BERNSTEIN GOES TO SEMIFINALS AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY;
GAINS TWO POSITIONS IN POINT STANDINGS

COMMERCE, Ga. (May 15) – The seventh event of the NHRA POWERade season was a pivotal one for the Kenny Bernstein-owned Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Team. Driver Brandon Bernstein made his second semifinal appearance of the season, and most importantly, gained two positions in POWERade point standings at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.

Bernstein qualified fourth for the event at Atlanta Dragway with a 4.550-second elapsed time at 329.02 mph.

Rain delayed the start of Sunday’s eliminations. However, when racing got underway, the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team led off with some very impressive numbers (4566/329.34) to defeat Scott Weis (5.040/292.71). Bernstein’s 329.34 mph run was top speed of the event.

“That run felt really good,” said Bernstein. “We’ve been running under cloudy conditions, but the sun is starting to peek through so we’ll see what happens in the next round.”

But before the second round, the teams would endure another few hours of rain before resuming

competition. In a close battle with Cory McClenathan, Bernstein scored the round win with a 4.586/327.82 to defeat McClenathan’s 4.643/321.73.

“The car skated around a little at the top end,” said Bernstein, “but we were able to get it back on course.”

In the semifinals against David Baca, Bernstein got to about half track before trouble ensued. The tire-smoking gremlin bit the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster and it slowed to a 9.324/79.29 while Baca transferred to the final round with a 4.927/220.98.

“We had another event with some great runs,” said Bernstein. “It’s all encouraging and we’re having some fun.”

Bernstein is now seventh in POWERade point standings.

BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM REGAINING CONFIDENCE

COMMERCE, Ga. – Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team are excited about competing at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals May 13-15 at Atlanta Dragway.

With two best of class runs at the previous event in Bristol, the team is anxious to reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication.

“When we won the pole at Bristol and set low elapsed time and top speed of the meet in the first round of eliminations, it was a fantastic feeling,” said Bernstein.

“We are accumulating good data. We’re staying cool and continuing to fight the gremlins that have been plaguing us this season. We started to see a turn at Vegas two races ago, but the performance at Bristol was proof in the pudding.

“We’re lucky to have a lot of experience in the form of Tim and Kim Richards. Actually, it’s a good thing that we’re starting on a three-in-a-row swing because we will look to continue to progress more quickly with successive runs.

“I love driving this race car and the challenge of every track.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday at 4:30 p.m. with a second session at 7:30 p.m. There are two qualifying runs scheduled Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT SOUTHERN NATIONALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – May 14 – ESPN2
7 – 9 p.m. ET

Eliminations – May 15 – ESPN2
7- 10 p.m. ET