Mon, 05 Dec 2011, 14:55 PM Berner Makes Plans for 2012 Resurgence in Summit Racing Equipment ZL1 Camaro

Courtesy of Lisa Collier

CRETE, Ill. -- Pete Berner and the Summit Racing Equipment GXP have become one of the most recognizable cars in the American Drag Racing League. In 2012 this high profile team will once again be providing onlookers with motorsports eye candy. On order for Berner is a 2012 RJ Race Cars' Camaro ZL1. The highly anticipated Pro Stock Camaro body has been developed by Five Star and a team of the industry's leading chassis builders. Berner will once again have a stunning Summit Racing Equipment paint scheme designed by GOS Motorsports Graphics. The dynamic design is the perfect compliment for the powerhouse team of Berner and Summit Racing Equipment, which will be the primary sponsor again in 2012 as the Berner/Summit relationship continues for the third straight year.

"I am thrilled to welcome Summit back for another year," told Berner. "We have a great partnership. Summit is an outstanding company, and I couldn't be more proud to represent them in ADRL Extreme Pro Stock. It has been truly amazing to witness the workings of Summit and get to know the company. Summit operations are outstanding in every area, which can be attributed to the great team of people. Jim Greenleaf and his team are some of the best in the business."

Also joining Berner onboard the Summit Racing Equipment Camaro will be associate sponsor RJ Race Cars. Rick Jones and family are certainly no strangers to the Berner operation, having built numerous chassis for the team and even playing a major role in sponsorship in '08 and '09.

"Rick and I have been friends for many years," Berner continued. "I'm glad to welcome him back into the sponsorship role and look forward to working with him to test and develop chassis components. He and his team there at RJ Race Cars build winning, safe cars. Rickie (Jones' son and Pro Stock and Pro Mod standout) was in an unfortunate wreck at the last ADRL event. He came out of the accident without even a scratch. This just goes to show how safe RJ cars are. Rickie is a great driver, and I look forward to racing as a team in 2012 and beyond."

"We are looking forward to building Pete a new 2012 Camaro for Extreme Pro Stock," added Rick Jones. "I feel he has a very good team and they run at the front of the pack. We are planning on testing some new products on Pete's car and getting some good feedback. We are excited about 2012 can wait for the season to get started!"

Although Berner Racing may greet a few changes in 2012, there is one thing that will certainly not change and has not changed for the last 20 years. Berner's relationship with RAM Clutches, spanning two decades, is one of nearly unheard of continuity within the ever-evolving world of drag racing. Berner has repeatedly proven the enormous potential of RAM Clutches, as they helped spur him on to two World Championships, as well as numerous event titles and top 10 finishes.

"I cannot say enough about Pat, Mike, John and the whole team at RAM," Berner elaborated. "They are the best in the business, hands down. Over the years we've grown more like family and I look forward to many, many more years together."

Further continuing relationships with Pete Berner Racing include Braswell Carburetors, Browell Bellhousings, Hoosier Tires, Penske Shocks, Bill Miller Engineering, Jesel Valvetrains, Weld Racing, Total Seal Rings and Diamond Pistons.

"I am truly blessed by our supporting manufacturers. We've been able to work with guys like Dave Braswell, Brian Browell, Faron and Steve at Hoosier, and many of our manufacturers to test and develop new and better components. Dave has been with me since my first Championship. He's always working hard to get the next performance edge. It's great to bounce ideas off of him not only for carburetors but technology in general. It's a mutually beneficial relationship and we've become more like friends over the years. The same goes for Faron and Steve from Hoosier. We've made great progress through testing and R&D. They've got a great product and want to do what it takes to improve performance and keep racers safe. They're always here to support our team and I can't thank them enough.

"These guys and all the manufacturers we work with want what's best for the racers and are continually working to improve their product. We share that same mindset, so it's a perfect fit to work with these companies. I can't thank them enough for all they do for our program and racing overall. It's great to have people like these on board.

"With such a great team behind us, I'm expecting big things in 2012. Not only do I have a great team of sponsors and manufacturers, but I also have the best team in house. Jerry and Mike are making continual improvements to our engine program. The guys who work on the team always do a fantastic job and they're as excited for next year as I am. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of our Summit Racing Equipment Camaro and go after that ADRL Championship!"