KENNY BERNSTEIN NAMES TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. TO DRIVE
Six-time NHRA champion and motorsports icon Kenny Bernstein today made a surprise announcement that he is stepping out of the cockpit of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car effective immediately and has hired well-known Funny Car shoe Tommy Johnson, Jr. as his successor. “I was only contemplating driving one more year,” explained Bernstein, “but when Tommy became available at the end of the ’07 season, we started to give the situation a lot of thought. We’ve been fortunate to win six championships, 69 races, and we have some milestone performance marks, chief among them, becoming the first to crack the 300 miles-per-hour barrier. “I guess we can always look to win one more race or one more championship, but in reality, I’ve had a great career and many talented crew members who have helped mold my success through the years. For me at this stage of my life, the right decision is to step away from the cockpit. “We chose Tommy because he is a quality driver, likeable person, and he understands the corporate nature of our business. He also has ties to Lucas Oil and Mac Tools which certainly fit right into our sponsor alignment.” “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be on the track next year, especially with the caliber of Funny Car team Kenny fields with Monster Energy/Lucas Oil, “ said Johnson, Jr. “Kenny runs a professional operation and is an icon of our sport. It’s an honor to be named as his successor and the first full-time driver he’s named outside the family. “We do have a bit of a history, though, “continued Johnson, Jr. “I did some pre-season testing for him in 2000 when he was recuperating from shoulder surgery. Kenny and I have been friends for a number of years. “I am definitely excited about the season to come, but I want to thank Don Prudhomme for the opportunities he gave me the past seven years.” “We’re excited to welcome Tommy to our team,” said Bernstein. “And I want to also thank Don (Prudhomme) for working with us to release Tommy to drive for KBR. “We know with Tommy on board, we won’t miss a beat. We plan to do a lot of testing in January at Phoenix, and we’ll be ready to attack the ’08 season with a virtually seasoned team. “Jimmy Walsh and Danny DeGennaro will continue to lead the tune-up team for the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car, and I will continue to travel to the races and oversee not only our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car operation, but also the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team. We have multiple seasons left on sponsorship contracts with both teams.” With 9 professional career victories, Johnson, Jr. has won events in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. He scored his first professional victory in Seattle in 1993, and his most recent victory at Englishtown, N.J. last season. Bernstein’s combination of professionalism, commitment and competitiveness has made him a motorsports icon. He holds the unique distinction of being the first and only race team owner to have collected wins in each of America’s three major motorsports series: NHRA drag racing, NASCAR and CART. As a driver, Bernstein became the first to win NHRA championships in both Funny Car (1985-1988) and Top Fuel (1996, 2001). He was nominated for the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association Newsmaker of the Half-Century award and was voted in the top 10 on NHRA’s 50 Greatest Drivers list. He has been inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “We’ve enjoyed a lot of accolades in our career,” summarized Bernstein. “Now it’s time for me to take a step back, continue to guide Brandon’s career, and be there to help and support Tommy. “It’s been a good ride and we owe a debt of gratitude to numerous people who have contributed to our success through the years. Perhaps I can repay that debt and contribute to the success of others.” Follow the Kenny Bernstein owned Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team with driver Brandon Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team with driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.budweiser.com; www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
KENNY BERNSTEIN PUTS 2007 SEASON TO REST POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 4) – Kenny Bernstein put a cap on the 2007 NHRA racing season at the Auto Club Finals, ending his first full season in competition since his retirement in 2002. The season held performance highs with two runner-up finishes, and emotional lows resulting from the loss of fellow Funny Car competitor Eric Medlen, and a high-speed collision with John Force in Dallas. “We’ve learned a lot this season,” said Bernstein. “The fact is we’re already working on next year. Our goal is to come out of the gate at the ’08 season-opener here in Pomona with guns blazing. “It seems we picked the toughest competitive season in NHRA history to return to the Funny Car category, but our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team has made overall performance gains.” In the first round of eliminations against Jerry Toliver, Bernstein had the starting gate reaction time advantage, but Toliver crossed the finish stripe first with a 4.871/322.34 to Bernstein’s 4.915/316.75. “The day ended too quickly for us,” reflected Bernstein, “but another of our goals for 2008 is to get that 70th career victory. We’re looking forward to season two of Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car competition.” Bernstein finished the season 14th in Funny Car point standings. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car will compete in the 43rd Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at The Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NHRA FINALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying NHRA Race Day Eliminations We hope to have the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car in the finals for you to watch. We will have continuous internet updates daily. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com, (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com |
“WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGAS” LAS VEGAS (Oct. 27) – Kenny Bernstein who has celebrated three victories at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, defied odds and dominated races, and “doubled down” celebrating an NHRA milestone victory with his son who was driving in the sportsman series in 2001, had Lady Luck turn her back at the defining second at the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals. Six-time champion Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team battled for a position in the competitive field of 16, but with a lot of last minute shuffling, Bernstein was eliminated from Sunday’s line-up by the last contestant who had a chance of bumping into the field and did. “There’s no question that we’re disappointed for our sponsors,” said Bernstein. “Jimmy (Walsh, crew chief) and the team gave their best efforts and we just got nicked at the last minute. We want to thank our fans who have been, and continue to be, very supportive. We’ll put this weekend behind us and head to Pomona (Calif.) for next weekend’s season-ending event and hope we can end on a strong note. “This season’s battles have been difficult for everyone in the Funny Car category. “Throughout the weekend, we were on the starting line to continue our support for Brandon and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team’s quest for the championship.” Bernstein is 13th in NHRA Funny Car point standings. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com. |
The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car will compete in the The Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster will compete in the 7th Annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. ACDELCO LAS VEGAS NHRA NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying NHRA Race Day Eliminations
We hope to have the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car in the finals for you to watch. We will have continuous internet updates daily. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com, (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com |
KENNY BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR 10TH CAREER FINAL ROUND SHOWING POMONA, Calif. – Whether driving a Funny Car or a Top Fuel dragster, Kenny Bernstein has a history of ending the NHRA season with a flare. He has nine final round appearances at Auto Club Raceway through the years. In Funny Car in four final rounds, Bernstein took home two Funny Car trophies, as well as championships in 1985 and 1986. In Top Fuel, he has five final round showings with four victories, including 2003 when he substituted for his injured son, Brandon, who suffered back injuries earlier in the season. The six-time NHRA world champion hopes to continue his tradition of making final round appearances at the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals Nov. 1-4 driving his Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car. “When you win the final race of the season, you have a couple of months to enjoy the victory,” reflected Bernstein. “Plus it gives you a little mojo and momentum going into the next season. “The truth is Jimmy (Walsh, crew chief) and the team have already begun some of the preparation for next season and we’ve been working on tuning combinations as well. We had a slow start this season, but we hope to start next year off with some strong showings right out of the gate. “Knowing how tough the competition was in the Funny Car category this year, crew chiefs will be burning the midnight oil to find whatever fraction of an advantage they can for next year. “We know that the percentage of nitro allowed in the fuel mixture will increase next year so that will mean tuning changes. “But in the present tense, we’d like to end the season with a victory celebration for Monster Energy, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools, AlphaTrade and all of the other sponsors who have supported our return to competition this year.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Thursday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m. with a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday noon and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com. AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – Nov. 3 – ESPN2 NHRA Race Day – Nov. 4 – ESPN2 Eliminations – Nov. 4 – ESPN2 |
KENNY BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR VICTORY NO. 4 LAS VEGAS – Lady luck has smiled on Kenny Bernstein three times since the inaugural race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2000. Bernstein is casting an optimistic eye toward the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals Oct. 26-28, hoping that might be the site of his 70th victory. After all, he won the first race at The Strip in 2000 and followed it with a defending victory in 2001. He won the ACDelco fall race in 2003 the final year of his tenure at the wheel of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel car. Bernstein returned to action this season driving the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car. He has finished runner-up twice, but is looking for that elusive milestone victory. “We got off to a slower start than I would have liked,” said Bernstein, “but at the same time it’s rewarding to see the progress made by (crew chief) Jimmy Walsh and the team. We’re very competitive when we pull to the line and have a chance to go some rounds on race day. Competition in the Funny Car field is fierce and it’s a battle for every qualifying position and round win. “We had to regroup after Dallas, and we plumbed another chassis and put a new Dodge Charger body on top for the last event at Richmond. It was a scramble, but the team did a great job. We came out and qualified No. 4 which is admirable. We’re getting better and better and we’re actually making some progress toward next year. Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals begins Friday, Oct. 26 with an opening round at 2 p.m., followed by a second session at 4:30 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals kick off at 11 a.m. Sunday. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com ACDELCO LAS VEGAS NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – Oct. 27 – ESPN2 |
KENNY BERNSTEIN CONTINUES RELATIONSHIP WITH NEW YORK-NEW YORK AS TEAM’S OFFICIAL HOTEL LAS VEGAS – For the third consecutive NHRA national event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kenny Bernstein has extended his team’s official hotel relationship with New York-New York Hotel & Casino. “Our team looks forward to racing at Las Vegas in the spring and fall,” said six-time NHRA champion Bernstein. “Away from the racing action, our Budweiser/Lucas Oil and Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team members enjoy the restaurants, shows, and of course ‘The Roller Coaster’ in the Big Apple of Las Vegas. “Our Dragster and Funny Car will showcase the New York-New York logo throughout the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals Oct. 26-28, and we invite fans who may be planning to attend the race to book their rooms at our favorite Las Vegas hotel & casino.” Kenny Bernstein, who retired at the end of the 2002 season, but drove the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster for a portion of 2003 while his son Brandon was recovering from racing injuries, has returned to competition this season as pilot of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car. Brandon, who is one of four drivers battling for the Top Fuel championship, earned NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, and has had the most successful career launch of any other Top Fuel or Funny Car driver in NHRA history. With two races remaining to determine the winner of this year’s championships, the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals is a pivotal, high-profile event. Inspired by the famous energy and landmarks of New York City, New York-New York features 12 New York-style skyscrapers showcasing 2,023 guest rooms and suites. Other featured Big Apple icons include an 84,000-square-foot, Central Park-themed casino; a 150-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty; and a 300-foot-long replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. Within the resort are award-winning restaurants including Gallagher's Steakhouse, Il Fornaio and Nine Fine Irishmen, an authentic pub offering the best of Irish drink, food and music. New York-New York offers extraordinary entertainment including the provocative and sensuous Cirque du Soleil production, Zumanity, a thrilling roller coaster and ESPN Zone, a sports-themed dining and entertainment complex. New York-New York is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE™. For more information and reservations, visit the web site at www.nynyhotelcasino.com, or call toll free at (800) 693-6763. Follow the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.budweiser.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com. # # # |
KENNY BERNSTEIN CREDITS MONSTER ENERGY/LUCAS OIL TEAM WITH RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 7) – The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team spent the week prior to the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals rebuilding their Dodge Charger Funny Car following Kenny Bernstein’s devastating collision with John Force in Dallas Their monumental efforts paid off with a No. 4 qualifying spot obtained with a competitive 4.818-second elapsed time at 316.23 mph. In the opening round of Funny Car eliminations at Virginia Motorsports Park, Bernstein faced Tony Bartone. The six-time NHRA world champion left before the starting line tree was activated and lost traction about half track. Bartone also struggled with tire spin, but was able to take the round win with a 5.276/207.02. “We want to give credit to (crew chief) Jimmy Walsh and our team,” said Bernstein. “They spent a lot of man hours getting a new car put together. We qualified well, but we’re probably going to have to work some of the bugs out of the new chassis to find out what tune-up combination it really likes. “We’ll continue to whittle away and make progress on that front. “Meanwhile, as a team owner, we want to congratulate (son) Brandon and the entire Budweiser/Lucas Oil team for making the Countdown to Four. We’re excited about their opportunity to run for the Championship and we’ll be there to support them every step of the way.” Kenny Bernstein is 11th in NHRA Funny Car point standings. # # # |
The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car will compete in the The Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster will compete in the 2nd Annual Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Virginia. TORCO RACING FUELS NHRA NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying NHRA Race Day Eliminations
We hope to have the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car in the finals for you to watch. We will have continuous internet updates daily. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com, (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com |
Kenny Bernstein Statement on the loss of Wally Parks: “Wally was a visionary and a personal friend. He and Barbara put so much time and effort into birthing and growing this sport into the multimillion dollar spectacle it is today. Not only was he an astute businessman, he was revered by many of us on a personal level. He understood public relations, marketing and sales, and he understood the racers. He was as comfortable visiting with us in the pits as he was in the boardroom. “In the 1980s, I worked closely with Wally and Dallas Gardner on some thoughts and ideas for our sport, and out of those conversations, the Bud Shootout was born. Through the years I always enjoyed discussions with Wally. “Wally and Barbara worked tirelessly so that a good many
of us could live our dream, and he devoted years to the preservation
of our sport in the form of the NHRA Motorsports Museum. We
will envision him at Pomona where he was ever present in the
later years and we'll never forget the 50-plus years he guided
and watched over our sport. He will be greatly missed.” |
“ALL THE KING’S
HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN”… RICHMOND, Va. – Kenny Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team are picking up the pieces, literally, and putting together another chassis and Dodge Charger Funny Car body for competition at the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals, Oct. 5-7. Legendary drivers Bernstein and John Force collided in second round competition in Dallas, Texas. News of the accident jammed cyberspace for hours as fans and friends searched for information. The accident happened when Force’s car began to break apart and became unmanageable. Bernstein climbed out of his chassis without injury, while Force was airlifted to a Dallas hospital and underwent a surgical procedure to repair ankle, hand, wrist, and knee injuries. “John is a good friend and we’re happy to know he is making good progress,” said Bernstein. “We know it’s going to be a painful recuperative process, but John is strong and determined. “When drivers go through an accident like this, the best thing from my point of view is to get back in the saddle and ride the horse. I will be fortunate enough to be able to do that at Richmond. “The saving grace for John is that he doesn’t remember much of the run at all, so the vision won’t keep looping through his brain. I remember everything that happened, but I never want to review video footage or photos from something like this. I leave the review process to Jimmy (Walsh, crew chief). So I’m mentally prepared to get on with qualifying. “Physically, Jimmy and the entire Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team have a lot of work to do. Tuesday after the accident they took the damaged Dallas chassis to Murf McKinney’s shop, who manufactures our chassis, and found out it was beyond repair. That chassis was on its third race. “We have two more chassis and three more bodies, so we should be good to go for the remaining three races. “I also want to say that the padding around my head which was beefed up as a result of the technological advances that John Force Racing is doing as a result of losing their driver and our friend Eric Medlen earlier this season, certainly helped us weather the impact of the crash(es) much better. By the same token, I’m sure their research played a big part in saving John from more serious injury. “We want to thank our friends and fans who contacted us through emails, faxes and phone calls after the accident, concerned about our well-being. It means a lot to have everyone reach out and rally around. It gives us momentum to get back out and do the very best we can for them.” Bernstein and Force collectively have 20 NHRA world championships and 194 national event wins to their credit. Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals begins Friday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com TORCO RACING FUELS NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – Oct. 6 – ESPN2 7 – 8 p.m. ET NHRA Race Day – Oct. 7 – ESPN2 11-11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – Oct. 7 – ESPN2 7 – 10 p.m. ET |
KENNY BERNSTEIN WALKS AWAY FROM SPECTACULAR CRASH IN DALLAS DALLAS (Sept. 23) – The most haunting, unforgettable moment from the O'Reilly Fall Nationals jammed cyberspace for hours as fans and friends searched for information surrounding the horrifying incident involving Kenny Bernstein and John Force. Force, whose car was beginning to break apart, collided into Bernstein and the two legends crashed together before smacking the retaining wall. Bernstein was virtually unscathed in the accident, while Force was transported to a Dallas hospital with a broken left ankle, a severe abrasion on his right knee, as well as a dislocated left wrist. Force also sustained severe abrasions and slight fractures on a number of fingers on his right hand. Prior to race day action, Bernstein qualified the Monster Energy/Lucas
Oil Funny Car in the sixth position with a 4.840/314.31. "That was a great job by Jimmy (Walsh, crew chief) and the whole team. It always feels good to come back to Dallas to race. We have a lot of friends here, and several of the guys I raced for early in my career are with us at the track today." Perhaps the most anticipated match of the day was the second
round pairing of Bernstein and Force. With 194 national events
wins and 20 NHRA world championships between the two drivers,
the crowd was anxious to see who would take bragging rights
at the Texas Motorplex. Instead they saw a horrendous wreck
in which both cars were collected and slammed against the retaining
wall. "But at that instant, or just prior to that, I saw John's car out of the corner of my left eye heading toward me. He wasn't approaching at a 90-degree angle, but it was a pretty severe angle. I remember seeing the black front end of his car coming toward me and the next thing I knew we hit and then stuff just started flying everywhere. I couldn't see then because the (race car) body had gotten knocked up in the air in front of me and my vision was obstructed. I didn't remember going into the wall, but the evidence on the body and the headers show that. Now that I think back, I remember feeling a solid hit on the right side so it must have taken both of us right into the wall. "My car was jumping around, I guess the best way to describe
it, was like a frog. It wasn't on all fours. It was on the front
two tires, the side two, the back two, just everywhere. My first
thought was that I was going to hit the wall again or turn over.
I had to get on the brake and start driving. "John suffered some broken bones and I know he's going to have
a tough recuperative period. Sheryl, Brandon and I went to the
hospital to be with his family. Of all things, right after the
helicopter left with John, two medics came back and said John
sent them to tell me he was sorry. John is always thinking of
others." "I will also say those big roll pads we have near our head that were beefed up as a result of the safety improvements John Force Racing is researching, helped me a lot, "continued Bernstein. "When we suffered the impact of the hit, my head was moving side to side and I got a little headache, almost like it feels when you experience tire shake. It would have been a lot worse had we not had the roll pads. "Our hearts go out to John and his family. They will remain
in our thoughts, and we'll be happy to see John when he's able
to come to the track. In the meanwhile we will certainly be
in touch to monitor his progress." Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com |
KENNY BERNSTEIN PUTS MEMPHIS
EVENT IN THE BOOKS, MEMPHIS (Sept. 16) – Kenny Bernstein ended his day at the O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals in a smoky first round pedalfest in an ever-competitive Funny Car field. Bernstein qualified the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil car in14th position with a 4.897/309.98. The six-time champion squared off against Tommy Johnson, Jr. in the opening stanza of eliminations. Bernstein had the reaction time edge but both drivers were fighting loss of traction early in their runs. Johnson, Jr. was able to get traction to the ground first and won the round with a 5.299/238.81 to Bernstein’s 6.745/127.67. “We’ll stay in Memphis Monday and do some testing,” said Bernstein. “We’re still in hot pursuit of our 70th career victory and next weekend in Dallas affords us another opportunity. We’re going to concentrate on sharpening some areas of our tune-up in the test session and look to go rounds in Dallas.” Bernstein is 11th in NHRA Funny Car point standings. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com
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KENNY BERNSTEIN RETURNS
TO TEXAS ROOTS TO DRIVE DALLAS – Kenny Bernstein began his professional racing career as a young adult in and around the Dallas area piloting a number of locally-owned fuel dragsters and funny cars. In 1979, he funded his own team and in 1980 he began his first of 30 years of sponsorship association with Budweiser, the longest current racer-sponsor affiliation in all of autosports. Memories of years gone by return each time the six-time champion enters the gates of the Texas Motorplex. When Bernstein suits up for the O’Reilly Fall Nationals Sept. 21-23, it will be to step into the cockpit of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car. Though he continues to own the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team with his son driving the 7,000-horsepower dragster, Bernstein had the opportunity to return to competition this year with Monster Energy and Lucas Oil. As in years past, he continues to be a contender and force to be reckoned with on the performance side, and he is especially treacherous on starting line reaction time. Bernstein has driven the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny car to runner-up finishes at Norwalk, Ohio, July 1 and again in Brainerd, Minn. Aug. 12. His lightning quick reaction times have stunned and eliminated the best of the best in the Funny Car category this season on holeshot (won on reaction time) victories. “We’re competitive by nature,” said Bernstein, “and we just weren’t comfortable standing on the starting line. Though this is perhaps the toughest year in recent memory in the Funny Car category, it’s a thrill to drive these cars. They’re challenging and it takes a lot of strength and seat-of-the-pants driving skill. “Last year we were fortunate to be inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame,” continued Bernstein. “It was a fantastic evening, and I invited some special friends to share our table at the gala. We were joined by some of the car owners who had enough faith in us early on to allow us to drive their race cars. It was a time to reflect on where we began and the good fortune we’ve enjoyed for almost three decades now. “This same group will likely come out this weekend and spend some time with us.” Bernstein won at the Texas Motorplex in the Funny Car category in 1986 and again in 2003 driving his Top Fuel dragster. In 1987 he won a Funny Car All-Star event at the Texas facility. “It would be fantastic to win in Dallas this year right where our racing roots catapulted us into the great career we’ve enjoyed.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Fall Nationals begins Friday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7:30 p.m. There are two Saturday qualifying rounds, noon and 3 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Bernstein to greet fans at Sam’s Club. Kenny Bernstein will sign autographs and pose for photographs from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Sam’s Club, 1701 Highway 114, Grapevine, Texas. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com
O’REILLY FALL NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY NHRA RACE DAY – Sept. 23 – ESPN2 11 – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – Sept. 23 – ESPN2 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET |
KENNY BERNSTEIN LOOKING
TO SCORE THIRD MEMPHIS – Kenny Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team are looking for a victory before season’s end and the O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals Sept. 14-16, could provide the setting. Bernstein has scored victories on nearly every NHRA national event track in his career and he is a two-time winner at Memphis Motorsports Park. He won in the Funny Car Division in 1989 and in the Top Fuel division in 2001 during his “Forever Red” retirement tour. The 2001 victory was especially emotional as it occurred shortly after the fateful 9/11. Bernstein, displaying an American flag, dedicated the victory to all of the victims and their families who suffered during and as a result of that attack. Bernstein has finished runner-up twice this season, Norwalk, Ohio July 1 and Brainerd, Minn. Aug. 12. “We were within four-thousandths of a second of a victory in Brainerd,” said Bernstein. “Our team, led by crew chief Jimmy Walsh, has made big strides since he joined our team prior to the Gainesville event. We’re just on the edge of victory and our goal this season is to get another trophy to add to the 69 career trophies displayed at our California office. “We returned to the cockpit this season because we missed the competition. It’s just in the genes, I guess. We want to win whether it’s on the track, on the golf course or whatever the game is. “Right now we feel we have a chance to win every time we roll to the starting line.” Bernstein played the spoiler at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the first race in the Countdown to Four, by eliminating Funny Car point leader Ron Capps in the first round of competition. Bernstein, who is well known for his quick exits from the starting line, defeated Capps with a hole shot victory, winning by virtue of his reaction time. “The Funny Car category is so difficult this season that the driver has to be on his game and do everything in his power to help the team. We’re concentrating on doing our job on the starting line, and it’s made the difference in several round wins this year.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals begins Friday, Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m. with a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., with final eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.
O’REILLY MID-SOUTH NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY NHRA Race Day – Sept. 16 – ESPN2 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – Sept. 16 – ESPN2 7 – 10 p.m. ET |
KENNY BERNSTEIN MOVES
MONSTER ENERGY/LUCAS OIL FUNNY CAR CLERMONT, Ind. (Sept. 3) – Kenny Bernstein played the role of spoiler at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals upsetting Funny Car point leader Ron Capps on a hole shot victory in the opening round of competition. The driver of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car also moved into the top 10 in points. Bernstein qualified 12th at O’Reilly Raceway Park with a 4.803/320.28. The six-time champion’s ability to cut quick reaction times makes him a dreaded opponent. In the first round against Ron Capps, Bernstein’s impressive .045-second reaction time, paired with a 4.922-second elapsed time at 307.16 mph, earned him the opportunity to transfer to the second round. Though Capps clocked a quicker 4.877-second elapsed time at 316.82 mph, his slower .097-second reaction time allowed Bernstein enough margin to take the victory. “Ron Capps and his crew chief Ed ‘the Ace’ McCulloch are tough customers,” said Bernstein. “Our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team did a great job preparing for that run and that was a big win for us.” In the second round of eliminations, Bernstein lost traction at the hit of the throttle, while Robert Hight advanced. “It was a difficult task to make the top 16 this year in Indy,” said Bernstein. “We love racing here and appreciate the fans hanging in there for four days of competition. “It was hot and sunny in Indy today, and we obviously tried a more aggressive tune-up than the track would hold. We’re happy to have made a gain in point standings to transfer to 10th place. “With five races remaining this season, we’re still hoping for a victory.” #
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CLERMONT, Ind. – Six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein is looking for his first victory of the season. Could the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Aug. 31-Sept. 3 provide the setting? Bernstein has finished runner-up twice this year since his return to NHRA competition as driver of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny car. He was within a nano second (four thousandths of a second to be exact) from defeating John Force in a thrilling final round at Brainerd, Minn. “This Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team is right on the edge of a victory,” said Bernstein. “The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is the most important race in our sport in terms of legend and history. It would be a significant accomplishment if we could pull off a win in Indy.” Bernstein’s career is full of firsts. He is perhaps most well known for being the first to surpass the 300 mph barrier, a feat he accomplished in 1992. But another of his accomplishments was the first to claim double up victories at the U.S. Nationals and the Bud Shootout specialty race on the same weekend in Indy. That achievement went in the record books in 1983 when he was driving the Budweiser King Funny Car. The Bud Shootout specialty race for the eight quickest Funny Cars in the sport is now the Skoal Showdown, but points are accrued at events completed since the previous year’s contest. Since that includes events from last season when Bernstein was not competing, he did not amass enough points to compete in the ’07 event which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 2. “We knew going into this season that we wouldn’t have a chance to compete in the Showdown,” said Bernstein. “The concept was originally an idea I took on behalf of Budweiser to previous NHRA President Dallas Gardner. Together we worked to initiate the first Bud Shootout in 1982. It was the Bud Shootout until 2004 when Skoal took over the naming rights. “We’re happy the race has thrived through the years. For the competitors, it’s a chance to earn another paycheck, and if you can pull off a victory in the Showdown and the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, there’s a double up bonus worth a total of $100,000. That will help pay some bills.” Besides the victory in 1983, Bernstein won the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Funny Car again in 1987 and in Top Fuel in 1991. “I’m very proud of the progress that (crew chief) Jimmy Walsh has made these last several races,” said Bernstein. “The Funny Car category has been very competitive, perhaps the most closely-matched field in recent NHRA history. “We picked a heck of a year to come back, but one afternoon in victory circle will soothe all the disappointments and the days, months, and hours of determination and sweat that the team has put into this effort. “Our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team is focused and optimistic.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds scheduled Saturday, 2:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; two qualifying rounds Sunday, 12:45 p.m. and 3:40 p.m., with eliminations beginning Monday at 11 a.m. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY NHRA Race Day – Sept. 2 – ESPN2 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Qualifying – Sept. 2 – ESPN2 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET Eliminations – Sept. 3 – ESPN2 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. 10 – p.m. |
KENNY BERNSTEIN OUT EARLY IN CLOSE
RACE IN READING
READING, Pa. (Aug. 19) – Race day at the Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway brought steady rain following the completion of the first round of Top Fuel and after only three pair of Funny Cars. Following a No. 13 qualifying effort (4.888/306.95), Kenny Bernstein rolled to the starting line Sunday morning to face point leader Ron Capps. It was neck and neck down the quarter mile, and Bernstein had the advantage at the 1000-foot mark. Then the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car lost traction and began to spin the tires. “When it lost traction, it dropped a cylinder and took the burst panel out,” said Bernstein. “It was just beginning to mist as we finished running and we were the last pair down the race track Sunday before the rain set in.” Competition was scheduled to resume Monday morning at 10 a.m. ET. Point standings are not yet available since the race is not concluded, though Bernstein will not be in the countdown to eight. “We’re heading to Indianapolis for a couple of days of testing prior to the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. We want to make a good showing there,” said Bernstein. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
READING, Pa. – Six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein already has one team seeded in the countdown to eight, the first phase of the countdown to the championship. His Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team with his son Brandon in the cockpit has solidified a position in the prestigious field. The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car that Kenny owns and drives, will have one last chance at the Toyo Tires Nationals Aug. 17-19 to qualify for the countdown to eight. Bernstein comes to Reading off a runner-up finish at Brainerd, Minn., and is 115 points out of the single Funny Car position available in the countdown to eight. “We started this team from the nuts and bolts up this season,” said Bernstein. “It was quite an undertaking. We got off to a slow start which cost us some time and points. At the third race of the season we hired a new crew chief and assistant crew chief and we went to the semifinals. “This is perhaps the most competitive season in the Funny Car category in NHRA history. Our team has the talent to go rounds which we’ve proven. From time to time we’ve had some mechanical gremlins to chase which have slowed down our progress, but every person on our team is pulling his weight and putting in 100 percent effort. There’s no lack of funding and no lack of effort here. “If we don’t make the countdown to eight, sure, we’ll be disappointed, but it doesn’t mean we can’t win an event between now and the end of the year. We’re close, and we can sure play the spoiler.” Bernstein also finished runner-up at the inaugural NHRA race at Norwalk, Ohio, July 1, and has had strong qualifying efforts, including a No. 2 starting berth in Seattle July 22. Well known for his quick reaction times off the starting line, Bernstein has contributed to round wins for his team and had the quickest reaction time of eliminations in Denver in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. In his early Funny Car career, Bernstein was a three-time finalist at Maple Grove Raceway, winning in 1988, the fourth year of his consecutive NHRA Funny Car championships. He drove to victory circle twice during his Top Fuel tenure, 1992 and 1996, and was runner-up in 1997, 2001, and 2002. Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Toyo Tires Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 7 p.m. There are two Saturday qualifying runs scheduled at noon and 3 p.m. Top Fuel will kick-off Sunday’s eliminations at 11 a.m. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com TOYO TIRES NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – Aug. 18 – ESPN2 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET NHRA Race Day – Aug. 19 – ESPN2 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – Aug. 19 – ESPN2 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. ET |
BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 12) – Kenny Bernstein epitomized the eye of the tiger at the Lucas Oil Nationals. It was a weekend of vintage Bernstein and teamwork in the truest sense: good driving, good tuning. With their combined efforts, Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team scored their second runner-up finish of the season and moved to 11th in NHRA point standings. They still have a mathematical shot at making the countdown to eight Bernstein qualified No. 4 at Brainerd International Raceway with a 4.796/319.60. In the opening round of eliminations, Bernstein defeated Tony Pedregon with a 4.824/316.15 to Pedregon’s 4.863/316.23 “Tony and his team are very competitive,” said Bernstein. “That was a close race and a good round win. We need to go rounds today.” A masterful job of driving and one of Bernstein’s lightning quick reaction times contributed to the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team’s second round win. With a scorching .035-second reaction time off the starting line coupled with a 4.826-second elapsed time at 320.81 mph, Bernstein streaked across the finish line first to best opponent Jack Beckman’s quicker 4.786-second elapsed time at 321.88 mph, but slower .118-second reaction time. Bernstein’s margin of victory was .0435 seconds. “I knew I had to be on my game,” said Bernstein. “Every round is critical to us and we have the horse to ride today.” In the semifinals, Bernstein brought his ‘A’ game to the starting line again for another hole shot victory over Gary Scelzi. Bernstein’s .066-second reaction time combined with a 4.825/312.86 conquered Scelzi’s .095-second reaction time with a 4.808/322.65. As Bernstein neared the finish line, there was a flash of fire from the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car. “The engine just leaned out and blew up to put it in the simplest terms,” said Bernstein. Back in the pits, the team scrambled to change the engine and put the green machine back together for the final round where two of the great champions of the sport, Kenny Bernstein and John Force, would duke it out for the Lucas Oil Nationals trophy. Ironically 20 years ago in 1987, Force and Bernstein met in the finals at this event and Bernstein took the win. This time Bernstein had a slight edge out of the starting gate and it was neck and neck down the drag strip. Force earned the victory with a near photo finish. Bernstein stopped the clocks with a 4.801/320.43 to Force’s 4.794/316.60. “It was a heck of a race,” said Bernstein, “but we’re disappointed when we lose. The team was under severe pressure to put the car back together for the finals. And they did a great job. I’m very proud of them! “I was happy for Brandon and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team’s victory today. Brandon and I want to celebrate a double victory and we thought today might be the day. It’s very difficult to get both cars to the final on the same weekend to begin with. The odds on that in Las Vegas would be pretty high. Not to be able to complete the deal is disappointing, but we did stay alive for the countdown spot and we did gain some positions in the point standings. This team is getting more competitive every race.” Bernstein is 115 points out of the single Funny Car position still available in the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com.
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BRAINERD, Minn. – Six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein finished runner-up in Norwalk, Ohio, July 1, and is avidly pursuing his first victory of the season at the Lucas Oil Nationals Aug. 10-12. Bernstein is no stranger to Brainerd International Raceway’s victory circle, having won in 1983 and 1987 during his early Funny Car hey day, and in 1991, 1996 and 2002 in the Top Fuel category. “It would be really special to bring home a victory at the Lucas Oil Nationals,” said Bernstein, “because Forrest and Charlotte Lucas are our sponsors. Actually, they are more than sponsors, they are our really good friends. “Additionally we are still trying to work our way into the countdown to eight in the new championship format. We need a good showing at Brainerd International Raceway to keep our foot in the door.” After standing on the starting line for the past three years cheering for his son and the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team he continues to own, a sponsorship opportunity allowed him to return to the Funny Car ranks this year as driver and owner of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil car. “We have always enjoyed the competitive side of racing,” said Bernstein. “Standing on the sidelines was difficult for me. Monster Energy drinks are distributed by Anheuser-Busch wholesalers in most of our race market areas, so the tie-in with Monster and the 28-year sponsorship association we’ve had through the Budweiser brand of Anheuser-Busch made perfect sense. “We knew building another team from the ground up would be a massive undertaking, but our performance numbers have been on the upswing and our consistency is improving. I have confidence that every time we pull to the starting line, we have a chance to win. “We would love to add to our trophy collection. We don’t want to get too greedy here, but it would be another NHRA milestone if Brandon and I could both win at the Lucas event.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 10 at 3:30 p.m. with a second session at 6:15 p.m. There are two qualifying runs Saturday, noon and 2:45 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com LUCAS OIL NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY NHRA Race Day – Aug. 12 – ESPN2 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – Aug. 12 – ESPN2 7 – 10 p.m. ET |
SONOMA, Calif. ( July 29) – Despite a competitive qualifying effort, six-time champion Kenny Bernstein’s race day hopes at the Fram Autolite Nationals literally went up in smoke. Bernstein qualified eighth at Infineon Raceway with a 4.794-second elapsed time at 324.98 mph. In the opening round of Sunday’s eliminations, Bernstein rolled into the staging beams to face Robert Hight. Bernstein was first off the starting line with a .067-second reaction time, but soon lost traction and began to spin the tires. Hight won the round, 4.843/315.86 to Bernstein’s 9.041/93.42. “We were the No. 8 qualifier and Robert was ninth,” said Bernstein. “We were pretty evenly matched and we thought we had a good chance. “I maintain that we are a better team than we’re showing right now. We have continued to work through gremlins along the way, but I feel that whenever we pull our Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car to the line, we have a good chance of taking the round win. Today we were disappointed, but we’re keeping our confidence high.” Bernstein remains 14th in Funny Car standings 179 points out of the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com. # # # |
KENT, Wash. (July 22) – Kenny Bernstein scored his best qualifying effort of the season, moved up in the NHRA Funny Car point standings and captured a final four finish at the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals. With persistent rain plaguing both days of qualifying, NHRA officials were forced to set the elimination field after one Saturday qualifying session. Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team were seeded second in the 16-car field with a 4.854/307.44. Their best effort this season earned them the $3000 Full Throttle award for performance and consistency in qualifying. The Kenny Bernstein-owned team collected the bonus check by virtue of a problem-free run, while the No. 1 qualifier caused a race track oil down. Though Sunday’s start of eliminations was rain delayed by nearly an hour, the competition was fierce. Bernstein was on his game, first out of the gate against Cruz Pedregon. Bernstein took the round win with a Jimmy Walsh 4.818/317.05 tune up, defeating a solid 4.843/311.13 effort by Pedregon. In the second round Bernstein faced off against second-generation driver Ashley Force. Both drivers lost traction early in the run. Bernstein was on and off the throttle before “hooking up” and getting traction to the ground while Force fought the car as it thrashed right and left, finally hitting the wall and bursting into flame. Force emerged from the car without injury. Bernstein gained the round win with a 6.453/292.52. “I couldn’t see what was going on with Ashley in the other lane,” said Bernstein. “I’m glad to know she is okay. “We were fortunate to have a lot of experience with pedaling the car and maybe that gave us an edge in this round.” In the semifinals against Jack Beckman, Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team put forth a valiant effort but were edged out by Beckman’s 4.800/319.75 to their 4.824/320.58. “The more runs we make, the more consistency we gain,” said Bernstein. “We’re happy with the progress we’re making. We’re right there.” Bernstein is 14th in NHRA Funny Car standings, 104 points out of the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
SONOMA, Calif. – With three races remaining before the countdown to eight field is set, the goal set by Kenny Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team is to go rounds at the Fram Autolite Nationals July 27-29. A three-time finalist at Infineon Raceway including a 2001 victory, Bernstein has notched career wins on nearly every racetrack on the NHRA circuit to date. This season, Bernstein and his team were runner-up at the inaugural event in Norwalk, Ohio, July 1. They have gained consistency and performance levels have increased as the season has progressed. Bernstein, well-known in drag racing circles for his quick reaction times, has been spot on this year, and more than once has had the quickest reaction time in all of Funny Car eliminations. “As a team, we’re pulling together to put forth a 110 percent effort,” said Bernstein. “As a driver, I’m trying to do my job, and if I can get a good reaction time, it can buy us a little extra at the finish line and in a close round of competition, could seal the win for us.” Arguably the closest competition in the history of the sport in the Funny Car category, winners who have celebrated in victory circle one week, have been on the outside of the top 16 the next Sunday. In fact no Funny Car driver has qualified for every event this year, and that’s a first in NHRA history. “Infineon Raceway is a fantastic facility,” continued Bernstein. “We love racing here. One thing is certain. The fans are witnessing one of the toughest-fought battles in Funny Car history, and there’s going to be a lot of teams fighting for a position in the countdown to eight.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Fram Autolite Nationals begins Friday, July 27 at 4:30 p.m. with a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at noon. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com FRAM AUTOLITE NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – July 28 – ESPN2 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET NHRA Race Day – July 29 – ESPN2 11 – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – July 29 – ESPN2 8 – 11 p.m. ET Kenny Bernstein to make appearance in Petaluma. Kenny Bernstein will be greeting fans and signing autographs Thursday, July 26 from 5-6 p.m. at G & G Supermarket, 701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma. |
MORRISON, Colo. (July 15) – Kenny Bernstein mustered all his driving skills at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals but a spectacular reaction time and some intense work in the cockpit, couldn’t save him from loss of traction. Bernstein piloted his Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car to the No. 7 qualifying berth at Bandimere Speedway with a 4.916-second elapsed time at 309.20 mph. In his first round match against Jeff Arend on Sunday, Bernstein put some cushion in the elapsed time “bank” by virtue of a superb .031-second reaction time vs. Arend’s .092-second reaction time. In a close match, the reaction time probably would have won him the round. But shortly after Bernstein was out of the gate, he was up in smoke. “Bottom line we gave it too much horsepower and overpowered the track”, said Bernstein. Bernstein was on an off the throttle, trying to get traction to the ground until the Dodge Charger made a vicious turn toward the wall. Bernstein straightened the car out and motored across the starting line behind Arend (5.153/293.66 vs. Bernstein’s 8.948/95.53). “It’s exciting to drive these Funny Cars,” said Bernstein. “You can man handle these machines to a certain extent, but we just couldn’t get it to calm down enough to get traction to the ground. “It’s tough to tame the mountain. We’ll be happy to get back to sea level next weekend in Seattle.” The six-time world champ’s reaction time was the best of eliminations in both the Funny Car and Top Fuel categories. Bernstein is 15th in NHRA Funny Car standings, 106 points out of the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com. # # # |
KENT, Wash. – Competition is as fierce in the NHRA Funny Car category as it has been in all of NHRA’s 50-plus year history. Kenny Bernstein, a six-time NHRA champion, came out of retirement this season to drive the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car and scored runner-up honors at the July 1 event in Norwalk, Ohio. Bernstein, who won in Seattle driving a Funny Car in 1988, is looking forward to the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals July 20-22. “We know we have the talent in our camp to be competitive,” said Bernstein. “We proved that by going to the finals a few weeks ago. It is extremely important for us to go rounds in Seattle. Our focus with four races remaining is to try to earn a spot in the countdown to eight, which sets up the first cut line for the newly formatted championship chase. “Additionally, we have a personal desire to win in Seattle to pay tribute to our friend, Russ Tom, who we lost in a helicopter crash last October. Russ was a sponsor on our Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster driven by my son Brandon. He was also a personal friend and owned Downtown Harley-Davidson in Tukwila. “On Thursday of race week (July 19), many of us who used to gather for an annual ride, will draw together to celebrate his life and love of motorcycles by participating in the Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run. “Russ was a true competitor and used to come to Seattle and some of the other races to root for our team. He kept us in stitches most of the time with his stories and antics. He is truly missed.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals begins Friday, July 20 at 3:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two scheduled qualifying runs Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with Top Fuel kicking off Sunday’s eliminations at 11 a.m. Fans, motorcycle and car club members are invited to join Kenny and Brandon Bernstein for the Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run in Seattle Thursday, July 19. The riders will depart Downtown Harley-Davidson, 13002 48th Ave. S., Tukwila, at 5 p.m. and will make the run over to BB Magraw’s, 440 16th NE in Auburn. At BB’s a local band will entertain, while fans and riders enter to win prizes. A silent auction will be held to benefit Boyers Children’s Clinic. There is no charge to ride. Russ Tom Memorial Bike Run t-shirts will be available for purchase. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com SCHUCK’S AUTO SUPPLY NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – July 21 – ESPN2 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. ET NHRA Race Day – July 22 – ESPN2 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – July 22 – ESPN2 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET |
BRISTOL, Tenn. (July 7) – One week after a celebratory runner-up finish at Norwalk, Ohio, Kenny Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team were disappointed to narrowly miss the top 16 for the O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals. “The storm of emotions begins on Friday night if you don’t make a pretty sensational run,” said Bernstein. “We were so close all weekend long. We were eighth in the qualifying order after the first run, but in the end we were nine thousandths of a second short. We have proven we have the capability to perform well, and on the heels of last week’s finish, this is a burden we hoped not to have to shoulder again.” For the first time in NHRA’s 50-plus year history, no Funny Car driver has qualified for every event this season, and the NHRA circuit is only at the midway point. That is a mind boggling statistic and is proof that the popular Funny Car field is extremely competitive. “We won’t hide behind the statistics,” said Bernstein. “We are a first-class team. We will just dig deeper and stay focused.” Bernstein is 15th in NHRA Funny Car standings, 112 points out of the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com |
MORRISON, Colo. – Kenny Bernstein is a four-time winner of the Mopar Mile-High Nationals, and when NHRA competition returns to picturesque Bandimere Speedway July 13-15, Bernstein will be looking to add to his trophy collection. Three of Bernstein’s Denver trophies were earned during his 1980s Funny Car reign (1981, 1985, 1987). The six-time NHRA world champ returned to the Funny Car ranks this season at the wheel of the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil car and earned a runner-up finish July 1 at the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. “There’s no doubt that this has been one of the toughest fields in NHRA history in the Funny Car category,” said Bernstein. “To add to the complexity, the thin mile-high air will also play a part in making tuning these 7,000-horsepower nitro-breathing engines a very difficult job. This is the only race on the circuit where the tune-up is radically different. “This season started off a little slow for us, but we’ve been gaining momentum. At Norwalk we proved we were making performance strides by running low elapsed time of eliminations. “We have a couple of goals on our radar screen right now. One is to win an event or two for our sponsors and fans, and the other is to make the cut line for the countdown to eight for the new championship chase format. Since we drive a Dodge Charger by Mopar, a win at our sponsor’s race would be icing on the cake. “We are just outside that prestigious eight cut line, but with five races remaining we are certainly within striking distance. “Crew chief Jimmy Walsh and the team are really focused. Denver begins the three-event West Coast Swing and it will be critical to go rounds. It is going to be a dogfight to the end and we have our fingers crossed.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. with a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds scheduled Saturday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with eliminations set for noon Sunday. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com
MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – July 14 – ESPN2 6 – 8 p.m. ET NHRA Race Day – July 15 – ESPN2 11 – 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – July 15 – ESPN2 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET |
NORWALK, Ohio (July 1) –The near-capacity crowd at the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Nationals witnessed classic Kenny Bernstein. The six-time champion drove his Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car to his first final round since his return to the Funny Car ranks this season and a career 118th final round appearance. The Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team was tenth in qualifying with a 4.813-second elapsed time at 315.12 miles per hour. Bernstein, well known for his ability to cut quick reaction times, clocked an impressive .068-second reaction time to take a hole shot victory (won by reaction time) over current Funny Car point leader Ron Capps in the first round of race day action. Bernstein logged 4.888/303.16 vs. Capps’ 4.869/317.49. “I tossed and turned all Saturday night knowing I was going to be racing Capps first round,” said Bernstein. “He’s a great competitor and getting by him in the first round was a big morale boost for our team.” In the second round, Bernstein earned a transfer to the semifinals by virtue of low elapsed time of the round and a victory over Ashley Force, 4.815/319.45 vs. 4.901/290.94. “That was a great number,” exclaimed Bernstein, “and what a ride! What an amazing run for that time of day. Jimmy and the team really stepped it up; the tune-up was fantastic!” In the semifinals, Bernstein continued to eliminate the competition, this time defeating Tony Pedregon, 4.889/315.64 vs. Pedregon’s 4.992/288.33. In the money round, Bernstein faced off against Mike Ashley and was first off the line with an incredible .059 reaction time to Ashley’s .097. For the first time on race day, the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car lost traction and spun its tires, while Ashley had a trouble-free run, winning the event. “Obviously we would have liked to have won for our sponsors and fans,” said Bernstein, “but this weekend was fantastic. It gave us confidence. I knew this team was capable and we were on the verge of doing well. “We made some big strides this weekend on all fronts, and we’re only 65 points out of the countdown to eight. “We know we have a horse to ride and with six races to go before the cutoff, we’re focused and optimistic.” Bernstein is 13th in NHRA Funny Car point standings. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
BRISTOL, Tenn. – At Bristol Dragway, the name ‘Kenny Bernstein’ will forever be a part of history. In 2002, Bernstein became the first racer with a grandstand named in his honor at Thunder Valley following his retirement from the cockpit of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. At the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway, fans readily identify the grandstands by the legendary drivers for which they are named. BMS general manager Jeff Byrd brought that same approach to the drag strip when he dedicated the grandstand adjacent to the Thunder Valley Club to Bernstein. This season, back in black, and driving the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car, Bernstein will be looking to add to his list of performance achievements at this famed drag strip May 18-20 at the O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals. Bernstein who began participating as an owner/driver in drag racing in the early 1970s on a more part-time basis, remembers Bristol as one of the jewels of the drag racing circuit. “It had an aura about it,” said Bernstein. “With the drag strip cut between two mountains, the powerful cackle of the nitro cars reverberates and bounces off the mountain and sounds like thunder. Many years ago we’d race late at night when it was so foggy you could barely see in front of you. “We did pretty well at Bristol through the years before the track was rebuilt and became a part of the NHRA national event series in 2001. Early in our career we went to the final round five times, four in Funny Car and once in Top Fuel. “The Funny Car category is pretty spectacular this season and I think fans and competitors alike are biting their fingernails in the final Saturday qualifying session. At each event this season, it’s been a battle of drivers being knocked out of the field, battling their way back into the field, only to be bumped out again. It’s great for the fans, but the drivers and crew chiefs are on edge and they have to be on the top of their game. “We’ll see if the ghosts of our past performance are still lingering at Bristol and will favor us with a good showing at the new Bristol Dragway.” Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds scheduled on Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations beginning Sunday at noon. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com
O’REILLY THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY Qualifying – May 19 – ESPN2 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET NHRA Race Day – May 20 – ESPN2 11- 11:30 a.m. ET Eliminations – May 20 – ESPN2 6:30 – 10 p.m. ET |
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 23) - Owner and driver Kenny Bernstein remains confident in the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team despite failing to qualify at the ProCare RX Supernationals. Crew Chief, Jimmy Walsh and the entire team have been working diligently around the clock. A faulty engine burst panel played havoc with the team and tricky track conditions left them outside the top 16 at the end of time trials on Saturday. “It seems for every bit of progress we make the next weekend we end up taking two steps back. I am confident in Jimmy and our entire team and know we can get this season turned around.” “We are all very upset and it’s been tough but it’s not for a lack of effort or funding,” said an optimistic Bernstein. “We are genuinely disappointed for our fans and sponsors, but we’re on a six-in-a-row string of races, so we’ll give it all we’ve got at Norwalk, Ohio next weekend.” Bernstein is 17th in NHRA Funny Car standings, 112 points out of the countdown to eight. Follow the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com. Please visit our sponsors at www.monsterenergy.com, www.lucasoil.com, www.mactools.com, www.alphatrade.com (OTCBB:APTD) and www.alphatradefn.com # # # |
NORWALK, Ohio – A mass of humanity and a mob of fans” was the recollection of six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein when asked his impression of Norwalk Raceway Park. “It’s been many years since I’ve been to the track, but I know we have a big following of fans that are planning to attend the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals,” said Bernstein. “I think it will be a big weekend for NHRA enthusiasts.” Last year, NHRA announced the addition of Norwalk Raceway Park to its member track network and set a 20 |