BRANDON BERNSTEIN SECOND IN TOP FUEL POINT STANDINGS HEADING INTO GAINESVILLE

GAINESVILLE , Fla. – Brandon Bernstein earned his second career Top Fuel victory at Gainesville Raceway in 2003. Four years later with 12 career national event wins on his scorecard, Bernstein is looking forward to competing in the ACDelco Gatornationals March 16-18.

“The win in 2003 was very special,” said Bernstein. “ Gainesville is one of the crown jewels on the NHRA circuit and it has a place in Bernstein family history. Of course Dad was the first to break the 300 mph barrier and it happened at this track. That’s where he got the nickname “King of Speed.” When we won in 2003, we set the track speed record at Gainesville , sort of keeping the “King of Speed” thing in the family.

“Another memory that sticks in my mind is that Gainesville was the first place I actually tested the Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel car. I got my chance in 2002 on Monday after the event. It was when Dad and Tim (Richards, crew chief) began my rookie training because Dad had announced his retirement at the end of the 2002 season. I was all excited about my very first pass, but in fact, the throttle cable broke and I didn’t even leave the starting line. We had to fix the problem and come back around again for my first short pass.”

Heading into this year’s ACDelco Gatornationals, Bernstein is second in NHRA point standings following a runner-up finish at the season-opening event in Pomona , Calif. , and a quarterfinals exit at the second event in Phoenix .

In the first round of race day action in Phoenix , Bernstein scored his career best elapsed time, 4.457 seconds.

“Tim (Richards, crew chief) and Kim (assistant crew chief) had our Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster running real well toward the end of last year,” said Bernstein. “Knock on wood, but so far this season we’ve picked up where we left off. I hope we can keep the good mojo going.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, March 16 at 1 p.m. , followed by a second session at 3:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. , with final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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