Berner regains passion from Summit fans’ enthusiasm
(8-6-2012) CONCORD, NC – People are passionate about their cars. This weekend Pete Berner’s own passion was re-ignited as he was amazed and encouraged by the enthusiasm of Summit Racing Equipment fans at the ADRL Dragstock IX.
“zMAX was flooded with Summit fans this weekend,” told Berner. “I think it was overall one of the largest crowds the ADRL has seen all year and it seemed as though every one of them was a believer in Summit. Summit is running a promotion where they send free tickets to an ADRL event with each purchase. I had people coming up to me all weekend, thanking me for the tickets. One gentleman in particular was extremely grateful. He couldn’t believe the tickets were real. These tickets and Summit’s support of racing meant so much to these fans. The enthusiasm they showed was just unbelievable. It certainly gives me renewed enthusiasm and passion for what we do. I feel privileged just to be a part of an organization that thinks that much about the industry and people they serve. Summit is a company people not only turn to for parts and accessories, but one that people get excited about and love to support. I owe gratitude to the Summit fans for re-igniting my own passion for racing this weekend.”
The ADRL’s inaugural trip to zMAX Dragway was certainly deemed a successful one in many ways. For Berner’s Summit Team, the weekend started well with a number four qualifying spot. Their impressive 4.111 put them just four thousandths off the pole position. However, tricky conditions for first round caused only 4 of the 16 qualified cars to make it down the track without tire shake. Berner was one of the 12 to succumb to the conditions, which gave competitor David Schorr an easy win.
“I feel terrible that we didn’t put on a better show for all the great fans there this weekend,” continued Berner. “We had a wonderful audience and failed to give them the win I know many of them were hoping for. I owe them an apology. We didn’t perform at the level they expect of us or that we expect of ourselves. Every run we’re learning something new about this Camaro. It’s a great tool and it’s certainly fast. It’s built to do something different and accomplish more than we have in the past. We’re still figuring out the right combinations for each unique condition to accomplish what we’ve set out to do. I have to hand it to David [Schorr] and his family. They are one of the very few cars who made the right calls and got down the track successfully first round and then made it all the way to the semis. I want to congratulate them on a great weekend!
“This weekend did not go as we had planned, but thanks to all our Summit fans that came out to support us, it was still one of the best races we’ve had all year. They reminded me of what this sport is really about. Even more than winning, it’s about the passion we all share for our cars and this sport.”
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