Bernstein in Points Lead, Ashley with First FC Win
Written by Sheila Scarborough · June 3, 2007
Bernstein, Ashley and Anderson take the Topeka Wally trophies at Heartland Park.
Brandon Bernstein’s Bud rail has won three of the last four national events and Mike Ashley picked up his first Funny Car win at the 19th annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX.
NHRA.com Sunday recap.
Brandon Bernstein and JR Todd are good friends, drawn even closer by the recent death of fellow competitor Eric Medlen, but not during this Top Fuel final round in Kansas. Fortunately for “Big Red,” his opponent’s dropped cylinder gave Bernstein the win with a 4.582 seconds at 320.51 mph.
“It’s tough to race J.R. because we’re such great friends,” Bernstein said. “Together with Eric [Medlen] we have spent a lot of time together and now with Eric being gone the bond I have with J.R. is even more special. Plus, he’s a tough guy to race, so we’re very happy to get the win.
“Tim and Kim [Richards, co-crew chiefs] have given me a good, consistent racecar to drive and it’s so cool to drive a car that you know is going down the track every time….although this year it will be extra important to be consistent at the end, it’s nice to be in the lead because it’s a reflection of how well your car is running. Usually the points leader is winning some races and we’ve been lucky enough to win three already this year.”
Todd is on his third crew chief during a topsy-turvy season, but he’s still in his third final of the year. This win also gives Bernstein the Top Fuel points lead.
The drama was intense in Funny Car as pole winner Robert Hight ran into mechanical difficulties rebuilding after an engine fire and wall bump in the quarterfinals. All the Force King’s horses couldn’t quite get it all together again, and the Gotham mortgage broker put away Jim Head in the finals with a 4.896 at 310.70 mph.
“I’m so emotional right now but I’ll try to keep it together,” Ashley said. “This has been such a journey and it all started a few years ago when [sponsor] Evan Knoll came to me and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ We’ve been working towards this goal since then and Evan stuck with us through it all. This win is for all the dreamers out there. This is proof you can do anything you set your mind to.
“It feels good to get it done for Evan and everyone at Torco and Lend America. I’ve won a bunch of Pro Mod races and even a couple of championships but nothing compares to this feeling; nothing. We have a great car right now and I expect we’ll be doing this more often.”
Greg Anderson took charge in Pro Stock, but his ride to the finish was peppered with red-lighting opponents.
“Dave [Connolly] and Jeggy [Coughlin] had taken the momentum at the last race and it was important for us to answer back,” Anderson said. “We’ve all worked extremely hard since St. Louis to swing it back this way and it appears we’ve got our hot rod back. I can’t remember the last time three people red-lighted against me in the same day. It may not have ever happened. It’s good to get in everyone’s head a little bit.
“This win is dedicated to our great friends Donnie and Hollie Faulkner from Oakley. They lost their little baby a couple of weeks ago and I know this has been an awful time for them. We are thinking of them and praying for them.”
The next race is in Blues Brothers territory: the NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
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7 Responses to “Bernstein in Points Lead, Ashley with First FC Win”
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It was a great race and really, it was just good to watch a race after the long layoff. Hartley getting the #1 qualifying position is a great story as well as Mike Ashley getting his 1st win. With the new purchase and with the weather staying away - it was a great weekend. This is the start to 11 races over next 13 weeks - for fans, it can’t get much better.
I am so sick of the Force valley girls I could puke. Have you ever seen that show on A&E? These silver spoon #@$%^s are the reason I will skip the “Drags” this year. What a waste of equipment. When I attend a NHRA Race the only thing I care about is if John or one of his cars does not win.
With all the restrictions to slow the cars it is “pretend like” racing anyway.
Well Todd I guess this means we won’t have to read the @#$% you write here, nobody cares anyway! Force and his family are the class of the NHRA. I never miss an episode of Driving Force! 14 time CHAMP!And still going,I can’t wait for the west coast swing,I go to Sonoma& Seattle,and have autographs from him and most of his 4 teams in the 27 years of going to the DRAGS! Get a LIFE!
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