"We have some work to do at this race," confided Brandon. "This is our last shot to make up a spot and better our starting position. We're fifth going into this race, less than one round out of fourth place in point standings, and we've got the alligators nipping at our heels. Points are reset beginning with Charlotte, the first event of the six-race Countdown to 1.

Each spot from second place on down is separated by 10 points. Obviously every point counts.

"Rob (Flynn, crew chief) and the team will be burning the midnight oil to try to come up with a performance advantage. It's going to be very stressful for all the team members and the driver can't stumble either. I have to be on my game every single run.

"And of course, every driver wants a "W" (win) next to their name for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. We were runner-up here in 2006. It's time for a victory!"

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."

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil begins Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.; two qualifying sessions Sunday 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS PRESENTED BY LUCAS OIL TELEVISION ADVISORY
NHRA Race Day -
Sept. 6 - ESPN2
11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET

Qualifying - Sept. 6 - ESPN2
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET
5 - 7 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day - Sept. 7 - ESPN2
Noon - 1 p.m. ET

Eliminations - Sept. 7 - ESPN2
1-6 p.m. ET

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.

Courtesy of Susie Arnold