NHRA Driver » Brandon Bernstein

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Brandon Bernstein

Date of birth:
August 02, 1972
Hometown:
Dallas
Sponsor/Car:
Protect the Harvest/MavTV
Crew Chief:
Joe Barlam/John DeFilippis

Career Wins: 21
TF: 18 TAD: 3
Career Final Rounds: 44
TF: 39 TAD: 5
Career Best E.T.:
3.736
Career Best Speed:
330.31

2012: Ended three year winless slump with Pomona 2 victory; posted runner-up finishes at Englishtown and Denver; qualified a season-best second at Charlotte 1 and Pomona 2; finished fifth in the final Countdown standings
2011: Advanced to final round at Las Vegas 1; claimed No. 1 qualifying position at Bristol; posted eighth consecutive top 10 points finish; set career-best speed at Charlotte 2
2010: Advanced to three final rounds; Posted seventh consecutive top 10 points finish; Recorded career-best time and speed at hometown event in Dallas
2009: Ended two-plus-year drought with win in Richmond; Reached five final rounds; Posted fourth career top 5 points finish; earned his first-ever win in the Countdown to 1
2008: Raced to runner-up finishes at Gainesville, Englishtown, Norwalk and Seattle; Claimed No. 1 qualifying positions at Phoenix and Memphis; Posted fifth career Top 10points finish
2007: Finished third in inaugural Countdown to the Championship with five wins in seven final round finishes; Earned career-high five wins; Tied career best points finish (3rd, also 2006, 2004)
2006: Earned a career-high four victories; Posted three No. 1 qualifying positions; Finished runner-up three times, including Indianapolis; Contended for POWERade championship until late in season, was as high as second in point standings; Tied his career-best POWERade Series points finish (3rd, also 2004)
2005: Raced to victories at St. Louis and Seattle; Posted two No. 1 qualifying positions; Clocked a career-best speed at Phoenix
2004: Earned three victories in four finals; Led POWERade point standings following win at Topeka; Earned four No. 1 qualifying awards; Finished a career-high third in POWERade point standings.
2003: Earned three victories and two No. 1 qualifying awards in first eight professional starts; suffered season-ending back injury in crash at Englishtown; named Auto Club Road to the Future Award winner, which recognizes NHRA's top rookie; scored first career Top Fuel win at Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals
2002: Worked as a crew member on father's Top Fuel dragster; Earned his Top Fuel license on Oct. 14 at the Texas Motorplex with runs of 4.621 at 322.23 and 4.699 at 320.62
2001: Won NHRA Division 7 Top Alcohol Dragster championship driving for Darien and Meadows team; Earned five national event victories and shared winner's circle with his father at two events (Las Vegas 1 and Chicago 2)

Wife: Tracey
Daughter: Lyla Faith (4/23/2010)
Height/weight: 5’7”, 165 lbs.
Hobbies: Computers and computer gaming; Golf
Had the most successful career launch of any other Top Fuel or Funny Car driver, winning five of his first 13 starts over two seasons
2009 marked the 30th (and final year) of the Bernstein/Budweiser sponsorship, the longest in motorsports history
Won NHRA Division 7 Top Alcohol Dragster championship driving for Darien and Meadows team in 2001 and worked on his dad’s TF crew in 2002.

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