COPART/LUCAS OIL TEAM TALLIES THIRD
RUNNER-UP FINISH OF THE SEASON IN DENVER

DENVER, Colo. (July 25, 2010)  --  The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart/Lucas Oil team scored its third runner-up finish of the season at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals.  It was driver Brandon Bernstein’s 35th career final round appearance and his first at Bandimere Speedway.

Bernstein drove the Copart/Lucas Oil dragster to the No. 8 qualifying position (3.992/296.11).

That starting berth positioned him on the side of the Top Fuel ladder that was loaded with the category’s top point scorers setting up a battle line of seasoned warriors that he would have to conquer to make the drive to victory circle.

Though Bernstein had a 21-7 edge in career matches against McClenathan going into the opening round of Mopar Mile-High eliminations, he hadn't defeated McClenathan in their three meetings this season.  That changed in the first round, when Bernstein edged Cory Mac for the win by half a car length, 3.962/301.54 vs. 3.988/310.55.

            “The sun was out and beating down on the track and I was a little nervous being first pair,” said Bernstein, “because you don’t have a read on how much horsepower the track can hold.  We want to give a tip of the helmet to the NHRA Safety Safari for doing a good job prepping the track. Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) made a good tuning call.”

Bernstein rolled to the Tree to face Antron Brown in round two. With a slight edge in reaction time out of the gate, Bernstein led wire to wire, crossing the finish line with a 3.975/303.03 vs.

Brown’s 4.035.300.00.

“Antron’s team is always tough,” said Bernstein.  “We were side by side all the way, but our Copart/Lucas Oil team is really coming on.”

The semifinals saw a battle between Bernstein and Larry Dixon, who were tied 17 each in career victories against each other that include four semifinal victories each.  The tie-breaking run went to the blue crew.  Bernstein had a great reaction time out of the gate and never trailed, winning the round with a 4.003/300.13 vs. Dixon’s 4.440/195.14.

“Larry and I are good friends and we’ve had a lot of battles on the track through the years,” said Bernstein.  “It’s great to be going rounds and we’re excited about going to the finals. We already feel like we’ve run three final rounds against all these A list teams and we have another one to go!”

In the money round against Doug Kalitta, Bernstein once again was on his game and first out of the starting gate, leading the way, but Kalitta was able to edge Bernstein for the win, 3.963/308.35 vs. 4.003/297.35.

“Overall it was a good day,” said Bernstein when he returned to his pit area. 

“Any time you’re in the finals it’s a great day.  It’s (a win) coming, but it’s frustrating getting there, especially when we know we’re right on the cusp of a victory.

“I’ve personally had a tough time here in Denver, so getting to the finals is very respectable and a good showing for our Copart/Lucas Oil team.”

Bernstein remains sixth in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings with one race remaining before the playoffs begin.

 

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