The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team remains fourth in Full Throttle Top Fuel standings following the NHRA
Northwest Nationals, staying on goal in their mission to stay in the top five in points when the
points are reset four races from now as the season enters the Countdown to 1.
Bud/Lucas Oil pilot Brandon Bernstein qualified ninth at Pacific Raceways with a 3.938/304.25.
In the first round of eliminations, Bernstein rolled to the starting line to face off against Tony
Schumacher. The two drivers launched evenly out of the gate but early in the run the Bud/Lucas Oil
dragster lost traction and spun the tires, while Schumacher had a trouble free run, taking the
round win.
"We have a history of doing well at this track," said Bernstein, "so we were doubly disappointed
not to have gone rounds today.
"We are headed to Sonoma for the third and final race of the West Coast Swing and hope we can put
some round wins in the bank there."
With Budweiser recently announcing that they will not return in 2010 after 30 years of primary
sponsorship with the Kenny Bernstein team, new sponsorship is being actively pursued.
"We are passionate about the sport of NHRA drag racing and we will continue to field a
team in 2010 with Brandon as the driver if we can secure sponsorship," said six-time champion Kenny
Bernstein. "But let me stress that if we don't find funding for next year, we will not be back.
Racing is our business. We do not have another business to fall back on to help absorb the expense
of a race team.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to all the Budweiser employees and wholesalers we've worked
with through the years, as well as the fans and friends who have followed and supported us
beginning with the Funny Car era.
"We believe that taking a proactive role in initiating programs and promotions that help sell
product and build brand awareness has been an integral part of retaining our sponsorship
associations through the years. Coupled with the success we've had on the racetrack while flying
the Budweiser colors, including six NHRA championships and 85 national event victories between
Brandon and me, then it's a very attractive opportunity for another sponsor.
"We think we have been one of the marquee teams in this sport for the past three decades and we
bring with us 30 years of fan base. NHRA drag racing is our home."
Notable: Kenny Bernstein was named as one of seven who will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall
of Fame of America in its annual ceremony Wednesday, August 12 at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit.
Each inductee receives the Hall of Fame's prestigious original bronze statuette "Horsepower" award.
Budweiser Lager Lesson: Every day at 3 o'clock, Budweiser's expert brewmasters sample Budweiser
from every stage of the brewing process to ensure quality and consistency across every batch of
beer.
