Though the calendar says it is technically fall, the unseasonably hot conditions in Dallas left
crew chiefs scrambling for their best summer tune-ups.
The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team made some good warm weather runs during qualifying at the
O'Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals.
Though Brandon Bernstein qualified eighth at the Texas Motorplex with a 3.889/313.44,
his qualifying position belies the performance gains the team made over the weekend.
"We picked up four qualifying points," explained Bernstein. "We missed a good
opportunity to move up on the qualifying ladder because we missed the Friday night, cool weather
tune-up.
But we were good in the hot weather combinations, even picking up the maximum three points for
quickest elapsed time in the Saturday afternoon qualifying session.
"Rob (Flynn, crew chief) and the team made some significant strides this weekend."
Bernstein won the opening round of eliminations against opponent Steve Torrence with a 3.948/275.56
vs. 5.376/44.62.
"That was a relief," said Bernstein. "We are so happy to have a round under our belt. Right
before the finish, the blower belt came off and the car just slowed dramatically. I was concerned
that Steve might drive around us, but we got the win light."
In the quarterfinals, Bernstein pulled to the starting line to face Larry Dixon. Bernstein was
first out of the gate and narrowly missed taking the round win. Dixon crossed the finish line with
a 3.938/308.85 with Bernstein close behind, 3.954/309.70.
"Lane choice was very important at this track," said Bernstein. "The right lane is difficult to
traverse without losing traction because of some blemishes in the concrete. My hat's off to Rob
and the team. We had a good run and they did an awesome job getting down the track that very few
crew chiefs were able to negotiate. Unfortunately, we were on the short end of the stick.
"This was the last pass for our red Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster in Texas and we were hoping for a
final round showing.
"We are focused and optimistic as we head to Memphis next weekend where the battle continues. Just
four races before the championship is determined."
Bernstein remains sixth in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
