With The 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season weeks away from beginning at the Fairplex in Pomona, teams cannot wait to start. To tide the Drag Racing fans over until then, Palm Beach International Raceway is hosting the Pro Winter Warm-Up at Palm Beach International Raceway. One driver ready to go is the 2012 AAA Auto Club Finals Winner in Top Fuel is Brandon Bernstein. In a telephone interview, I talked to him about how anxious his team is for the new season to begin and how Palm Beach provides fans a taste of what is to come:
'For The fans who come to PBIR and see the big named teams testing, it is a great deal for the fans. The Track [Palm Beach International raceway] is a great for the teams to come and test on, the surface is absolutely perfect. We're [the teams] are very anxious to get into our cars and make some laps to be ready for 2013"
In just a few days from now, the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello season gets underway at the Fairplex in Pomona. How anxious are you and the guys for the season to get started?
' Winning the last race of the race of the season they way we did and ending on such a high note. We were ready to go the next week and race again. Now we are chomping at the bit to see what the MAVtv/Protect the Harvest Team can do.' Brandon said ' The Geico team feels much the same way. We at Morgan Lucas Racing feel that the team as a whole is ready to do some real damage out there.'
Do you feel that with no major changes to both teams that it gives you an adavantage heading into the 2013 NHRA Season?
' The comforting factor is knowing that you have been with the team for a whole season. We [the team] know what we can do and the opportunity to win is definitely there for us. We are just excited to get the season started.' Brandon exclaimed ' It helps you to feel a bit more confident and that sense of security knowing that we the team have everyone back from last year and ready to go.'
How relaxed does it make you feel knowing that your team is intact for 2013?
' I feel really relaxed. Driving for Morgan Lucas Racing is a whole new dynamic for me for the fact of not racing for my father.' Stated the son of Kenny Bernstein ' Morgan welcomed me into the team and has been terrific. All of the guys on the team have been great to be around. This year I especially feel so comfortable within the team and with that feeling we are going for the championship this year.' He then added ' Over here at Morgan Lucas Racing, it is laid back compared to what I have been used to for most of my career.' Brandon said ' Yes it is a different atmosphere and it fits real well with me. Ive adjusted very well with it and feel really excited to get out there and start winning more races this 2013 season.'
Why has the Top Fuel class has become so competitive these last few seasons?
' It is unbelievable that the previous season we [top fuel] had so many drivers and teams step up and show that Top Fuel is the best.' Stated the Auto Club Finals event winner ' There are at least 12 to 14 cars that can step up and win at any particular time. There hasn't been a huge performance leap of any kind over these last few seasons which helps bridge that gap between the small and big teams.' Bernstein Continued ' It brings a bit more pressure onto the drivers to be on top of their game because the driver that is in the other lane can run the number as well. Its excellent racing for the drivers and the fans as well. '
Talk about ending such a long winless streak on a holeshot which gave your great friend Antron Brown his first ever Top Fuel Title
' It was something very special. Their are many runs in my career that are special and that is one I certainly will never forget. ' Stated the MAVTV Top Fuel Pilot ' I told Antron during driver intros that I am going to do everything that I can to help win the championship for you. ' Sure enough, Antron lost first round, now we could meet Spencer in the semis [Though he lost 2nd round] and then meet Tony in the finals.' He added ' When we faced Tony in the final round I said to myself to have a quick reaction time. But when I left the start, I felt it was a great light, and I told myself that if he beat us in the finals he must have had an exceptional reaction time. It was one of those days that everything fell into place, Antron got the championship and our team got the victory. '
How is your new baby boy Landon and is he ready to come to more of the races?
' Landon is doing very well, he is now 6 months old and getting bigger day by day. ' Said the happy father ' At the moment I do not know when he will come to the track. With my wife Tracey, my daughter, and Landon being there it was just such a special day with them.'
After the win, did you get a call from your father?
' Right away after the win I got the call. My Dad and Cheryl were watching on ESPN3. ' Said the relieved winner ' I am in the Team Vehicle on the return road heading towards winners circle with the other class winners, my phone rings and sure enough its dad who was absolutely ecstatic. He was so proud and so happy that our MAVTV team had finally won. The entire day was just so special
Ending the season on such a high, what are the expectations of the entire team going into the 2013 Mello Yello Drag Racing Season:
' The MAVTV, Protect the Harvest team will be ready, just as we were when winning the Auto Club Finals. ' Said the 19 time national event winner ' We want to come out and win races but in the grand picture be in the top 10 for the Countdown, and that is when our team wants to come alive. ' Brandon added ' We want to be even more consistent during the countdown and we feel that we can win the championship this year, and Likewise Morgan feels the same. This Morgan Lucas Racing is built towards winning the championship and as a whole we want see both cars up front for the championship fight. '
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