BERNSTEIN ENDS FIRST FULL SEASON THIRD IN NHRA POWERADE POINT STANDINGS

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 14) – The Automobile Club of Southern California Finals at Pomona Raceway marked the completion of Brandon Bernstein’s first full season as driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. Bernstein ended the 2004 NHRA POWERade circuit with mixed emotions.

“We were glad to get a whole year of experience under our belt,” said Bernstein. “That was a plus. We only wish we could have had more success in the last half of the season.

“Everyone on this team gave it a great effort and I know we’ll all be busy over the winter working on new tune-ups for the 2005 season. We’re also debuting a new paint scheme on the racecar as well as the transporter and support vehicles so there’s plenty to do before testing begins in January.”

Bernstein qualified fifth for the season-ending Auto Club Finals with a 4.517-second elapsed time at 329.26 miles per hour.

Despite a dropped cylinder, Bernstein won the opening round of eliminations against Scott Weis, 4.718/304.46 vs. Scott Weis' tire smoking. 8.579/96.78.

"We dodged a bullet on that pass,” said Bernstein. “We dropped a cylinder early in the run. We've been battling that problem here lately, but Tim is working on it. This Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster is going to round two so that's all that counts."

In the quarterfinals, Bernstein lost traction and spun the tires, while the round win went to Scott Kalitta.

“It was a much shorter day that we were hoping to have,” said Bernstein. “As a driver I’ve learned a lot this year, and now we’ve been down every track. The more experience, the better.”

Bernstein ended his first full season third in POWERade point standings and continues to hold the NHRA world speed mark of 333.41 mph set in Chicago in May.

Kenny Bernstein to receive “Pioneer” award. The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Assn. (AARWBA) announced in a press conference at Pomona Raceway Sat., Nov. 13, that Kenny Bernstein will receive the “Pioneer in Racing” award at the organization’s annual All-America Team dinner, Jan. 15 at the Sheraton Hotel in Pomona.

AARWBA presents this award to recognize life-long contributions to the sport.

Bernstein is also among 50 candidates in the running for AARWBA’s Newsmaker of the Half-Century award. In January, the list will be pared down to 12 nominees whose names will be announced at the Jan. 15 dinner in Pomona. The winner will be announced next May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

POMONA, Calif. – Brandon Bernstein heads into the 40TH anniversary Automobile Club of Southern California Finals Nov. 11-14 in third place in NHRA POWERade Top Fuel point standings and it’s likely that’s where he’ll finish at season’s end.

Bernstein, son of six-time champion and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, is in his sophomore year, but only completing his first full season as driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster.

In the eighth event of his 2003 rookie season, Brandon suffered injuries to his vertebrae that sidelined him for the season. His father jumped back into the familiar confines of the Top Fuel car to finish the year.

In the first eight races of his professional career, Brandon had celebrated three victories, led the point standings briefly and was successful enough that a blue ribbon panel of media voted him 2003 Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Rookie of the Year.

Bernstein rehabilitated through the off season and came back strong to begin the 2004 season. He got back into the winner’s circle quickly, scoring a victory in the second event at Phoenix, won two more events and finished runner-up in the first 9 races of this season.

Early this year he gained the distinction of having the most successful start of any other Top Fuel or Funny Car driver in the 53-year history of NHRA, having won five of his first 13 outings. Again he led the Top Fuel point standings briefly this season.

The last time he participated in the champagne spray in victory circle was May in Topeka, Kan.

“The competition is intense and there were so many close races this season,” said Bernstein. “ We have a great race car. Every single person on our Budweiser/Lucas Oil team has put in 100 percent effort.

“The team’s goal is always to win a championship. Next season we’ll be out there hitting it hard.

“But a victory at the Finals would sure be nice. This team is hungry.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals begins Thursday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. with a second session Friday at 3 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds on Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.

Kenny Bernstein: King of Speed book released: Kenny Bernstein and ESPN commentator Bill Stephens collaborated on this book which is a story in pictures and words of the remarkable racing career of Kenny Bernstein, one of the marquee names in motorsports. The 160-page 10” x 10” hardcover book retails for $24.95 and can be found at major bookstores. It is also available at kennybernstein.com, amazon.com and sportspublishingllc.com.

40TH ANNIVERSARY AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS

Eliminations
Nov. 14 – ESPN2
6 – 9 p.m. ET

Repeat Eliminations
Nov. 19 – ESPN2
3 -5 p.m. ET