To: Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Backers

From: Kenny Bernstein

We recently took a moment to step back and reflect on the team’s accomplishments since Tim Richards began making the tuning calls after the second race of the 2001 season. Tim makes the decisions, and has tremendous input from his wife and Budweiser/Lucas Oil team member, Kim. We also want to take the time to recognize all the members of the team who are so valuable in performing their jobs and getting this car to victory circle. Besides Tim and Kim Richards, we want to give a tip of the helmet to the three original members who came on board with Tim, Mike Domagala, Chris Forton, Glen Huszar, and three first-year additions, Nick Casertano, Tim Jackson and Robert Proctor.

We can’t forget the drivers’ accomplishments in reviewing these performance records. Races can be won or lost on the starting line, and there are times that the driver can overcome adversity and score a win for the team. Since 2001, we have finished first 16 times, second 9 times, while Brandon has won six times and finished second once.

We were so impressed with the performance statistics, we wanted to share them with you. I’ve chronicled the stats year by year, but the end result is our team has finished first or second 32 times in 77 events for a whopping 41-1/2 percent average. We won 22 times and finished second 10 times. That’s a winning percentage of 28-1/2. We think that’s pretty strong.

2001
Finished first or second 12 out of 22 events, finishing first eight times, second 4 times.

Set the national elapsed time record of 4.477 seconds, at that time the quickest run in the history of the sport, that held until the fall of 2003. Set the national speed record of 332.18 mph in Reading, Pa.

Qualified No. 1 nine times

Set an NHRA record for the most rounds of competition won in Top Fuel in a single season (61).

Won our sixth NHRA championship.

2002
Finished first or second 9 times out of 23 events, winning four, finishing second five times.

Qualified No. 1 four times

2003
Finished first seven times out of 23 events.

Qualified No. 1 three times

2004
Finished first or second four times in 9 events, winning three and finishing second once.

Qualified No. 1 once

Set the NHRA existing national speed record, 333.41 mph.

Currently leading the NHRA Top Fuel point standings.

# # #