FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bernstein, Gasperrelli claim Sears Point Raceway wins

SONOMA, Calif. - NHRA's Pacific Division concluded its fifth Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event of the 2001 season at Sears Point Raceway under hot but clear skies. Current Pacific Division points leaders Brandon Bernstein of Lake Forest, Calif., and Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina, Calif., claimed victories in Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car, respectively.

In Federal-Mogul Dragster, rookie driver Brandon Bernstein, son of Top Fuel dragster legend Kenny Bernstein, drove his Jerry Darien-tuned Budweiser dragster to the win in a fantastic battle with Scottsdale, Ariz., driver Mark Niver.

Bernstein's weekend began with a win over Larry Meirsh, Fallbrook Calif., after Meirsch's tires went up in smoke right from the start. Bernstein subsequently ran a 5.553-second pass at 253.79 mph. In the second round and semifinals, Bernstein used a pair of .444 reaction times to take out Kevin Brown, Clearfield, Utah, and Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., setting him for his final round face off against Niver.

In the final, Bernstein once again used a great reaction time, a .446 to Niver's .529, to claim his second NHRA Pacific Division win and pull himself further ahead in Pacific Division points.

"After such a disappointing loss in St. Louis last week I felt like I had to win this race. It's our second divisional this year, which should really help us. Jerry (Darien) did a great job this weekend, I'm glad I also did mine," said Bernstein.

In Federal-Mogul Funny Car, Gasparrelli collected his third Pacific Division win, beating out defending Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Funny Car Champion Pat Austin of Tacoma, Wash. After taking out John Patton of Peoria, Ariz., Doug Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., and Jason Rupert of Placentia, Calif., Gasparrelli faced Austin, who seemed unbeatable all day. But it wasn't to be for the former four-time Federal-Mogul Funny Car National Champion, Austin who shortly after his launch smoked the tires, giving the win to Gasparrelli.

"I tried to stay in it as long as I could," said Austin, "but, I think we just had too much car for the track."

With three wins and two runner-ups for the year, Gasparrelli is well on his way to winning his first divisional title and fulfilling his goal for the year, which is to win the Pacific Division title and finish in the top five in Federal-Mogul Funny Car National Championship points.

"We are so thrilled to win today. Pat (Austin) beat us in Phoenix this year and I guess you can say we owed him one," joked Gasparrelli.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Sears Point Raceway.

FEDERAL MOGUL DRAGSTER
Second Round
1) Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest , Calif., 5.757 seconds, 255.11 mph def. 
9) Kevin Brown, Clearfield, Utah, 5.869, 227.69

4) Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.570, 256.25 def.
5) Brandon Henkleman, San Jose, Calif., 7.516, 119.28 

2) Mark Niver, Scottsdale, Ariz, 5.643, 254.54
7) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.963, 244.85

3) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.628, 249.53
6) Dave Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 8.163, 112.60

Semifinals
Niver, 5.739, 249.59 def. Nicholson, 6.128, 193.20
Bernstein, 5.820, 235.68 def. Jones, 9.290, 87.85

Final 
Bernstein, 6.002, 247.90 (.446 reaction time) def. Niver, 6.035, 233.44 (.529 r/t)

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR
 Second Round
1) Pat Austin, Tacoma, Wash., 5.903 seconds, 247.26 mph def.
6) Pete Swayne, Orange, Calif., 5.784, 238.61

5) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., 5.957, 244.73 def.
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 6.146, 190.74

10) Jason Rupert, Placentia, Calif., 6.118, 232.86 def.
9) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., 6.148, 236.79

Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 6.026, 242.31 def. Rupert, 6.195, 232.67
P. Austin, 5.968, 243.31 def. BYE

Final
Gaspearrelli, 5.971, 247.90 (.491 reaction time) def. P. Austin, 6.818, 155.99 (.466 r/t)

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Alan Freese, Monterey, Calif., '96 Grand Prix, E/AA, 8.863 seconds, 126.09 mph def 
Brain Hyerstay, Eugene, Ore. '97 Dragster, G/D, 14.559, 52.00 (foul)
        
SUPER STOCK
Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.518 seconds, 124.53 mph 
def. Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash. '98 Grand Am, GT/IA, 11.082, 111.54

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Ken Passerby, Chandler, Ariz, '71 Nova, I/SA, 12.072 seconds, 100.10 mph def. 
Darrin Grossi, Soulbyville, Calif., B/SA, '70 Cuda, 10.824, 107.65 

SUPER COMP
Michael Hiatt, Fallon, Nev., '96 Dragster, 8.941 seconds, 147.73 mph  def.
Deanna LeForbes, Riverside, Calif., 8.998, 162.14

SUPER GAS 
Johnny Gilbert, Hesperia, Calif., '91 Daytona, 9.904 seconds, 142.20 mph def.  
Janice Hogan, Orangevale, Calif., 9.838, 153.92

SUPER STREET
Kurt Gross, Oregon City, Ore., '77 Vega, 10.926 seconds, 127.98 mph def.
Dave Whooley, Fallon City, Nev., '82 Camaro, 10.947, 133.80

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Ramond Clemons, Antelope, Calif., '87 Suzuki GSXR, 9.477 seconds, 131.77 mph def. 
John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '94 Kawasaki Ninja, 9.091, 142.21

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Michael Nann, Novato, Calif., '01 Dragster, 14.935 seconds, 82.16 mph def.
Tim Height, Richmond, Calif., '90 Dragster (no show-broke)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pat Austin, Bernstein gaining championship steam at Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. - Warm temperatures and clear skies once again greeted the nearly 500 racers that turned out for Saturday's qualifying at the Bank of the West Festival of Fire, presented by Live 105 and News Channel 50. Current NHRA Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Funny Car Champion Pat Austin of Tacoma, Wash., and current NHRA Pacific Division points leader Brandon Bernstein of Lake Forest, Calif., seized the No. 1 qualifying positions after the second round of qualifying.

Pat Austin

Fresh off a victory last weekend at Mission Raceway Park in Mission B.C., Canada, Federal-Mogul Funny Car veteran Pat Austin set the pace for the second qualifying session when he improved on his 6.030-second pass from yesterday with a run of 5.966 seconds at 243.89 mph taking his '01 Pro-Max Firebird to the pole. Local favorite Ron August, Danville, Calif., improved on his No. 8 qualifying position from yesterday, improving on his first qualifying attempt to jump into the No. 3 position with an impressive 6.016 seconds at 238.92 mph.

In Federal-Mogul Dragster, rookie standout Brandon Bernstein, son of NHRA Top Fuel Dragster legend Kenny Bernstein, came from the No. 12 spot to take the pole behind the wheel of his Budweiser-sponsored dragster with a stellar 5.491 second pass at 259.57 mph. This was the first time in his short career that Bernstein, who currently leads the points in the NHRA Pacific Division, qualified in the top spot with the Jerry Darien-tuned dragster at a Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event.

Brandon Bernstein

"We had disappointing race last weekend in St. Louis but this great qualifying effort takes some of the sting away," said Bernstein. "Jerry [Darien] and the crew did a great job getting this car ready today and we are looking to bring home a win tomorrow."

Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus awards went to Bernstein in Federal-Mogul Dragster, Austin in Federal-Funny Car, Bill Wayne, Bullhead City, Calif., in Competition Eliminator, Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., in Super Stock and defending NHRA Pacific Division Federal-Mogul champion Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., in Stock

Qualifying and time trials will continue at Sears Point Raceway on Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations for Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car begin at noon.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and first round results for Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Sears Point Raceway:

 FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest, Calif., 5.49 seconds, 259.57 mph 
2. Mark Niver Scottdale, Ariz., 5.622, 249.71
3. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.658, 252.13
4. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.667, 250.80
5. Brandon Henkleman, San Jose, Calif., 5.680, 249.59
6. David Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 5.717, 263.42
7. Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.748, 253.00
8. Darryl Hitchman Hanford, Calif., 5.823, 219.31
9. Kevin Brown, Clearfield, Utah, 5.841, 223.61
10. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.923, 194.49
11. Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.998, 246.92
12. Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 6.097, 178.93
13. Mark Foster, Santa Cruz, Calif., 6.402, 199.78
14. Tony Meredyk, Cypress, Calif., 6.788, 231.84
15. Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 14.788, 62.57
16. Larry Miersch, Fallbrook, Calif., 25.476, 49.05

Eliminations--Round One
Bernstein, 5.534 seconds, 253.79 mph def. Miersch, 12.653, 66.06
Brown, 5.610, 251.15 def. Hitchman, 6.505, 168.76
Jones, 5.660, 249.34 def. Foster, 7.006, 178.30
Henkleman, 5.596, 258.16 def. Federlin, 5.749, 239.12
Niver, 5.790, 242.08 def. Topping, broke
Hudson, 5.610, 251.15 def. Strasburg, 5.699, 250.43
Nicholson, 5.594, 253.63 def. Merdyk, 11.622, 84.81
Baca, 5.965, 231.14 def. Anderson, 6.162, 233.56

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Pat Austin, Tacoma, Wash., '01 Pontiac Firebird, 5.966 seconds, 243.89 mph 
2. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '00 Chevrolet, Camaro, 6.009, 241.07
3. Ron August, Danville, Calif., '00 Camaro, 6.016, 238.92
4. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '99 Firebird, 6.044, 239.75
5. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '99 Firebird, 6.044, 239.75
6. Pete Swayne, Orange, Caif., '01 Firebird, 6.072, 230.12
7. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., .'01 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.100,233.87
8. John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Firebird, 6.143, 233.99
9. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '01 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.309, 225.12
10. Jason Rupert, Placentia, Calif., '00 Dodge Avenger, 6.315, 225.60
11. Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '01 Honda Intergra Type R, 6.315, 225.60
12. Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '97 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 14.400, 56.69   

Eliminations-Round One
P. Austin, 5.913, 243.32 def Drake, Broke
Swayne, 6.941, 178.89 def. Williamson, 16.115, 48.93
Gordon, 6.019, 241.41 def. Harrington, 6.002, 237.82
Gasparrelli, 6.007, 233.26 def. Patton, 6.143, 229.90
Rupert, 6.332, 222.39 def. August, 7.022, 178.68
Littlefield, 6.043, 231.93 def Weaver, 6.033, 242.42

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Bill Wayne, Bullhead City, Calif., '99 Dragster , A/ND, 7.353 seconds (0.647-seconds under Index)
2. Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., '96 Dragster, A/ND, 7.365 (-0.635) 
3. Bryan Hyerstay, Eugene, Ore, '00 Dragster, G/D, 9.435 (-0.625)
4. Andy Manna, Covina, Calif., '92 Pontiac Firebird, D/EA, 8.456 (-0.574)
5. Todd Movius, Long Beach, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.432 (-0.568)
6. Fred Gross, La Crecenta, Calif., '97 Pontiac Firebird, D/A, 8.052 (-0.548)
7. Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 9.054 (-0.536)
8. John Edwards, Claremont, Calif., C/EA, 8.395, (-0.535) 
9. Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '96 Chevrolet Lumina, E/A, 8.370 (-0.530)
10. John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., '00 Dragster, B/D, 6.985 (.525) 

SUPER STOCK
1. Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., SS/AA, 8.849 seconds, (-1.151-under Index)
2. Tony Hewes, Reno, Nev., '69 Ford Mustang, SS/GA, 9.786 (-1.064)
3. Bill Bennett, Mountain View, Calif., '87 Chevrolet Camaro, GT/EA, 9.895 (-1.055)
4. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., '64 Mercury Comet, SS/MA, 11.149 (-1.001)
5. Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '01 Pontiac Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.572 (-0.978)
6. Doug Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., SS/BS, 9.037, (-0.963)
7. Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.394 (-0.956)
8. Bob Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., '98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, SS/BM, 8.773 (-0.927)
9. Curt Auman, Yorba Linda, Calif., '90 Chevrolet Beretta, SS/AM, 8.631 (-0.919)
10. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA, 10.192 (-0.908)  

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 Plymouth GTX, C/SA, 10.539 (-1.161)
2. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., '73 Plymouth Duster, G/SA, 11.140 (1.160-seconds under Index)
3. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dodge Dakota, DT/SA, 12.994 (-1.156)
4. Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Ford Fairlane, A/S, 10.188 (-1.062)
5. Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '76 Plymouth Volare, I/SA, 11.553 (-1.047)
6. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., '81 Dodge D-150, ET/SA, 12.284 (-1.016)
7. Larry Maxwell, Salinas, Calif., '72 Pontiac Firebird, F/SA, 11.167 (-0.983)
8. Don Keen, Palmdale, Calif., '68 Mustang, B/S, 10.530(0.970)
9. Jim Waldo, Richland, Wash., '69 Ford Mustang, B/S, 10.539 (-0.961)
10. Danny Missbrenner, San Ramon, Calif., '71 Dodge Demon, E/SA, 11.039 (-0.961)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pat Austin, Henkelman lead qualifying at Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. -The more than 450 racers made their annual stop on the NHRA Pacific Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series tour at the scenic Sears Point Raceway for the Bank of the West Festival of Fire, presented by Live 105 and News Channel 50. Current NHRA Northwest Division Federal-Mogul Funny Car Champion Pat Austin of Tacoma, Wash., and Federal-Mogul Dragster pilot Brandon Henkelman of San Jose, Calif., captured the No. 1 qualifying positions after one round of qualifying on Friday.

Federal-Mogul Funny Car pilot Austin made the long trip south to Sears Point Raceway fresh from a victory last weekend at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C., Canada, to capture the top spot in his '01 Pro-Max Pontiac Firebird with a pass at 6.030 seconds at 242.41 mph. Current NHRA Pacific Division Federal-Mogul Funny Car points leader Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., finished up in the No.4 spot with a pass of 6.044 seconds at 238.12 mph.

In Federal-Mogul Dragster, Brandon Henkelman topped the list with his pass of 5.680 seconds at 249.59 mph. Just behind the San Jose dragster runner was Darren Nicholson clocking in at 5.685 at 249.72 mph.

Qualifying and time trials will continue at Sears Point Raceway on Saturday at 8 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car will have a qualifying session at noon and first round of eliminations at 5:30 p.m.

At the conclusion of the exciting Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series competition, fans will be mesmerized by front engine nostalgia dragsters, 6,000-horsepower jet car's and a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Sears Point Raceway:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Brandon Henkelman, San Jose, Calif., 5.680 seconds , 249.59 mph
2. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.685, 249.72
3. David Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 5.717, 263.42
4. Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.942, 238.31
5. Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 6.110 177.88
6. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 6.294, 242.57
7. Mark Foster, Santa Cruz, Calif., 6.402, 199.78
8. Darryl Hitchman Hanford, Calif., 6.632, 154.66
9. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 7.237, 146.87
10. Kevin Brown, Clearfield, Utah, 8.397, 102.02
11. Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 8.672, 103.59
12. Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest, Calif., 12.755, 97.82
13. Mark Niver Scottdale, Ariz., 13.701, 79.71
14. Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 15.900, 53.43
15. Tony Meredyk, Cypress, Calif., 16.019, 70.20

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Pat Austin, Tacoma, Wash., '01 Pontiac Firebird, 6.030 seconds, 242.41 mph 
2. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '00 Chevrolet, Camaro, 6.035, 238.37
3. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '99 Firebird, 6.044, 239.75
4. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '99 Firebird, 6.044, 239.75
5. Pete Swayne, Orange, Caif., '01 Firebird, 6.072, 230.12
6. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., .'01 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.100, 233.87
7. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '01 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.309, 225.12
8. Ron August, Danville, Calif., '00 Camaro, 9.465, 123.55
9. Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., 9.954, 107.05
10. Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '97 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 14.400, 56.69   

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Bill Wayne, Bullhead City, Calif., '99 Dragster , A/ND, 7.353 seconds (0.647-seconds under Index)
2. Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., '96 Dragster, A/ND, 7.365 (-0.635) 
3. Bryan Hyerstay, Eugene, Ore, '00 Dragster, G/D, 9.470 (-0.590)
4. Todd Movius, Long Beach, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.447 (-0.553)
5. Fred Gross, La Crecenta, Calif., '97 Pontiac Firebird, D/A, 8.064 (-0.536)
6. Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 9.054 (-0.536)
7. Kevin Osman, Pinole, Calif., '23 Ford Roadster, K/AA, 9.427 (-0.453)
8. Andy Manna, Covina, Calif., '92 Pontiac Firebird, D/EA, 8.579 (-0.451)
9. Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '96 Chevrolet Lumina, E/A, 8.455 (0.445) 
10. John Chamberlin Napa, Calif., Dragster, B/D, 7.104 (0.406) 

SUPER STOCK
1. Bill Bennett, Mountain View, Calif., '87 Chevrolet Camaro, GT/EA, 9.895 seconds (1.055-seconds under Index)
2. Tony Hewes, Reno, Nev., '69 Ford Mustang, SS/GA, 9.840 (-1.010)
3. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., '64 Mercury Comet, SS/MA, 11.149 (-1.001)
4. Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '01 Pontiac Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.582 (-0.968)
5. Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.422 (-0.928)
6. Bob Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., '98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, SS/BM, 8.773 (-0.927)
7. Curt Auman, Yorba Linda, Calif., '90 Chevrolet Beretta, SS/AM, 8.637 (-0.913)
8. Dave Raybourne, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dodge Dart, SS/AA, 9.107 (-0.893)
9. Don Bevers, Tucson, Ariz., '91 Ford Probe, SS/BM, 8.824 (-0.876)
10. Jim Grossi Jr., Gustine, Calif., '96 Oldsmobile Achieva, GT/B, 9.574 (-0.826) 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., '73 Plymouth Duster, G/SA, 11.140 (1.160-seconds under Index)
2. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 Plymouth GTX, C/SA, 10.545 (-1.155)
3. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dodge Dakota, DT/SA, 12.084 (-1.066)
4. Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Ford Fairlane, A/S, 10.198 (-1.052)
5. Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '76 Plymouth Volare, I/SA, 11.553 (-1.047)
6. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., '81 Dodge D-150, ET/SA, 12.289 (-1.011)
7. Larry Maxwell, Salinas, Calif., '72 Pontiac Firebird, F/SA, 11.167 (-0.983)
8. Danny Missbrenner, San Ramon, Calif., '71 Dodge Demon, E/SA, 11.039 (-0.961)
9. Jim Waldo, Richland, Wash., '69 Ford Mustang, B/S, 10.545 (-0.955) 
10. Stephanie Jones, Las Vegas, Nev., '65 Plymouth Belvedere, U/SA, 14.199 (-0.951)