The Kenny Bernstein-owned Copart/Lucas Oil team scored its third runner-up finish of the season. It was driver Brandon Bernstein’s 35th career final round appearance and his first at Bandimere Speedway.

Bernstein drove the Copart/Lucas Oil dragster to the No. 8 qualifying position (3.992/296.11). That starting berth positioned him on the side of the Top Fuel ladder that was loaded with the category’s top point scorers, setting up a battle line of seasoned warriors that he would have to conquer to make the drive to victory circle.

Though Bernstein had a 21-7 edge in career matches against Cory McClenathan going into the opening round of Mopar Mile-High eliminations, he hadn't defeated McClenathan in their three meetings this season. That changed in the first round, when Bernstein edged Cory Mac for the win by half a car length, 3.962/301.54 vs. 3.988/310.55.

“The sun was out and beating down on the track and I was a little nervous being first pair,” said Bernstein, “because you don’t have a read on how much horsepower the track can hold. We want to give a tip of the helmet to the NHRA Safety Safari for doing a good job prepping the track. Todd (Smith, crew chief) and Donnie (Bender, assistant crew chief) made a good tuning call.”

Bernstein rolled to the Tree to face Antron Brown in round two. With a slight edge in reaction time out of the gate, Bernstein led wire to wire, crossing the finish line with a 3.975/303.03 to Brown’s 4.035/300.00.