals, Bernstein hopes to be able to take a page out of the book of success that saw him dominate competition here three years ago, winning the race and the No. 1 qualifying spot.

"Even though we drove to victory in Seattle in an alcohol car and not the Top Fuel car, it gives you a bit of a feeling of familiarity with the racetrack," said Bernstein.

"Seattle will be the first race where all the new rule changes will come into effect on a track where you can make a lot of horsepower. The crew chiefs will have their hands full trying to get a grip on the tune-ups. We're fortunate that Tim (Richards, crew chief) has many years of experience to draw upon."

Before racing action begins, Bernstein will participate Thursday, July 22 in the Downtown Harley-Davidson and City Beverages cruise and "Burn Out" party.

"This ride is something my father started seven years ago with two of our sponsors, Downtown Harley-Davidson and the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in this market. We have a blast cruising to BB Magraws, and it's something we always look forward to.

"We have hundreds of riders that participate, and we invite all our fans to ride along as well. The more the merrier. If you don't want to ride, catch up to us at BBMagraws."

Ride with Brandon Bernstein: Fans, motorcycle and car club members are invited to join Brandon Bernstein for the 7th annual cruise and "Burn Out" party Thursday July 22nd. The cruise will leave Downtown Harley-Davidson, 13002 48th Ave. S. in Tukwila at 5 pm and will end up at BB Magraws, 440 16th NE in Auburn. There is no charge for the ride. At BB Magraws , the Car Toys "Aftershock" stage will be showcasing local alternative rock bands, while fans and riders enter to win concert and racing tickets and other prizes. A silent auction will be held to benefit local charities.

A 2004 Cadillac Escalade will be displayed as part of a June - September Anheuser-Busch sweepstakes and fans are invited to enter to win. The drawing for the Escalade will take place in October. A Seattle radio station DJ from107.7 FM will be live from the "Burn Out" party along with their "Street Team". For further information call Downtown Harley-Davidson @ 206-243-5000 or BB Magraws @ 253-804-5588.

Nitro Qualifying: There are two rounds scheduled Friday, July 23, at 4 and 7 p.m.; two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3:30 p.m.; with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NATIONALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying - July 24 - ESPN
8-10 p.m. ET
Eliminations - July 25 - ESPN2
7 - 10 p.m. ET