KJ POSTS 6.716/205.01 IN FLORIDA TEST SESSION

During the first day of pre-season testing in Bradenton, FL, Kurt Johnson's Chevrolet Cavalier bettered the current NHRA records for elapsed time and top speed on several runs, culminating with an outstanding 6.716 second, 205.01 mph pass on Tuesday evening.

"This is a great way to break in our ACDelco Cavalier's new paint job," said Johnson. "We brought it to Bradenton to make sure it was fast before the official unveiling in Pomona, and after taking a few runs to get adapted to this racetrack, we ran a 6.74, a 6.72 and a 6.71 with the top speed on the last two runs over 205 mph. When you click this baby in high gear, the front end feels like it's going to come back off the ground, charging all the way to the finish line.

"The weather here is perfect for Pro Stock. The air is crisp, the barometer is high, and the temperature yesterday reached a high of sixty-five degrees. We may not see these conditions at any time during the year, but the important thing is that our ACDelco Cavalier is faster than everyone else. That's all that matters." [1-16-2003]

BRANDON BERNSTEIN 'READY TO RUN

Brandon Bernstein, rookie driver of the new Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster spent an hour or so meeting some of the drag racing press at the ESPNZone in SoCal this week. Bernstein will spend much of the next two weeks testing at both the Phoenix and Tucson Warm-ups in hopes of getting some 30 runs under his belt in the new Murf McKinney-built dragster, prior to the Winternationals. "I feel comfortable in the car," proclaimed Brandon while giving lots of credit to his father, recently retired Kenny Bernstein and Lucas Oil Series dragster owner Jerry Darien.

Conspicuous by his absence was six-time NHRA Champion Kenny Bernstein, who is clearly stepping aside to give his son a strong identity in his new career. Brandon, who turned 30 last August, will be replacing his father in the first Top Fuel race of his career as he competes in the rescheduled Bud Shootout at Pomona on Saturday, February 8. The event was originally scheduled for the Pomona Finals last fall, but heavy rains caused the postponement. "Dad really earned this race," said Brandon. "It would be a big thrill to be able to win the Budweiser money."

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At the wheel of the Darien & Meadows A/Fuel Dragster Brandon acquired seat time en route to winning the Division 7 Top Alcohol dragster title in 2001. During that year he picked-up five event wins including the first father/son win in NHRA history at the same national event at the first Las Vegas race in 2001. They did it again that same year at the second Chicago race on the way to dad's 2001 Winston Top Fuel Championship. Prior to winning the 2001 Division 7 Driver of the Year, Brandon spent summers working on the Bud King team while attending Texas A&M University, graduating in 1996.

When asked if it was his idea to drive the Budweiser top fuel dragster, Bernstein noted, "It was really dad's decision when he had two more years before retirement."

Asked about the challenge of filling the cockpit in one of the most visible racecars in drag racing he quipped, "I want to be myself and let the cards fall where they may. I'm just ready to go!" (photo by Zak Hawthorne) [1-16-2003]

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