BRANDON BERNSTEIN QUARTERFINALS FINISHER AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS; READIES FOR THE PLAYOFFS TO DETERMINE TOP FUEL CHAMPION

CLERMONT, Ind. – Most NHRA drivers would tell you that their goal is to win a championship. Second in order of importance is to score a win at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster, was unable to win the sport’s most prestigious race; however, he now begins preparations for the Countdown to the Championship.

After a strong qualifying effort (3.868/311.99) that earned him the No. 4 starting berth for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, second generation driver Bernstein was optimistic when he arrived at O’Reilly Raceway Park on the morning of “The Big Go” as it’s known in the drag racing industry.

In the opening stanza of eliminations, the Budweiser/Lucas Oil team defeated Hot Rod Fuller with a 3.906/310.98. Fuller was close behind and crossed the finish line with a 3.945/303.78.

"We ' re pumped up for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals,” said an excited Bernstein. “ I ' m feeling good today and I think Tim ' s right on the money. (Referring to crew chief Tim Richards)

“ I knew Hot Rod was right there with me because I could hear him but thankfully we got the win light.”

In the quarterfinals, Bernstein rolled into the staging beams to face Doug Kalitta. When the starting line Christmas tree turned green, both drivers lost traction at the hit of the throttle. Both continued their efforts to put traction to the ground getting on and off the throttle as they made their way down the drag strip. Kalitta got to the finish line first, stopping the clock at 5.447/229.04 vs. Bernstein’s 6.479/144.44.

“I was very hopeful today,” said Bernstein. “The track was very tricky with the sun beating down on it creating a lot of heat and slick conditions. We gave it a good shot but we were the first pair down the track in the second round and didn’t have the benefit of being able to get a read on the track from other dragsters racing before us. We thought the tune-up would hold, but it was just too aggressive.

“Our next event at Charlotte starts the six-race playoffs. We’re anxious to see the new facility and try out the new track down there. These six races will be pressure packed and consistency will be all-important. Our team is ready to rumble.”

Bernstein starts his quest for the championship sixth in NHRA point standings.