KENNY BERNSTEIN RETIRES FROM NHRA DRAG RACING
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2011) Six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein has turned the final page and closed the book on his career as a competitor and NHRA racing team owner.
“My wife Sheryl and I have come to a place in our lives where we want to pursue other interests,” said Bernstein. “We have poured our hearts and souls in motorsports for over 30 years and that’s a full time job. It consumes you and there is very little time to relax.
“We are very proud of our accomplishments through the years and it’s been a great ride, but we’re interested in being able to travel at will, we want to spend some time on the golf course, and we’ve recently taken up fly fishing, which we really enjoy.
“It’s time to enjoy life while we still have our health.”
“Kenny, Brandon, Sheryl and team are a first-class organization. We have enjoyed our partnership over the past two seasons,” said Jay Adair, CEO of Copart. “We wish Kenny and Sheryl the best in retirement.”
“Copart was supportive of our decision and we’re very grateful to CEO Jay Adair and President Vinnie Mitz for giving us their blessing and allowing us to step away from the sport,” continued Bernstein. “The Auto Club Finals at Pomona this past weekend was our final run.
“We can’t say enough about the close association and rapport we have built within the Copart organization. In the two years we have worked with them, they have made us feel like family. We were very proud and honored to have flown their colors and represented them.
“There’s certainly a great deal of sadness in coming to terms with the end of an era and some concern about whether or not you can run a life at 300 mph and then come to a sudden stop, but Sheryl and I gave this a tremendous amount of thought before we came to our final decision. Brandon was also a part of the decision-making process and we are going to do everything we can to help him find a position with another team. Brandon lives and breathes the day-to-day demands and understands the endless hours of effort that we poured into the team. Brandon wanted what was best for Sheryl and me at this stage of our lives. He was totally selfless.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to all the team members who have worked for us through the years as well as the sponsors who have supported us. We certainly want to salute the fans who have cheered us on and given us encouragement through the past three decades. And we appreciate all the media coverage through the years. We have made some great friends on all sides of the spectrum and we’re grateful for that.
“We salute the late great NHRA founder Wally Parks, who was a dear friend and gave us an arena in which to live out our dreams. We are fortunate to have had a job that we loved and without Wally’s vision, it’s hard to say where our life’s path would have led.
“For a youngster that grew up in Texas dreaming about cars and reading Hot Rod magazine, we were able to live the dream.
“For the near term, we are looking forward to our induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (May 3, 2012) in Talladega, Ala. alongside John Force and Richard Childress.
“Thanks again to all those who have touched our lives. We are walking away with a treasure chest full of memories.”
Team owner and six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein is a gifted driver and businessman. He holds the unique distinction of being the first and only race team owner to have collected wins in each of America’s three major motorsports series: NHRA drag racing, NASCAR, and CART (IndyCar).
He earned the title “King of Speed” when he became the first NHRA driver to break the 300 miles-per-hour barrier March 20, 1992 in Gainesville, Fla.
In May of 1992 his IndyCar with driver Roberto Guerrero sat on the pole of the Indy 500.
Bernstein’s association with Budweiser lasted for 30 years, setting the watermark as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of auto sports. During his driving career he won 69 NHRA national events, four consecutive Funny Car championships (1985-1988) along with two Top Fuel championships (1996 and 2001). He was also voted in the top 10 on NHRA’s 50 Greatest Drivers list.
As a team owner he has accumulated 18 Top Fuel victories with son Brandon at the wheel.
Following is a chronological list of Kenny Bernstein’s career highlights. For a more detailed list, please visit www.kennybernstein.com.
1966 Supported a Top Fuel drag racing hobby which included several
victories on the Texas Pro Fuel Circuit, by selling high fashion women’s
wear.
1974 Abandoned his racing hobby to focus on the Chelsea Street Pub
Restaurant chain he founded with Randy Pumphrey in Lubbock, Texas
1978 Returned to racing in mid-season with the Chelsea King Funny Car.
1979 Won his first NHRA national event, the Cajun Nationals in Baton
Rouge, La.
1980 Debuted the Budweiser King Funny Car, beginning a sponsorship
association that lasted an unprecedented 30 years
1983 Drove the Budweiser King Funny Car to victory in both the Big
Bud Shootout and the U.S. Nationals during the same weekend,
becoming the first to achieve that double win
1984 Became the first Funny Car driver to break the 260 mile-per-hour
barrier (260.11 mph), March 18, Gainesville, Fla.
1985 Won the first of four consecutive NHRA Funny Car Championships
Founded King Racing NASCAR team
1986 Won his second NHRA Funny Car Championship
Became the first to break the 5.50-second barrier (5.425 seconds,
Sept. 26, Ennis, Texas)
Became the first to break the 270 mph barrier in a Funny Car
(271.41 mph, Aug. 30, Indianapolis)
1987 Won the NHRA Funny Car Championship for the third time
Became the first to break the 5.40-second barrier in a Funny Car
(5.397 seconds, April 5, Ennis, Texas)
Won Big Bud Shootout for the second time
Founded King Protofab IndyCar team (later renamed King
Motorsports)
1988 Won the fourth consecutive and final NHRA Funny Car Championship
of his career
Earned first victory as a NASCAR team owner when Ricky Rudd
prevailed at Watkins Glen, N.Y.
1989 Announced decision to move from Funny Cars to Top Fuel
dragsters in 1990
Earned second NASCAR win with Ricky Rudd at Sears
Point (now Infineon Raceway) in Sonoma, Calif.
1990 Debuted the Budweiser King Top Fuel dragster
Earned third NASCAR victory with Brett Bodine at North
Wilkesboro, N.C.
1991 Tied the single season record at that time for Top Fuel
victories with six
Earned the final spot in the Cragar 4-Second Club
Became the first driver to win both the Big Bud Shootout
for Funny Cars and the Budweiser Classic for Top Fuel
cars with Classic victory at Pomona, Calif.
1992 Became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (301.70
mph, March 20, Gainesville, Fla.)
Was pole-winning and one-lap and four-lap speed record-setting
owner at the Indianapolis 500 with driver Roberto Guerrero.
1993 Became the first driver to win 100 career rounds in both Top
Fuel and Funny Car
Won the Budweiser Classic for second time
1994 Became the first driver to break the 310 mile-per-hour barrier
with speed of 311.85 mph in semifinals and set NHRA national
record of 314.46 mph in season-ending Finals at Pomona, Calif.
Earned first IndyCar victory as a car owner when Scott Goodyear
prevailed at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.
This victory made Bernstein the first car owner to attain victories
In each of the tree major American auto racing series: CART,
NASCAR and NHRA drag racing.
1996 Won first NHRA Top Fuel Championship and became first driver to
win championships in both nitro categories
2001 Won sixth NHRA Championship, second in Top Fuel
With son Brandon, became the first father and son to win at
the same NHRA national event in April at The Strip at Las
Vegas Motor Speedway. They doubled again in June at
Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.
Voted in the top 10 drivers in NHRA’s 50-year history
2002 This season marked Bernstein’s “Forever Red…A Run To
Remember” retirement tour
Bernstein passed the keys to the company car to son Brandon
2003 Brandon’s rookie season.
Kenny stepped back into the cockpit after son Brandon sustained
season-ending back injuries from a crash in Englishtown, N.J.
Kenny won four events to finish the season sixth in point standings
after beginning to accrue points in the 10th event of the season.
2004 Brandon returned to the Top Fuel cockpit
2005 Named by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters
Association as one of 12 nominees for the Newsmaker of the Half-
Century award. In alphabetical order the nominees were: Mario
Andretti, Kenny Bernstein, Dale Earnhardt, John Force, A.J.Foyt,
the France family, Jeff Gordon, Dan Gurney, the Hulman-George
family, Wally Parks, Roger Penske and Richard Petty.
2006 Inducted into the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame April 5 at a
Gala at the Texas Motor Speeddway
Announced at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals that he would stage
an NHRA comeback driving the Monster Energy Funny Car in 2007
2007 After one season driving the Monster Energy Funny Car, Kenny
made the decision to step out of the cockpit
Inducted into the Don Garlits International Drag Racing Hall of Fame
2009 Celebrated Budweiser/Bernstein 30th anniversary, the longest team/
Sponsor relationship in autosports history. Also the final year of
Budweiser sponsorship.
2010-11 Two seasons of Copart sponsorship
About Copart:
Copart, founded in 1982, provides vehicle sellers with a full range of remarketing services to process and sell salvage and clean title vehicles to dealers, dismantlers, rebuilders, exporters and, in some states, to end users. Copart remarkets the vehicles through Internet sales utilizing its patented VB2 technology. Copart sells vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators, dealers, car dealerships and others as well as cars sourced from the general public. The company currently operates 154 facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Salvage vehicles are either damaged vehicles deemed a total loss for insurance or business purposes or are recovered stolen vehicles for which an insurance settlement with the vehicle owner has already been made. For more information, or to become a member, visit www.copart.com.
COPART TEAM SIXTH IN SEASON-ENDING NHRA FULL THROTTLE POINT STANDINGS
POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2011) – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team closed the 2011 NHRA season with a quarterfinals appearance in the Auto Club of Southern California Finals and a sixth place finish in Full Throttle point standings.
On Friday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Bernstein took center stage to celebrate the No. 5 Greatest Moment in NHRA History: the 300 mile-per-hour barrier-breaking run he made in March 1992 in Gainesville, Fla. Fans voted on 60 Moments as a part of NHRA’s season-long 60th anniversary campaign. The list was narrowed to the top 20, then the top 10, and ultimately the Top 5 Greatest Moments.
“We were fortunate to win championships, races and hit many performance marks during our racing career,” said Bernstein who was dubbed ‘The King of Speed’ following the 300 mph achievement. “But the 300 mile-per-hour-run was the accomplishment that we’d put at the top of our list. We will never forget that day. It was probably the final frontier.
“We want to thank the fans that voted for us as well as all of those who have been in the stands cheering for us through the years and have supported us through good years and lean years.”
Qualifying for the Auto Club Finals concluded Saturday and Brandon Bernstein piloted the Copart dragster to the No. 6 qualifying position with a 3.846-second elapsed time at 316.08 mph.
In the opening round of eliminations, Bernstein had the starting line advantage over Chicago’s TJ Zizzo. Despite dropping a cylinder at the hit of the throttle, Bernstein was able to win the round with 4.095/275.96 vs. Zizzo’s 4.414/180.26.
In the quarterfinals against Tony Schumacher, Bernstein struggled with loss of traction while Schumacher won the round with a 3.826/322.65.
The Bernsteins will join the top 10 teams in the four professional categories as they gather to celebrate the conclusion of another racing season Monday, Nov. 14, at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The ceremony will be broadcast on the Web at NHRA.com and NHRA’s You Tube home page beginning Wednesday, Nov. 16.
# # #
COPART TEAM HAS SIGHTS SET ON TOP FIVE FINISH FOR 2011
POMONA, Calif. – The six-race sprint for the NHRA championship crowns ends Nov. 10-13 at the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals.
Copart Top Fuel team owner Kenny Bernstein, a six-time NHRA world champion, has watched his team improve during the playoffs.
“We were the only single-car team to make the Countdown,” said Bernstein. “With that being said, we have made some performance strides since Indy, and we have improved to sixth position in point standings.
“We are shooting for a top five finish. We are 41 points out of fifth place and it will be an absolute dogfight to try to gain another position, but we’re sure going to give it our best effort. The spread is a difference of two rounds and a qualifying point or two.”
“Our Copart team is digging deep and absolutely focused,” said Copart Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein. “We want to end the season on a high note.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Thurs., Nov. 10 at 1 p.m., followed by a second session Friday at 1 p.m. Two sessions Sat. at 11:45 am. and 2:30 p.m. will conclude qualifying and set the fields for eliminations, which are scheduled to begin Sun. at 11 a.m.
AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Nov. 12 – ESPN2
10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. ET
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PT
Eliminations – Nov. 13 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
BERNSTEIN SCORES FINAL FOUR FINISH IN VEGAS
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 30, 2011) – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team tallied a semifinal finish at the Big O Tires Nationals, placing them a solid sixth in Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings with fifth place within reach.
Brandon Bernstein piloted the Copart blue dragster to the No. 3 qualifying position at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a 3.833-second elapsed time at 321.27 mph after holding the provisional No. 1 qualifying position for three of the four qualifying rounds.
In the opening round of eliminations Bernstein squared off against Dom Lagana, who lost traction early in the run. Bernstein tripped the win light with a 3.873/316.75 vs. Lagana’s 6.314/95.60.
In the quarterfinals battle against Larry Dixon, Bernstein’s round win evened the two drivers’ career record with 20 wins each in head-to-head matches. Bernstein got the jump off the starting line and won the battle with a 3.970/302.35 while Dixon struggled with loss of traction, crossing the finish line with a 4.231/240.17.
“Larry is a friend and in a show of sportsmanship he said, ‘Go finish the job,’ when we got out of our cars at the end of the track. That was the Copart team game plan.”
Bernstein transferred to the semifinals to face fellow Texan Spencer Massey. Bernstein was pinched by a moving violation, leaving before the Tree was activated. Massey won the showdown with a 3.890/318.62.
“We had a couple of things going on in that round. The first thing is we fouled out and that ended the day,” said Bernstein. “While we were staging, the television cameras captured a small fire which was caused by a magneto malfunction which also took a performance toll. Spencer had a great run though and would have been tough to beat.
“We put some points in the bank this weekend. We have one race left this season and we’ll have our eye on moving up another position. Fifth place is within reach, but it will be a dogfight.
“We will stay in Vegas and test Monday as we have a few new things we want to try.”
Bernstein is sixth in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings, 41 points out of fifth place.
# # #
BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR HELP FROM LADY LUCK FOR WINNING HAND AT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT AND THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
LAS VEGAS –It’s Halloween weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Copart Top Fuel team is hoping to take home the treats, most specifically the pewter Wally awarded to professional category winners at the Big O Tires Nationals Oct. 28-30.
“Though Halloween technically falls on Monday, Oct. 31, we expect to see lots of folks dressed up in costumes in Las Vegas, which is traditionally a fun place to ‘get your ghoul on’ and celebrate the annual holiday,” said Copart driver Brandon Bernstein. “Las Vegas and our team hotel, New York-New York, is a great place to party.
“Our Copart team was runner-up in Vegas in April and we won here in the spring of 2007. The Vegas event will be the second full outing for our new car and it would sure be nice to parlay a few of Lady Luck’s favors for four winning rounds.”
There are two races left in the 2011 season and the Copart Top Fuel team currently sits sixth in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
“We will participate in some fan activities on Thursday and then get down to some serious racing beginning Friday,” concluded Bernstein.
The second-generation driver will participate in the annual NHRA Fanfest on Fremont Street Thurs., Oct. 27th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Following the fan festivities he will play in the Speedway Children’s Charities Cards for Kids Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament in the second floor Showroom at The Stratosphere Casino and Tower. First deal is at 7:30 p.m.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Big O Tires Nationals begins Friday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. with a second session at 4 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino Home For Kenny Bernstein Racing Team As Part Of The October 27-30, 2011 Big O Tires Nationals At The Strip At Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
# # #
As the 2011 drag racing season winds down and a champion will soon be named, Kenny Bernstein, six-time NHRA champion and owner of the Copart Top Fuel dragster, driven by son Brandon, again welcomes fans to join the team and book their rooms at New York-New York Hotel & Casino.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™ features a contemporary-themed casino with a variety of existing table games (including 24/7 $5 blackjack). Don’t forget to visit the Party Pit on the weekend. There are also slots, a Race & Sports Book and High Limit area. Stop by the Mlife Players Club and sign up for your Mlife card and be sure to use it when you play at all table games and slots.
When you’re ready for a meal, New York-New York offers a variety of options including America, Chin Chin, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Gonzales y Gonzales, Il Fornaio, Nine Fine Irishmen, and don’t forget the Village Street Eateries. Relax and have a drink with friends at not only NFI, but also Center Bar, Pour 24, Lobby Bar, The Bar At Times Square (featuring the Dueling Pianos), Coyote Ugly and ROK Vegas Nightclub. The Sporting House has 130 HDTV’s and a comprehensive food and drink menu where you can settle in to watch your favorite game or race.
Head upstairs from the casino floor and strap into The Roller Coaster. Upon exiting, you can visit the Arcade and grab a bite in Nathan’s.
When you want to relax, enjoy some time by the pool and if you’ve forgotten anything for your trip, stop by Essentials right nearby. You can also get a treatment in the Spa, or work out in the gym.
If shopping is your vice, we have Soho Village, Gotta Have It Shop, Harley Davidson, It’Sugar and Bling.
ZUMANITY, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying! For a schedule of performances for this 18-and-older show, or to make reservations, call the Zumanity Box Office at (866) 606-7111.
See New York icons like the 150-foot replica of the Status of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. At the end of the day, slip into the comfort of your room.
For more information and reservations, visit the website at www.newyorknewyork.com or call toll free at (800) 689-1797.
BIG O TIRES NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Oct. 29 – ESPN2
10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. ET
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PT
Eliminations – Oct. 30 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM TO QUARTERFINALS IN PHOENIX HEAT
CHANDLER, Ariz. (Oct. 16, 2011) – Brandon Bernstein, two time winner at Firebird Raceway, fell short in his bid for a third win at the Arizona Nationals.
Bernstein, driver of the Copart Top Fuel dragster, was one of the most consistent qualifiers all weekend, posting four solid, quick, consistent qualifying runs in exceptionally hot, sticky conditions that would test the best. The team secured the No. 5 starting berth with a 3.985-second elapsed time at 298.27 mph.
The first round showdown for the Copart team was against defending event champ
Cory McClenathan. Bernstein led the way to the finish line to take the round win 3.992/301.40 vs. McClenathan’s 4.052/296.50.
In the quarterfinals against Steve Torrence, the Copart dragster lost traction at the hit of the throttle while Torrence had a trouble-free run, tripping the win light.
“We had a consistent car in qualifying and we were hoping we could sustain the consistency today,” said Bernstein. “Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) had a good hot weather tune-up for this track and we weren’t expecting the curve ball. We had too much wheel speed. I was on and off the throttle trying to get power to the ground to no avail.”
The Copart team remains in sixth place in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
Final Salute to Dan Wheldon
Fans and competitors in all forms of motorsports mourn the loss of two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon who suffered unsustainable injuries in a multi-car accident at the IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“We are fortunate that drivers walk away from the majority of scary accidents,” said Copart team owner Kenny Bernstein. “Most of us who have been in a racing seat have suffered a racing accident, but losing Dan Wheldon today reminds us how vulnerable we really are and how quickly a life can be lost. Dan was such an enthusiastic young man and loved racing. He was a great driver and ambassador for IndyCar. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, sons and his entire family, as well as the Sam Schmidt team who fielded the car he was driving. Sam has a long-time affiliation and friendship with Copart.”
BERNSTEIN HOPING TO REKINDLE MAGIC OF YEARS PAST
AT FIREBIRD RACEWAY
CHANDLER, Ariz. -- “Whenever I think of the Phoenix race, the first thing that pops into my head is that is the track where Dad and I won our first Top Fuel events,” said Copart dragster pilot Brandon Bernstein.
Six time champion and Copart team owner Kenny won his first-ever Top Fuel event at Firebird International Raceway in 1991 and followed with another victory in 1996. He also won in Funny Car in 1986.
Brandon celebrated his first Top Fuel victory in Arizona in his second-ever national event outing as a professional driver in 2003 and followed with a consecutive win in 2004.
“That fact that we’ve won at Firebird helps give us some confidence going into the Arizona Nationals Oct. 14-16.
“This race starts the last half of the Countdown or the final three races before the NHRA Full Throttle Champions are crowned.
“In the race prior to this one in Reading, Pa., we damaged our Copart dragster heavily in a qualifying incident and the team had to plumb a new car for Sunday’s eliminations.
“We had one weekend off between Reading and the race here in Phoenix and the team has been very busy putting a back-up dragster together and of course replenishing parts and pieces from the three consecutive weeks of racing that launched the playoffs.
“We are currently sixth in points and we would like to continue to advance. With only 12 rounds of racing left this season we need to string some round wins together,” concluded Bernstein.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. with a second session at 4:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
ARIZONA NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Oct. 16 – ESPN2
12:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. ET
9:30 p.m. – midnight PT
Eliminations – Oct. 16 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
BERNSTEIN TAKES A WILD RIDE IN READING
READING, Pa. (Oct. 2, 2011) – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team remains sixth in NHRA Full Throttle point standings despite a nasty accident in the third round of Auto-Plus Nationals qualifying that left driver Brandon Bernstein shaken but unhurt.
“We were running in the left lane alongside Doug Kalitta,” explained Brandon. “At the 800-foot mark the left rear tire blew and took out the left element of the rear wing. At this point the car became a handful and began to veer across the track. We were trying to stay away from Doug as we passed behind him and at the same time, get the car slowed and stopped without slamming the wall.
“The safety mechanism worked when the wing was damaged and the parachutes deployed and helped scrub some speed. Ultimately we got the car stopped but nudged the right-side wall with the front wing.
“The chassis was tweaked and damaged enough that we couldn’t race it, so we sat out the final qualifying round and the team worked their butts off to get a new car assembled for Sunday.
“As it turned out, the final round of qualifying was pretty historic in terms of quick times so we would like to have had a crack at the great racing conditions. You never want to sit out a ‘dance’. You want to run every round, but it took an enormous effort by our team to plumb another chassis and get it race-ready.
“When Sunday came and we warmed up the car before first round, the adrenaline started flowing and we were ready to race.”
Bernstein met Tony Schumacher in the opening stanza of eliminations. The Copart dragster lost traction at the hit of the throttle while Schumacher had a trouble-free run, taking the round win.
“We have a week at home to refresh all our parts and pieces and get another spare car ready to put upstairs in the transporter before we leave for Phoenix and the Arizona Nationals Oct. 14-16. The boys are going to be busy. In the meanwhile, I’m hopping a plane Thursday, Oct. 6 to make an appearance for Copart at the NACE convention in Orlando.
“Three races to go before the curtain comes down on the season.”
# # #
STAKES ARE HIGH AS COUNTDOWN ENTERS HALFWAY POINT IN READING
READING, Pa. – The Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals Sept. 30-Oct. 2 mark the halfway point in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The Maple Grove Raceway event is also the third event in a grueling three consecutive weeks of Countdown competition.
“We saw some quick times and fast speeds at Charlotte, the first race in the Countdown,” said Copart dragster pilot Brandon Bernstein, “and we would expect conditions at Reading to be similar. There are lots of trees surrounding the race course which create a lot of oxygen. Our 8,000-horsepower engines love oxygen. They breathe better and you can push them a little harder.
“Many records have been set at Maple Grove Raceway through the years. The competition at this track has always been a huge crowd-pleaser.”
Kenny Bernstein to be inducted into the 2012 International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega. “We are honored to be chosen by a blue ribbon media panel as an inductee into the class of 2012,” said Bernstein. “We are humbled to accompany John Force and Richard Childress with all their amazing accomplishments and talents.
“All of the Halls of Fame are important, but the Talladega Hall of Fame is special.
This caps off my career and I owe it all to my wife Sheryl and all the employees and team members who have worked for us through the years.
“John Force is an icon of our sport and Richard Childress was a very close friend of mine and gave me a lot of help in our NASCAR years.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our past sponsor Budweiser, long-time sponsor Mac Tools and our current sponsor Copart. We are looking forward to the induction festivities May 3 at the SPEED Channel Dome in Talladega.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Sept. 30 at 2:45 p.m. with a second session at 5:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:45 p.m. with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
AUTO-PLUS NHRA NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Oct. 1 – ESPN2
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT
Oct. 2 – 12:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. ET
Eliminations – Oct. 2 – ESPN2
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
TEXAS-SIZED WEEKEND FOR THE BERNSTEIN BOYS
· Copart team moves up to sixth position in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel standings after semifinals finish in Dallas
· Kenny Bernstein one of Texas Legends and named as inductee into the 2012 International Motorsports Hall of Fame
ENNIS, Texas (Sept. 25, 2011) – It was a busy weekend for Copart team owner Kenny Bernstein and second-generation driver Brandon Bernstein at the AAA Texas Fall Nationals.
The duo helped entertain hundreds of Copart employees on Saturday who came to the Texas Motorplex to cheer for the Copart Top Fuel team and they entertained Copart customers throughout the weekend as they do along the entire NHRA national event circuit.
Six-time NHRA World Champion Kenny was one of three Texas legends feted throughout the weekend, sharing the spotlight with Billy Meyer, former Funny Car racer and owner /builder of the Texas Motorplex, along with three-time NHRA World Champ Raymond Beadle, owner and driver of the legendary Blue Max Funny Car.
In Dallas pre-race festivities, Grant Lynch, International Motorsports Hall of Fame Executive Director, announced that Kenny and John Force would be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with NASCAR’s Richard Childresss May 3, 2012 at the SPEED Channel Dome in Talladega, Alabama.
“We are honored to be chosen by a blue ribbon media panel as an inductee into the class of 2012,” said Bernstein. “We are humbled to accompany John Force and Richard Childress with all their amazing accomplishments and talents.
“All of the Halls of Fame are important, but the Talladega Hall of Fame is special.
This caps off my career and I owe it all to my wife Sheryl and all the employees and team members who have worked for us through the years.
“John Force is an icon of our sport and Richard Childress was a very close friend of mine and gave me a lot of help in our NASCAR years.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our past sponsor Budweiser, long-time sponsor Mac Tools and our current sponsor Copart.
“Wow, that’s a lot all before first round of AAA Texas Fall Nationals!”
To start the second race of the playoffs, Texas Legend Bernstein took center stage, motivating the fans, whipping them up to a frenzy, before giving the teams the command to fire their engines.
In the opening round of eliminations Bernstein, the No. 4 qualifier for the event, squared off against Steve Torrence. The Copart dragster was first out of the gate, leading the way to the finish line with a 3.900/315.49 vs. Torrence’s 4.004/305.22.
In the second round it was Bernstein against Larry Dixon. Bernstein had a slight edge when the lights on the Christmas Tree turned green and was able to pull ahead to win the round handily (3.930/314.46 vs. 4.571/174.55) when Dixon lost traction about half track.
As the two drivers climbed out of their cars, Dixon came over to Bernstein and said, “Go win yourself one today!”
“That was a great show of sportsmanship by Larry,” said Bernstein. “It looks like we have a good race car today, and we hope we can go win two more rounds!”
In the semifinals against Bob Vandergriff, Jr., Bernstein had a significant advantage out of the gate but sacrificed his lead when the Copart dragster lost traction at half track.
Vandergriff took the round win with a 4.020/310.47 vs. Bernstein’s 4.243/258.57.
“We did gain a position in Full Throttle NHRA point standings,” said Bernstein, “and we are now sixth, just two rounds out of fourth place.
“We head to Reading for our third consecutive weekend of playoff racing.”
# # #
TEXAS HOMECOMING FOR BERNSTEIN BOYS; KENNY HONORED AS ONE OF NHRA LEGENDS
ENNIS, Texas – The AAA Texas Fall Nationals Sept. 23-25 are a homecoming of sorts for Kenny and Brandon Bernstein.
Copart Top Fuel team owner Kenny Bernstein started his racing career in and around Dallas in the 1960s and built businesses in the area in his early adult years. Son Brandon, pilot of the Copart dragster, was born there, was a standout soccer star during his high school years in Dallas and then attended Texas A & M, graduating with a degree in kinesiology.
“We always enjoy racing in Texas,” said Brandon. “Not only do we have friends and family in the area, it will soon become headquarters for Copart. We want to perform well for Copart, their new neighbors, and all the sponsors and fans that support us.
“This is the second of six races in the playoffs so there’s a lot of pressure on all of us drivers to be on their game as well as the crew chiefs who can’t afford a misstep. Everything is on the line from here on out and you have to bring your A game.
“On Saturday at the Texas Motorplex we are entertaining several hundred Copart employees. They are always dressed in Copart blue and they give us a lot of incentive to dig deep and perform well. We will also have many of the Copart executives in the house throughout the weekend.
“We are overdue for a win!
“Additionally Dad is being honored as one of the NHRA Legends during the 60th anniversary celebration. He will also be giving the command to start engines on Sunday. I know he always asks, ‘Drivers are you ready?’ and you bet I better be ready!
“Our team is revved up and ready to race!”
Six-time NHRA Champion Kenny Bernstein will be participating in an NHRA Legends autograph session Friday, Sept. 23 from 1:30 -2 p.m. at the AAA stage. He will also be leading a track walk at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning and will give the command to start engines prior to the AAA Texas Fall Nationals.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, with a second session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.
AAA TEXAS FALL NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Sept. 25 – ESPN2
1:15 a.m. – 2 a.m. ET
10:15 p.m. – 11 p.m. PT (Sept. 24)
Eliminations – Sept. 25 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
BRANDON BERNSTEIN RUNS CAREER FASTEST AT zMAX DRAGWAY
CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 18, 2011) – The quickest Top Fuel field in NHRA history competed on the fastest track on the NHRA national event circuit, zMAX Dragway, home of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals.
Brandon Bernstein piloted the Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel dragster to sixth position in the 16-car field with a 3.811-second elapsed time at a career fastest 322.65 miles per hour.
In the opening round of eliminations, Bernstein faced off against Clay Millican. The second-generation driver was first out of the gate and led the way to the finish line taking the win with a 3.815-second elapsed time at 322.65 mph vs. Millican’s 5.845-second elapsed time at 108.63 mph.
“Conditions this weekend have been excellent,” said Bernstein. “It has been cool and overcast, the track is as smooth as glass and the dragsters are flying.”
Bernstein and Larry Dixon were glued together in a close quarterfinals duel but Dixon edged the Copart dragster for the win, 3.816/322.96 vs. 3.827/322.65.
“Gosh with those numbers and that speed we were hoping for a better fate,” said Bernstein. “Our Copart team is definitely right in the dogfight.
“We are off to Dallas to race next weekend and conditions will be much different. We expect temperatures in Dallas to be in the 90 degree range which will challenge crew chiefs to hone a different set of tune-up skills.”
Bernstein is seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
BOLSTERED BY STRONG PERFORMANCE AT INDY,
COPART TEAM OPTIMISTIC AS PLAYOFFS BEGIN IN CHARLOTTE
CONCORD, N.C. – The O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals Sept. 16-18 marks the launch of the NHRA six-race Countdown to the Championship.
The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team feels it has some momentum based on performance progress they made at the last race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Clermont, Ind. over Labor Day weekend.
“At Indy we made some great runs,” said Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein. “We had one area that we focused on that was affecting our consistency and we think we made headway there. So we feel Indy was a good springboard, but we’ve got to keep the mojo going.
“There are six races in the Countdown and the first three happen bam, bam, bam. Three weeks, three races, and you’re halfway through the Countdown. You can’t afford to stumble and you don’t have much time to regroup between events.
“Going forward our Copart team is optimistic and excited about the kickoff of the playoffs.”
The Copart team finished seventh at the end of NHRA regular season play and with the points reset for the Countdown, the Bernstein team will begin 80 points out of the lead.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. with a second session scheduled for 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at noon.
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Sept. 17 – ESPN2
10:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. PT
Eliminations – September 18 – ESPN2
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. ET
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM DELIVERS FINAL FOUR PERFORMANCE AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
CLERMONT, Ind. (September 5, 2011) – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team upped the performance ante this weekend, making a final four appearance in the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
The NHRA’s most prestigious race marked driver Brandon Bernstein’s 100th consecutive race start.
Bernstein piloted the Copart Top Fuel dragster to the No. 3 qualifying position with a 3.846-second elapsed time at 318.99 mph.
In the opening stanza of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Bernstein pulled into the staging beams to face Chicago’s TJ Zizzo. Bernstein and Zizzo had a good battle with Bernstein first to the finish line about half a car length before Zizzo (3.860/314.39 v. 3.880/313.22).
“TJ made a great run and definitely kept us on our toes,” said Bernstein. “This class is very competitive and everybody brings their A game to Indy.
“We’re stoked to be going to round two.”
Bernstein contributed a quick reaction time to help sew up the quarterfinals holeshot victory against Bob Vandergriff. The Copart team clocked 3.846/317.49 to Vandergriff’s
3.841/322.73 but Bernstein’s .055-second reaction time vs. Vandergriff’s .086-second reaction time made the difference at the finish stripe.
“That was a total team effort,” said an excited Bernstein. “Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) did a great job! Semifinals here we come!”
In final four competition, one pairing was a showdown between Bernstein and Del Worsham. Both drivers had nearly identical reaction times (.043 second for Worsham, .044 second for Bernstein) and it was a challenge to the finish line. The Copart team clocked their quickest elapsed time of the event, 3.831-seconds at 318.77 mph, but Worsham was able to edge Bernstein for the victory with a 3.813-second elapsed time at 323.04 mph.
“It was a very good weekend for our team,” said owner Bernstein. “We made some significant performance gains that we hope will give us momentum going into the playoffs.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Tim Wilkerson for all the help and guidance he has given us these past several months,”
“Not only was it fun to have Dale (Armstrong, former Kenny Bernstein crew chief) in the house, but we benefitted from having him as a sounding board and someone for Todd and Donnie to bounce ideas off of and share thoughts with.
“Bottom line, Todd and Donnie still made all the tuning calls and did a great job and we believe we made progress on a couple of problem areas that were affecting our consistency.
“Brandon did a good job in the cockpit and was definitely on his game.”
The Copart Team finished NHRA regular season play in seventh position in Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings, just two points out of sixth. Points will be reset prior to the start of the Countdown to the Championship.
# # #
SURPRISE KENNY BERNSTEIN TEAM REUNION AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
CLERMONT, Ind. (Sept. 2, 2011) – Long-time Kenny Bernstein crew chief Dale Armstrong will join the Copart Top Fuel team as a consultant for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
“Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) have been running some very competitive numbers,” said team owner Bernstein. “We are trying to hone in on one particular area that has affected our consistency and we hope that Dale’s extra set of eyes might benefit us.
“It took some talking to get Dale to consider coming back and we were lucky to get him to agree to one weekend.”
“It’s been four years since I’ve been out there actively tuning,” said Armstrong, “and it’s no secret that a lot has changed. Don’t expect any Hail Mary passes.
“Todd and Donnie will be turning the wrenches and doing their jobs. We will just be there to lend any assistance we might be able to provide.
“We have no aspirations to get actively involved in racing again, so we are here just for this single event.”
Armstrong joined Bernstein as crew chief in 1982. Four consecutive Funny Car titles followed (1985-1988). Nearly a decade later in 1996, the pair added a Top Fuel championship becoming the only team at that time to garner titles in both nitro categories. Prior to their breakup in 1997, Armstrong and Bernstein combined for five NHRA World Championships, and perhaps the most lasting achievement – the first 300-mph run on the quarter-mile. Together they won 45 NHRA national events. Their last event together, ironically, was the 1997 U.S. Nationals.
# # #
COPART TEAM WORKING HARD TO DELIVER AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
CLERMONT, Ind. – The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Sept. 2-5 marks the final race of the regular NHRA racing season. The point standings at the conclusion of the weekend will define the top 10 competitors that will contend for the championship in the six-race playoff series.
The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team has already solidified a starting berth in the Countdown to 1.
“We’re fortunate to have sewn up a spot in the playoffs,” said Copart dragster pilot Brandon Bernstein. “The Mac Tools race is a prestigious race and you want to be able to put all your focus on going four rounds Sunday without having to worry about strategizing to get into the playoff field.
“We have a couple of gremlins that have been plaguing us and affecting our consistency. We’re hoping to have those cured by the time we roll through the water box for our first qualifying run Friday evening.
“Indy is the only event where we have five qualifying passes instead of four so theoretically you can gather quite a bit of data prior to race day.
“Obviously we want to do well for our sponsors, Copart and Mac Tools, but it would be nice to present Dad with one of those special 60th anniversary pewter Wallys for an early birthday present. His birthday is Tuesday, and if we are so fortunate to win on Monday it’s possible we’d still be celebrating into Tuesday.
“The Mac Tools race is the final tune-up before the playoffs and also the most prestigious race of the year. There’s a lot at stake for all the teams at this event.”
Bernstein was runner-up in Indy in 2006 and is hoping to make the drive to victory circle this year.
The Copart team is currently seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals begins Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying runs Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and two runs Sunday at noon and 3 p.m. Eliminations begin Monday at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION ADVISORY FOR MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS
There are 11 hours of television coverage scheduled for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.
Fans will be able to watch five hours of qualifying and six hours of race day action.
Qualifying – Sept. 4 – ESPN2
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
Eliminations – Sept. 5 – ESPN2
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM CLINCHES SPOT IN COUNTDOWN AT BRAINERD
BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2011) – A first round win at the Lucas Oil Nationals solidified a coveted position in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship for the Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team.
Second generation driver Brandon piloted the Copart dragster to the No. 8 qualifying position with a 3.863-second elapsed time at 316.67 mph.
On Sunday, the first pair to square off in eliminations at Brainerd Raceway was Bernstein and David Grubnic. Bernstein was first out of the gate and led the way to the finish line with Grubnic nipping at his heels and challenging the entire distance. The Copart team’s winning elapsed time was 3.876 seconds at 316.90 mph vs. Grubnic’s 3.890/309.63.
“We were concentrating so much, we were so amped up and so happy to get the round win,” said an excited Bernstein.
“Plus we just clinched a spot in the playoffs and that is huge!”
In the quarterfinals against Del Worsham, Bernstein had a slight starting line advantage but Worsham pulled ahead to edge Bernstein for the win, 3.851/317.87 vs. 3.971/296.83.
“But the take away from the weekend is that we are solidly in the Countdown to 1.”
The Copart team remains seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
TEAM HOPES TO SOLIDFY PLAYOFF SPOT IN BRAINERD
BRAINERD, Minn. – With only two races remaining in NHRA regular season competition before the 10-car field is set for the playoffs, the Copart Top Fuel team is looking to solidify a starting berth in the Countdown to 1 at the Lucas Oil Nationals Aug. 19-21.
“There are several different scenarios that could play out and would determine whether or not we could clinch our playoff spot,” said Copart Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein, “but basically we need to be 154 points up on the 11th place contender at the conclusion of the Brainerd race.
“We are going into the event with a 159-point differential so we need to be able to hold the line.” Bernstein is a two-time winner at Brainerd, having scored back-to-back victories in 2006 and 2007.
“If we can qualify well on Friday and be assured of a position well into the top half of the field, then we can experiment a little bit on Saturday to give us more data to draw on for Sunday’s tune-up,” said Bernstein. “Though we know how to run competitive numbers, we still need to tickle our tune-up to give us a winning edge on Sunday.
“If we can lock in our playoff berth in Brainerd, it gets the monkey off our back for our sport’s premiere event in Indy, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, over Labor Day weekend. We could compete there without having the playoff scenarios to worry about.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 19 at 3:30 p.m. with a second session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
LUCAS OIL NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – Aug. 20 – ESPN2
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. ET
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. PT
Eliminations – Aug. 21 – ESPN2
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. ET
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS IN SEATTLE
KENT, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2011) – The NHRA circuit made its final stop on the West Coast Swing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals
The Copart team was aggressive in qualifying with performance numbers in the top three in the Top Fuel category in two of the four sessions at Pacific Raceways. They solidified the No. 5 position with a 3.851-second elapsed time at 315.49 mph.
In the first round of eliminations against Troy Buff, Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein was first out of the gate and led the way to the finish line, 3.911/309.63 vs. Buff’s 4.001/293.47.
“We were last pair to run,” said Bernstein, “and you get awfully amped up waiting for your turn. We were happy to get the round win here.”
Bernstein was narrowly edged by Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals, 3.893/314.90 to 3.915/314.09.
“We’re going from A to B and we’re getting down the track consistently,” said team owner Kenny Bernstein. “I’m disappointed that we lost that match, but I’m not unhappy with the run. That was a good drag race, but we just have to keep stepping it up.” The Copart team remains seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
BERNSTEIN HOPES TO RETURN TO FINAL ROUND FORM IN SEATTLE
KENT, Wash. – The grueling West Coast swing takes its toll on racing parts and pieces and certainly crew members. As the battle-weary teams head into the final of three races in a row, the Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart team is using positive energy and direction for a good showing at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals, Aug. 5 – 7.
Of the three tracks on the “Swing,” Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein has had the most success at Pacific Raceways, having been in the final round three times in the seven years he’s driven for his father’s Top Fuel team. Bernstein won in 2005 and was runner-up in 2007 and 2008. He was the No. 1 qualifier in 2006.
“To get to this point on the circuit requires a lot of dedication by the team. Most of the teams that are based in Indiana, including ours, having been driving long hours, working long hours, getting back in the trucks to drive the next distance, and tearing down and setting up pit areas, and monitoring all parts and pieces,” said Bernstein. “We had a lot of carnage in Denver so we had to make sure we had the proper inventory to get us through the next two races. The crew members must pay attention to detail. There isn’t much down time when you have three races in a row.
“The Seattle track is near sea level, the air is good and temperatures are usually cool. These elements allow the crew chiefs to be more aggressive with their tune-ups and the teams give the fans some great side-by-side racing.
“With three races remaining before the start of the playoffs, our focus is to get some momentum going. We still have an opportunity to pick up one spot on the ladder before points are reset entering the playoffs. We need to bring our A game.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying) begins Friday, Aug. 5 at 2:30 pm with a second session at 5 p.m. There are two Saturday qualifying sessions, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals
Television Advisory
Qualifying – Aug. 6 – ESPN2
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
Eliminations – Aug. 7 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM LOSES CLOSE RACE IN SONOMA
SONOMA, Calif. (July 31) – It was a busy weekend for the Copart Top Fuel team at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals. It was a home game for sponsor Copart, based in Fairfield, Calif., and Saturday was employee appreciation day at Infineon Raceway. Nearly 800 guests spent the day at the track and had the opportunity to interact with team owner Kenny Bernstein and Brandon Bernstein, Copart dragster pilot.
Bernstein qualified eighth for the FRAM-Autolite Nationals (3.911-second elapsed time at 310.77 mph).
The Copart team fought dropped cylinders, an engine condition caused by improper air to fuel ratio, in both qualifying runs Friday. Todd (Smith, crew chief), Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) and the team worked through the night and into the early hours Saturday to make changes to correct the dilemma. They combed through their library of data and found an area that needed to be adjusted in the fuel delivery system.
The subsequent adjustment did cure the problem during the Saturday qualifying sessions.
In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations, Bernstein drove the Copart dragster to its quickest pass of the weekend, 3.880 seconds at 310.70 miles per hour, but it was just a nano-second shy of being able to hold off opponent Doug Kalitta’s 3.872-second effort at 317.05 miles per hour.
“We are definitely making progress,” said Brandon. “We were just on the wrong side of a good drag race that round.
“We should be in good shape going into Seattle this coming weekend and hopefully we’ll get four good qualifying runs that will give us a baseline for Sunday.”
The Copart Top Fuel team remains seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
KENNY AND BRANDON BERNSTEIN HOPEFUL FOR A VICTORY
FOR THE HOME TEAM AT INFINEON RACEWAY
SONOMA, Calif. – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart team will be playing a home game at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals July 29-31.
“Fairfield, Calif. is the home base for many Copart employees,” said Brandon Bernstein, pilot of the Copart dragster. “This is our second season of sponsorship with this enthusiastic group and wherever they go, there’s a sea of Copart blue shirts because all their employees and guests wear corporate polo shirts.
“Last year at Sonoma, Saturday was an employee function and during qualifying as I was backing up from the burnout, I took a sneak peek at the grandstands and there was a mass of blue. I know Dad and I feel very proud to have that kind of support.
“There is another Saturday employee function at this year’s event and we look forward to having a chance to sign autographs and pose for pictures with them. Many Copart employees were new to our sport and once they have a chance to experience it, they get hooked. As a result we have introduced a lot of new fans to NHRA drag racing.
“Infineon is a fantastic facility and we always enjoy racing there.”
The second generation driver won at Infineon Raceway in 2001 during his year behind the wheel of an Alcohol Dragster in the sportsman series. He has yet to win in Sonoma as a professional driver.
“What better place to win a trophy and celebrate?”
Bernstein and the Copart team are a threat every time they pull to the starting line. They are consistently at the top of the field during qualifying and their performance on race day may need just a sprinkle of luck to propel them to victory circle.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, July 29 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
FRAM-Autolite Nationals
Television Advisory
Qualifying – July 30 – ESPN2
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
Eliminations – July 31 – ESPN2
11 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. ET
8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. PT
TOUGH OUTING FOR THE COPART RACING TEAM
ON THE MOUNTAIN AT THE MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS
DENVER (July 24, 2011) – The heat, altitude and thin air of the mountain setting of Bandimere Speedway took its toll on the Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Racing team at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals.
The team qualified 13th (4.155-second e.t. at 275.11 mph), the first time this season that they had not qualified in the top half of the field.
In the opening round of eliminations, Copart driver Brandon Bernstein faced off against Spencer Massey. Bernstein was first out of the starting gate, but Massey was first to the starting line (4.007/307.16 vs. 4.235/143.26).
“This was a difficult weekend for us,” said Kenny Bernstein. “We got behind the eight-ball from the start and were never successful in catching up.
“Last year we finished runner-up here and we were able to adjust to the unique tuning conditions of this track. This year the mountain kicked our backside.
“We are looking forward to getting back to sea level next weekend in Sonoma, Calif.”
The Copart team remains seventh in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
COPART TEAM READY TO TACKLE HIGH ALTITUDE TUNING REQUIREMENTS
AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY
DENVER – The 12th stop on the NHRA circuit, the Mopar Mile-High Nationals July 22-24, is at Bandimere Speedway, a mile above sea level at 5200 feet. The family-owned race track is a fan favorite and draws a large crowd of spectators.
Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Copart Top Fuel dragster, and six-time champion and team owner Kenny Bernstein, are big fans of the Bandimere family and love the mountain setting of the race track, but both agree this race is a bit of a grab bag.
Brandon explains.
“For race teams, these conditions require a different tune-up than any other track on the circuit. And it is the first of three grueling back-to-back races known as the West Coast Swing. The one-off Denver tune-up requires different blower pulleys and higher compression pistons.
“The greatest amount of preparation is by the race teams,” continued Bernstein. “ Most teams, including our Copart team, are over 2,000 miles from home base for three weeks and that requires packing the race transporters to the gills with parts and pieces. The teams have a long drive and endless days, nights and hours driving and working on the car. It’s no picnic. And then after the third race, there’s a very long drive back to Indianapolis.
“Last year we were runner-up at Bandimere Speedway and we’d love to be final-round bound again this year. With five races remaining before the top ten finalists are set for the playoffs, we would like to climb the point ladder. We are currently seventh in point standings, less than one round out of sixth place. There’s still quite a bit of racing left before the playoffs and we need to build momentum.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m. followed be a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 2:30 pm and 5 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – July 23 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. PT
Eliminations – July 24 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS
AS CREWS GO TO HOT WEATHER TUNE-UPS IN CHICAGO
JOLIET, Ill. (July 10, 2011) – With all four qualifying sessions at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals contested in the late afternoon and evening, crew chiefs were without relevant data to consult for Sunday’s day time, sweltering race conditions. The hot, humid weather and tricky track conditions left the tuners at the mercy of their best educated guess and a little bit of a roll of the dice. This set of conditions would test the best.
Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Copart dragster, earned the No. 6 qualifying position with a 3.884-second elapsed time at 313.15 miles per hour. He was paired with No. 11 qualifier Morgan Lucas for round one of Sunday’s eliminations.
In the opening round, the Copart dragster made a straight, smooth run to the finish line, taking the win light with a 3.979/305.01 while Lucas struggled with loss of traction.
“There were significant upsets in the first round of competition just as everyone suspected there would be,” said Bernstein. “We were careful with our tune-up. We wanted to get from A to B without losing traction and we tuned for an elapsed time that we thought would be safe, yet quick enough to win.
“Good job and good strategy by Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) and the Copart team.”
Track temperature increased by the time second round rolled around and the racing surface had become very slick. Bernstein and Antron Brown battled in the quarterfinals, but the Copart dragster hazed the tires about half track which gave Brown the winning edge.
“We thought we had compensated for the changes in the track, but apparently not. Even though we stumbled a bit on that run, Todd and Donnie are in the process of developing a good hot weather tune-up that we hope will be advantageous during the remainder of the summer races,” concluded the second generation driver.
Bernstein remains seventh in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
BERNSTEIN HOPES TO ADD TO FAMILY SUCCESS AT ROUTE 66
JOLIET, Ill. – The Bernstein name has been engraved in many Route 66 Top Fuel winner’s trophies. In 2001, Kenny and Brandon Bernstein became the first father and son to win at the same national event in NHRA’s 50-year history. This historic run came in Las Vegas in April, and the family duo followed with a double win in June at Route 66 Raceway. Brandon was driving an Alcohol Dragster and Kenny was competing in Top Fuel.
Brandon wants to see the Bernstein name engraved on the Top Fuel trophy as winner of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals July 8-10.
For a period of three years, NHRA made two stops at Route 66 each year. Hall of Famer Kenny Bernstein competed in Top Fuel competition from 1998 through 2003 going to the final round an astounding six out of nine times, winning four of the events.
Brandon has yet to win at Route 66 in the Top Fuel category.
“There may not be a team out there itching for a win more than our Copart team,” said the second generation driver. “One of our goals is to earn a stronger starting position in the playoffs. We are seventh in points right now, but we can move up. There are six races remaining before the field of 10 is set for the Countdown. To make moves up the point ladder our immediate focus has to be on every run in qualifying and every round in eliminations. One run at a time.
“Our Copart team is getting better and better every race. At our last race in Norwalk, Ohio, I had a bad reaction time that cost us a round win, and I need to redeem myself to this team. We definitely have a team capable of winning any time we present ourselves at the starting line. We are gaining confidence. Now all the pieces just need to fall in place.
“We are expecting a large group of Copart employees and executives at Joliet, and we would love to bring home a Wally trophy for them, for Mac Tools, and La Paz Party Mixes and all the fans that have supported us through the years.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car ) qualifying for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 Nationals begins Friday, July 8 at 5 p.m. followed by a second session at 8 p.m.
There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – July 9 – ESPN2
9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. ET
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PT
Eliminations – July 10 – ESPN2
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. PT
ANOTHER STRONG SHOWING FOR COPART TEAM
AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NATIONALS
NORWALK, Ohio (June 26, 2011) – The Summit Racing Equipment Nationals were reduced to a two-day event for the professional classes due to persistent rain on Friday. With half the qualifying rounds washed out and only two chances Saturday to earn a starting berth for Sunday’s eliminations, the crew chiefs were under tremendous pressure.
The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart team continued their string of strong qualifying showings, executing two quick, consistent runs to claim the No. 3 qualifying spot with a 3.857-second elapsed time at 315.71 mph. In 10 national events contested this year, the Copart team has qualified in the top half of the field every time. Norwalk marks the team’s third No. 3 qualifying effort of 2011.
In the opening round of eliminations Copart dragster pilot Brandon Bernstein rolled into the staging beams to face Ike Maier. When the lights turned green, Bernstein was first out of the gate and led the way to the finish line, winning the round with a 3.884/313.37 to Maier’s 4.017/288.21.
“That was a very good run to start the day,” said Bernstein. “Both lanes have tricky transitions on them where the track is newly paved. Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) got our Copart dragster to go down the track clean and smooth.”
In the round of eight or quarterfinals, Bernstein faced Larry Dixon. Dixon was first out of the gate and held on for the win despite a top-end charge by Bernstein who nearly drove around Dixon at the finish stripe.
“I should have been quicker with my reaction time,” lamented Bernstein. “I let the team down on this one. Our Copart car ran quicker than Larry’s (3.880/311.99 v. Dixon’s 3.891/299.26) and this round should have been ours. Our blue crew had the quickest e.t. of the round. This will play on my mind until we get to our next race in Joliet in two weeks and we have a chance to redeem ourselves.”
The Copart team maintains seventh position in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
BRANDON BERNSTEIN HOPES TO USE TWO PREVIOUS RUNNER-UP
FINISHES IN NORWALK AS STEPPING STONE TO WINNER’S CIRCLE
NORWALK, Ohio – With seven races remaining before the field of 10 is set for the NHRA playoffs, the Copart Top Fuel team hopes to continue its climb in point standings at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals June 24-26.
The Copart team scored a runner-up finish at Las Vegas early in the season. The team has been consistently strong in qualifying and captured the No. 1 qualifying slot last weekend in Bristol, Tenn. After a final four showing June 5 in Englishtown, N.J., the team gained two positions in point standings.
“We hope to continue putting our competitive elapsed times to work for us on Sunday so that we can solidify a solid starting berth in the playoff field,” said Copart Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein.
If past performance at Summit Motorsports Park is a barometer, then the Copart team should fare well in this year’s event. In the past four years, Bernstein has been in the final round 50 percent of the time, scoring consecutive runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2009.
“We’ve been the bridesmaid at this event twice,” said Bernstein. “This time we’re focused on a run for victory circle. Summit is also one of our sponsors so it would be nice to win for them and especially for Copart and Mac Tools.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals begins at 5 pm Friday, June 24, with a second session at 7:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday.
Summit Racing Equipment Nationals Television Advisory
Qualifying – June 25 – ESPN2
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. PT
Eliminations – June 26 – ESPN2
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. PT
COPART TEAM CAPTURES FIRST NO. 1 QUALIFYING
SPOT OF SEASON AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY
BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 18, 2011) – Rain played havoc with the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals, delaying Saturday’s final qualifying session and causing a four-hour delay to the start of Sunday’s eliminations. Though the hours spent at the track were long, the Copart team reaped rewards for their untiring efforts to continue to improve their performance.
On Father’s Day weekend, driver Brandon Bernstein and the Copart team delivered their best qualifying performance of the year to team owner Kenny Bernstein.
The Bernstein team earned its first No. 1 qualifying spot of the season in a dramatic final qualifying session at Bristol Dragway. The Copart team held the provisional No. 1 slot Friday and through the first qualifying session Saturday (Q3) with a 3.859/313.95. In the final qualifying round, Bernstein was bumped off the pole and then down one more rung to third. In an exciting performance by the last pair of Top Fuel cars to go down the track, the Copart team reclaimed the No. 1 position with a stunning 3.828/316.52.
It was Brandon’s 14th career No. 1 qualifying effort and his third at Bristol Dragway.
"We knew all the teams would be loaded for bear because conditions were good and everyone had their eye on the No. 1 slot,” said an ecstatic Bernstein. “We weren't surprised when two other teams got underneath us.
"As we got ready to run, Dad leaned into the cockpit and said, 'We're standing on it so try to keep it in the groove.'
"It was a great team effort and it gives you a lot of satisfaction to know if you HAVE to run the number, you can. Kudos to Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) for the great tuning call. We made four good runs under different conditions and we know we can get down the track. Our team mentality for race day will be to go out and give it the best of everything we can.”
Kenny Bernstein dedicated the No. 1 qualifying effort to friend and late Bristol Dragway president Jeff Byrd, who succumbed to cancer late last year.
In Sunday’s pre-race ceremonies, Bernstein and former drag racing driver Whit Bazemore honored Byrd, inducting him posthumously into the Legends of Thunder Valley and dedicating the Bristol Dragway tower to the popular promoter.
Bernstein followed with the command to start engines.
In the opening round of eliminations Brandon Bernstein faced off against rookie Austin Lambright. Bernstein led the way to the finish line, crossing the stripe first with a 3.884/308.14 vs. Lambright’s 4.043/292.98.
“The rain delay was brutal,” said Bernstein. “It was Father’s Day so the good news was that I got to spend a lot of time with Dad, but it gives you an awful long time to think.
We were happy to get the first round under our belt.”
In the quarterfinals, Bernstein rolled into the staging beams against opponent Tony Schumacher. Though the Copart team clocked a very competitive 3.880/311.77, the Schumacher team won the round in a close race using their best performance of the weekend, 3.869/319.29.
“We were on the wrong side of a good drag race,” said a dejected Bernstein. “We ran competitively every time we went down the strip here at Bristol Dragway and we accrued some extra qualifying points. But this sport can humble you on any given run.
I do know this: our team is just getting better and better and we are certainly a force to be reckoned with.”
The Copart team remains in seventh place in NHRA Full Throttle point standings, just a little more than two rounds out of sixth.
# # #
FOR THE BERNSTEINS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY WILL ALWAYS
BRING MEMORIES OF FRIEND JEFF BYRD
BRISTOL, Tenn. – For Copart Top Fuel team owner and six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, this year’s NHRA stop at Bristol Dragway June 17-19 will be bittersweet.
“Anytime we think of Bristol Dragway, we think of our good friend Jeff Byrd, who was track president,” said Bernstein. “Last year I was able to visit with him during the period of time he was undergoing cancer treatment. This year there will be a hole in my heart and we will miss him terribly, but we are looking forward to joining with Jeff’s family and wife Claudia to pay tribute to a very special man who was an inspiration to us all.
“We will miss Jeff’s energy and stream of never-ending ideas. He was the consummate marketer, merchandiser and salesman and our sport owes him a debt of gratitude. He was probably drag racing’s greatest cheerleader and one of the wittiest guys you’ll ever meet.
“Brandon and I will join many of the professional drivers for a Sunday morning track walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. June 19. The track walk is open to all fans with a Sunday ticket and we invite all Bristol Dragway attendees to join us as a tribute to Jeff and his love of our sport. Jeff always put the fans top of mind.”
Following the track walk and pre-race ceremonies, final eliminations are scheduled to begin at noon.
The Copart team comes to the Thunder Valley Nationals on the heels of a final four finish in Englishtown, N.J.
“We have been qualifying well for many of the races this season,” explained Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein, “but we had a hard time getting our efforts to pay off on Sunday. Now we’ve broken down that barrier.
“We’re optimistic that we can continue to benefit from the data that we’re gathering. More runs means more data, which gives you a bigger encyclopedia of information to tap when making tuning decisions. We jumped two positions in Full Throttle point standings after our Englishtown performance and want to continue to advance. We are beginning to gain more confidence and we’re starting to see results.”
The second-generation driver has been to the final round at Bristol Dragway three out of eight seasons in which he has competed as a professional driver. He won in 2003 (his third career victory) and 2007, and he was runner-up last year.
“We’re competing on Father’s Day and a winner’s trophy would be the best gift! Dad has given me a great opportunity to follow my dream and drive a race car. It would be one way to recognize and repay him for all the doors he has opened for me through the years.”
The Copart team is currently seventh in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin at noon Sunday.
THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Qualifying – June 18 – ESPN2
7 – 9 p.m. ET
4 – 6 p.m. PT
Eliminations – June 19 – ESPN2
4:30 – 7 p.m. ET
1:30 – 4 p.m. PT
BRANDON BERNSTEIN EARNS 250TH CAREER ROUND WIN IN ENGLISHTOWN,
ADVANCES IN FULL THROTTLE POINT STANDINGS
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 5, 2011) – Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Copart Top Fuel dragster, earned his 250th career round win at the SuperNationals, and the Kenny Bernstein-owned team advanced two positions in Full Throttle point standings by virtue of a final four finish.
Bernstein qualified sixth with a 3.831-second elapsed time at 318.77 mph.
In the opening round of eliminations Bernstein faced off against Doug Foley. Bernstein had the reaction time advantage off the starting line and led the way to the finish line, taking the round win with a 3.837/317.64 vs. Foley’s 5.610/112.99.
“It was awesome to get a round win here at Old Bridge Township Raceway,” proclaimed Bernstein in an interview following the run. “The team has been working overtime trying to get on the winning side on Sunday.”
The Copart team used their quickest and fastest run of the weekend (3.825/319.22) to defeat tire-hazing Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals. Bernstein, who led from start to finish, acknowledged, “The Schumacher team is a tough team to beat and it was a morale boost for our team to get by him. Our run was nice, smooth, and straight. That was a great tuning call by Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief).”
In the semifinals against Spencer Massey, the blue crew did a great job negotiating a tricky track, but Massey edged Bernstein for the win, 3.825/319.90 to 3.845/319.29.
“We were giving him a run for the money,” said Bernstein, “but we couldn’t chase him down.
“It was still a good day for the Copart team and gaining two positions in the point standings is huge. Our performance helped us gain confidence and we hope we can continue to go rounds and climb the points ladder.”
Bernstein is seventh in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
# # #
BRANDON BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR 250TH ROUND WIN AND MORE
AT ENGLISHTOWN
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Brandon Bernstein, driver of the Copart Top Fuel dragster, is hoping to notch his 250th round win at the NHRA SuperNationals June 3-5.
Brandon’s father, six-time NHRA champion Kenny and owner of the Copart team, has excelled at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park winning seven events piloting Top Fuel and Funny Cars at the famed New Jersey track. Kenny won more at this track than at any other racing facility.
But for Brandon, this track has not been kind. Despite having finished runner-up in 2008 and qualifying No. 1 in 2004 and 2006, Brandon has found his challenges here.
There’s also the memory of the crash in round one in his 2003 rookie year in which he suffered season-ending back injuries.
“We owe this track one,” said Brandon. “It would be nice if some of Dad’s success would start to rub off. It’s time for the winds of change to blow through our Copart pits.
Besides, a good showing in Englishtown would make a nice early Father’s Day present.
“Despite all the effort and man hours we’ve expended this year, we have a runner-up finish at Las Vegas and a string of good qualifying showings. We need to put a ‘W’ in the win column.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the SuperNationals begins Friday, June 3 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
NHRA SUPERNATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – June 4 – ESPN2
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
Eliminations – June 5 – ESPN2
4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. PT
BRANDON BERNSTEIN GOING FORWARD WITH POSITIVE ATTITUDE
DESPITE EARLY LOSS IN TOPEKA
TOPEKA, Kan. (May 22, 2011) – Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein vowed to remain upbeat and positive despite an early loss at the Summer Nationals.
The Copart team qualified in the No. 7 position with a 3.841-second elapsed time at 316.08 mph.
That starting berth paired Bernstein with Bob Vandergriff, Jr. in the first round match up at Heartland Park Topeka. Shortly after Bernstein left the starting line, the Copart dragster lost traction, and then Vandergriff was up in smoke in the other lane. Both drivers were on and off the throttle trying to get traction to the ground, but it was Vandergriff that rolled to the finish line first.
“This was a tough loss,” said Bernstein. “We need to get the monkey off our back soon. Despite the adversity, you just have to remain positive. There’s no other way to turn the tide. Sooner or later it will turn.
“We continue to dissect all the data, all the part and pieces. We’re confident we’ll find our way back to the top.”
The Copart team remains ninth in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
# # #
COPART TOP FUEL TEAM
HOPES TO BE SETTLING INTO WINNING COMBINATION
TOPEKA, Kan. – Brandon Bernstein recently took a walk past the 18 career “Wallys” that line the shelves of the Kenny Bernstein Racing facility in Brownsburg, Ind. In an effort to create extra mojo for the upcoming NHRA Summer Nationals May 20-22, he arranged the trophies from his previous wins at Heartland Park Topeka (2004 and 2007) side by side and dusted off a space for the third one he hopes to capture this year.
“Our Copart team has shown we can run with the best of them in qualifying,” said the second-generation driver, citing the fact that the team was the quickest in two of four qualifying sessions in Houston and clinched back-to-back No. 3 qualifying positions in Houston and Atlanta. “We just need to bring consistency and good decisions to the starting line on Sunday.
“A few races ago we changed our tuning philosophy,” continued Bernstein. “Right now we feel we’re definitely headed down the right path, but we’re going in a direction that we’re not familiar with so every bit of data we accumulate on every run is crucial because we’re building a data base. We are on a learning curve, which is a necessary step.
“Sometimes we step into the unknown our decisions bite us. We have to find out what we can get away with and not go over the edge. The key is gaining consistency and that includes everything I do inside the cockpit.
“We’ve been to the final round round three of the seven years I’ve competed at Heartland Park. Those are great odds. It boosts your confidence when you have made that drive to victory circle at a track. Our goal is to fly the Copart blue colors through four hard-fought rounds of competition and right into winner’s circle.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. with a second round of qualifying at 8 pm. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to commence Sunday at 11 a.m.
NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – May 21 – ESPN2
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
Eliminations – May 22 – ESPN2
7 – 10 p.m. ET
4 – 7 p.m. PT
AFTER STRONG QUALIFYING PERFORMANCE,
COPART TEAM SUFFERS MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION IN ATLANTA
COMMERCE, Ga. (May 15, 2011) – For the second consecutive race, the Copart Top Fuel team ran consistent, competitive numbers in all four qualifying attempts at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals. They also captured back-to-back No. 3 qualifying berths. The Kenny Bernstein team hoped that consistency would pay off on Sunday at Atlanta Dragway, but a mechanical malfunction foiled their plan.
Brandon Bernstein drove the Copart dragster to a qualifying time of 3.846 seconds at 314.46 mph.
In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations, Bernstein had a .06-second advantage over Terry McMillen out of the starting gate but McMillen was able to drive by the Copart dragster at the finish line, taking the round win by .0094 of a second or about four feet.
“We had a great weekend of qualifying and had high hopes for a good race day,” said team owner Kenny Bernstein. “A study of the data after the run showed that we burned an exhaust valve in the burnout so were dealing with a crippled engine. Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) set the car up to run just as we had in Saturday’s qualifying sessions, consistent 3.91s, but something failed and caused the exhaust valve to hang open.
“It sure would be nice to catch a little luck and watch everything come together on race day.”
The Copart team remains ninth in NHRA Full Throttle point standings.
# # #
COPART TEAM HOPES TO PARLAY STRONG QUALIFYING PERFORMANCE
TO CONSISTENCY ON RACE DAY IN ATLANTA
COMMERCE, Ga. – The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team is approaching the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals May 13-15 with optimism and a bit of trepidation.
Copart dragster driver Brandon Bernstein explains.
“We made a philosophical change in our tune-up a few races ago and we’re still accumulating data, however at our last race in Houston we were the quickest of the Top Fuel field in two qualifying sessions. That says a lot for the progress that Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) are making. With the talent that is out there in this category, that’s huge!
“Now we have to bring that same qualifying confidence and skill to the starting line on race day,” continued Bernstein. “I think we may be a bit of a dark horse, but we have the combination to run with the best of them and we hope to start knocking down rounds again in Atlanta.
“Last year we were runner-up at this event and I think we can go one better this year.”
Bernstein won at Atlanta Dragway in 2007.
His record this season includes a runner-up finish at Las Vegas in April.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for The Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals begins Friday at 4:30 p.m. with a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. with eliminations scheduled to being Sunday at 11 a.m.
Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals Television Advisory
Qualifying – May 14 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT
Eliminations – May 15 – ESPN2
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. PT
AFTER IMPRESSIVE QUALIFYING PERFORMANCE,
COPART DRAGSTER OUT EARLY IN HOUSTON
BAYTOWN, Texas (May 1, 2011) – After spectacular qualifying runs by the Copart Top Fuel Team at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Spring Nationals, expectations ran high for Sunday’s eliminations.
The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart team was the quickest Top Fuel car in two of the four qualifying sessions. The blue crew secured the No. 3 qualifying spot at the conclusion of two days of qualifying with a very competitive 3.859-second elapsed time at 317.42 miles per hour.
In Sunday’s first round of Top Fuel eliminations, driver Brandon Bernstein and opponent David Grubnic were the last pair to run. Bernstein was first out of the starting gate, but the Copart dragster began to lose traction and smoke the tires about the 300-foot mark and Grubnic was able to drive by for the win.
“You can definitely see that our team has made big performance strides,” said Bernstein, who was hoping to gain his 250th round win. “We made three of the quickest, most consistent runs in the Top Fuel class during qualifying and we thought we really had something for them today.
“When I felt the car start to lose traction, my heart just sank and it was like a kick in the stomach. We had confidence going into today’s competition and this is proof that this sport can humble you in one blink of an eye. We have a much better race car than we brought to the starting line today.”
The Copart Top Fuel team remains ninth in Full Throttle point standings.
# # #
BRANDON BERNSTEIN LOOKING FOR THIRD WIN AT ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY
BAYTOWN, Texas – Brandon Bernstein, a two-time winner at Royal Purple Raceway, is hoping to return to the winner’s circle at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Spring Nationals May 1.
Bernstein, driver of the Copart dragster owned by his father, six-time NHRA champion Kenny, took home the Top Fuel trophy in 2004 and 2006.
After finishing runner-up in Las Vegas earlier this month, the team has finessed its tuning combination during a recent test session.
“We are right on the cusp of a victory,” said Brandon. “We had a very good test session in Charlotte, right before this event, and we clicked off a spectacular 3.77-second elapsed time at 321 mph. If we can replicate that type of performance in Houston then we’ll be a challenger for the top spot for sure.
“We also hope that being a native Texan might give us a little home field advantage.”
Brandon was born and raised in Dallas and went to college at Texas A & M in nearby College Station. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and then joined his father’s race team.
“We always enjoy coming to Houston and a few of our college buddies like to come out during the race weekend to support our team. My mom, who of course is the team’s biggest cheerleader, also comes down for race weekend. A winner’s circle photo would be a nice finishing touch.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. with a second session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying runs Saturday, 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SPRING NATIONALS
Qualifying – April 30- ESPN2
6 – 8 p.m. ET
3 – 5 p.m. PT
Eliminations – May 1 – ESPN2
7 – 10 p.m. ET
4 – 7 p.m. PT
KENNY BERNSTEIN ONE OF FOUR LEGENDS HONORED IN
NHRA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT zMAX DRAGWAY IN CHARLOTTE
CONCORD, N.C. (April 17, 2011) – Copart team owner and six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein was one of four legends participating in NHRA’s 60’th anniversary celebration at VisitMyrtleBeach.com 4Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Bernstein participated in a Sunday morning track walk in which hundreds of fans joined him as he walked down the drag strip, asking questions as they kept up with Bernstein’s brisk pace. He stopped to sign autographs and pose for photos at the end of the walk.
In pre-race ceremonies, Bernstein drove the crowd to a frenzy as he acknowledged the drivers, crew chiefs and Charlotte race fans and with a great deal of fanfare and animation, gave the command to the first quad of Top Fuel competitors to start their engines.
Brandon Bernstein, the No. 5 qualifier for the four-wide, 32,000-horsepower spectacle, was a participant in the first quad of competitors along with Doug Kalitta, Bob Vandergriff and Spencer Massey. In this one-of-a-kind format, two of the quickest four transfer to the next round. Unfortunately early in the run, the Copart dragster lost traction ending the team’s day.
“We made a change in our tune-up combination between Saturday and Sunday,” explained Brandon. “We are so close to a fantastic set-up. In Sunday’s run we made the right moves, but just went a little over the top. We just need to finesse it a bit.
“We are testing on Monday to get a little more data to help us determine the fine line between not quite enough power, which causes the car to shake, and too much power, which causes the tires to spin and lose traction to the ground.
“zMAX Dragway is a phenomenal facility. We should get some valuable information from testing.”
The Copart team is ninth in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.
# # #
BERNSTEINS BUSY AT ZMAX: BRANDON DRIVING COPART DRAGSTER,
KENNY ONE OF FOUR LEGENDS HELPING TO CELEBRATE NHRA’S 60TH
CONCORD, N.C. – Brandon Bernstein and the Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart Top Fuel team come to the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Four-Wide Nationals April 15-17 on the heels of a runner-up finish in Las Vegas.
“This is the only race of the season where we race four wide,” said Brandon. “Basically my job in the cockpit is the same as always; however, the staging process with four cars is the most difficult. It’s hard to look at all the staging lights and see exactly where everyone is in the process.
“This year NHRA has come up with a new Christmas Tree system. I have seen the prototype and I think it will be a tremendous help.
“zMAX Dragway is a premier facility and we love racing there,” continued Bernstein. “With four 8,000-horsepower nitro cars unleashed at one time, four-wide racing is a fan pleaser and a sensory overload.
“We hope to keep the momentum going from Las Vegas and parlay another strong finish at zMAX.”
While second-generation driver Brandon will be busy in the Copart dragster and making appearances at the Copart midway display, Kenny will be joining fellow legends Shirley Muldowney, Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta in track activities celebrating NHRA 60th anniversary.
Kenny Bernstein participating in Legends autograph session and track walk.
On Friday, April 15, the legends will be signing autographs beginning at 11 a.m. at The Pavilion near the front gate. On Saturday the autograph session is at 10 a.m. at The Pavilion. On Sunday, Kenny will be talking to fans during a track walk scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Participating fans will have the opportunity to ask “The King of Speed” questions during the track walk.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, April 15 at 2 p.m. with a second session at 4:30 p.m. There are two Saturday sessions, noon and 2:30 p.m., with Sunday’s eliminations scheduled to begin at noon.
VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY
Qualifying – April 16 – ESPN2
6-8 pm ET
3-5 pm PT
Eliminations – April 17 – ESPN2
7 – 10 pm ET
4 – 7 pm PT
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