BRANDON BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR A VICTORY TO DEDICATE TO BEST FRIEND

LAS VEGAS – Brandon Bernstein, still hurting from the loss of his best friend Funny Car driver Eric Medlen, wants to win a race for Eric and his family. Medlen died of injuries March 23 suffered in a March 19 testing accident.

Bernstein is hoping the SummitRacing.com Nationals April 13-15 provides that opportunity.

“Eric loved life and he loved racing,” said Bernstein. “I miss Eric terribly at the race track. Sometimes I still expect him to come walking through the pits with that big grin he always had. But when I’m driving the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster, I have a picture of me with him and our good friend (Top Fuel driver) J.R. Todd taped in the cockpit. It helps me feel closer to Eric, almost as if he’s riding along with me.

“I still have a storm of emotions about being at the racetrack. On one hand, there’s a big void because Eric’s not there. On the other hand, there’s some camaraderie with being around our group of friends.

“The next race we are fortunate enough to win will be dedicated to Eric. I know our whole team feels the same way.”

Bernstein opened the 2007 season with a runner-up finish in Pomona , Calif. He was second in the NHRA Top Fuel point standings until the third event in Gainesville , Fla. where he failed to qualify for the first time in his 80-race career. Now eighth, Bernstein is looking to make the climb back up the point ladder.

“We have 13 events before the top eight are locked into the championship chase,” said Bernstein.

“Our team is deep in talent, and I have confidence that we will rally.”

Bernstein has 12 career victories on his scorecard and was a championship contender last year, ultimately finishing third in point standings.

At the SummitRacing.com Nationals, Bernstein and his father will display the New York -New York Hotel & Casino logos on their race cars, the official Las Vegas hotel of Kenny Bernstein Racing. “Our team especially enjoys the restaurants and ‘The Roller Coaster’ in the Big Apple of Las Vegas,” said Bernstein. “It’s like having a little of Vegas’ Lady Luck riding along with you.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m. , with a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two rounds of qualifying Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. , with eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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