RARE PARTS BREAKAGE FORCES EARLY OUT FOR BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM AT READING

READING, Pa. (Sept. 18) – It was a grueling weekend for the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team at Maple Grove Raceway, the 19th event on the 23-race NHRA schedule.

The team clocked their best elapsed time in qualifying in the last session on Saturday, 4.575-second elapsed time at 317.87 mph, which seeded them No. 10 on the qualifying ladder.

“We were out of step a bit this weekend,” said second generation driver Brandon Bernstein, “but we were competitive in the last qualifying session based on all the numbers run in that particular session.”

In the first round of eliminations Bernstein squared off against Doug Kalitta. Bernstein had the advantage early in the run, but by the 330-foot mark, a rare reverser fracture in turn caused supercharger failure, abruptly slowing the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. Kalitta scored the round win, 4.520/327.03 vs. Bernstein’s 6.321/131.24.

“It just seems like we can’t catch a break,” said Bernstein. “This was a very rare problem. Once again we were looking good, and in the blink of an eye, our day was done.”

Bernstein is sixth in NHRA POWERade Top Fuel point standings.

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BUDWEISER/LUCAS OIL TEAM LOOKING FOR RACE DAY CONSISTENCY AT MAPLE GROVE

READING, Pa. – “Maple Grove Raceway fans are always treated to some of the quickest elapsed times and fastest speeds of the season,” said second generation driver Brandon Bernstein, who is anticipating the upcoming NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals Sept. 16-18.

“This will only be my second start at Reading, but our team has historically done well here,” said Bernstein. “Dad has won this race three times, set world records, and clinched a championship here.

“We’ve been running some very competitive numbers recently and we’re looking for another break through victory.”

Bernstein has two victories this season, St. Louis in June and Seattle in July. He is currently fifth in POWERade Top Fuel standings.

“In 2003 and ’04, we started the season with victories early on,” continued the driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. “This year has been more of a rollercoaster year. We had a mid-season rally with two victories close together, but we just don’t seem to be able to go rounds. >From that standpoint it’s been very frustrating because we know we’re capable of running good numbers.

“With all the trees surrounding the Maple Grove track, there’s a lot of oxygen, and these 7000-horsepower engine crave oxygen. These conditions contribute to the quick and fast runs you experience at this facility. It’s an adrenaline rush for the drivers!

“This year there seem to be about eight drivers who could very easily capture the victory at any given event. It’s the biggest dog fight in recent history. Whoever gets to victory circle deserves the win. That team deserved it. We’re capable of being that team”