Pete Berner isn't one to be passive or take things lightly. So since he added his own engine
program, he's given it 110%. On paper, it may be hard to see all the advancements Berner and the
Quarter-Max.com team have made this year, but there can be no doubt that many giants have been
conquered behind the scenes. An undiscovered engine problem hindered progress for the last few
events, but now the issue is fixed and Berner is soon ready to debut a third engine from his
program that promises to be still better than any produced thus far.
"We've been battling an issue in the motor since early July," explains Berner, "and my focus has
been off. Business [Berner's mechanical contracting business] is good, but with the current
economic state, it's tough to take my mind off work and the guys working for me. But now we have
the engine issue covered and I've switched my focus back from business to racing."
At the beginning of the year, Berner made the decision to follow the ADRL Extreme Pro Stock tour.
He admits that he hasn't done as well this year as he would have liked, but he's also sure he's
headed in the right direction.
"We've stumbled a few times in figuring out our eighth mile set up. But we're not far off from the
top runners and I think now that we have a few kinks worked out, we'll be right where we need to
be. We've got great manufacturers who back this team and are committed to helping us. With any new
venture, there are some hurdles to overcome and the manufacturers we're working with have been
instrumental in helping us leap over those hurdles. With such great support and a great team, I'd
say we're definitely on the right track.
"On a more somber note, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Flemming family. Eric Flemming, who
began working for us last year, just lost his dad earlier this week in a battle with cancer. Our
hearts are heavy for Eric and his family."
Although with heavy hearts, Berner and crew will head to this weekend's ADRL Summit Racing
Equipment Ohio Drags III with new resolve.
