Bristol Dragway is a very special, one-of-a-kind dragstrip that is built in a valley that gives a
thunder-like echo. Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster driver Brandon Bernstein said driving into the
racetrack puts you into a competitive frame of mind, especially with the famous NASCAR oval track
looming next to the dragstrip.
Bernstein arrived at the strip Sunday morning feeling confident about going rounds, especially
after securing the No.2 qualifying berth with a 3.875/312.64.
"We witnessed weather whiplash at this year's Thunder Valley Nationals," said Bernstein. "It was
hot and humid during the two days of qualifying and then race morning it was cool with tight track
conditions. That means the data the team accumulated during qualifying didn't have much validity
for race day tune-ups, but it's easier to tune for cooler track temperatures. We were pretty sure
we could adapt to these conditions and throw down some competitive numbers.
The Kenny Bernstein-owned team went to the semifinals, accumulated points, and
eliminated a key player in the point standings.
In the opening round of eliminations, Bernstein faced off against Joe Hartley. Both drivers
dropped cylinders at the hit of the throttle. Hartley then lost traction while the Budweiser/Lucas
Oil dragster continued down track displaying a quick flash of flames as it crossed the finish line,
taking the round win.
"It wasn't a pretty run and it looks like we tried to push a head gasket out," said Bernstein,
surveying his race car after the run. "It was important to get those round points, and the team
will dive into our Mac tool box and get busy replacing parts and probably make an engine swap."
In round two Bernstein's red Bud machine, with a fresh engine, pulled to the starting line to
square off against Antron Brown. Bernstein was first out of the gate and led the way to the finish
line, taking a huge round win with his quickest run of the weekend, 3.862/304.25 vs. Brown'
3.873/315.86.
"Antron and I are very close friends. He is a tough competitor so it was exciting to get that
round win to take a bite out of the points lead he's got right now," said Bernstein. "That was a
great job by Rob (Flynn, crew chief) and the team."
In the semifinals Bernstein and Tony Schumacher were neck and neck until mid-track when Schumacher
began to get a little bit of an edge which he was able to hold until the finish line. Schumacher's
numbers were 3.836/314.61 vs. Bernstein's 3.884/313.29.
"I guess the only thing you can say was that we were on the wrong end of a good drag race,"
summarized the second generation driver. "We ran consistently today, though, and accumulated
points."
Bernstein continues to sit comfortably in the No. 3 position in NHRA Full Throttle point standings,
well within striking distance of second place (20 points) and the leader (65 points).
Budweiser Lager Lesson: Budweiser is brewed with the finest two and six-row barley malt, a blend
of European and American aroma hops, our own Budweiser yeast and the freshest American brewer's
rice, producing a medium-bodied, crisp and pure beer brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and
refreshment.
