It took nine races before Hollister racer Ryan Bernal was able
to realize one of his biggest dreams – winning a United States Auto
Club Racing competition – but since he tasted victory July 30, he
hasn’t loss.
It took nine races before Hollister racer Ryan Bernal was able to realize one of his biggest dreams – winning a United States Auto Club Racing competition – but since he tasted victory July 30, he hasn’t loss.
After winning Saturday in Santa Maria, Bernal has now won three USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car races in a row – inching Bernal closer to the top of the division’s standings. Currently, Bernal is in third place behind Richard VanderWeerd and Jace VanderWeerd.
In Saturday’s race, Bernal moved up from fourth in qualifying to surpass Mike Spencer, who led the race’s first 15 laps. But on lap 16 Bernal made his move and never trailed again.
The week prior in Hanford, Bernal had a similar victory by coming from behind in qualifying to win. In the race, Bernal quickly jumped into the lead on lap eight and never trailed.
“Off the start, I started to push,” he said. “A couple of laps later I took the lead. I was patient and was able to keep my car under control.”
Besides the quality driving, the biggest key to Bernal’s recent success is his ability to qualify well, and after a few laps take the lead, he said.
“I’ve been able to get to the front and get the lead and stay there,” he said.
More than anything, the streak has boosted Bernal’s confidence and removed the memory of four second place finishes earlier in the year.
“I kind of have a lot of confidence going right now,” he said. “Everything is going great.”
In the circuit’s 12 races, Bernal has finished in the top two on seven occasions.
“What I’ve been able to do is finish and complete the races,” he said.
And if Bernal can keep his streak alive, he might have a chance at the championship in his first year on the circuit.
“I expect to challenge for the championship,” he said.
To continue his streak, the next scheduled race is Sept. 10 at the Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway in Hanford.
