Bartone Bros. Racing is ready for the 42nd Annual Lucas Oil NHRA National to run at Brainerd International Raceway in Top Alcohol Funny Car this weekend.
Driver, Sean Bellemeur, likes the track located in the land of 10,000 lakes. “I’ll never forget when we pulled into Brainerd last year,” he said. “It was my first time there and all you could see were lakes, trees, and the zoo. It could be hot and humid or it could be cool. You just never know. Looking ahead at the forecast it seems like it should be pretty fast. I love the uniqueness of the facility and the great the fans. It’ll be a fun weekend sending the Pirate Ship down the strip in Minnesota.”
The team returns to Minnesota with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
“Last year my first time running at Brainerd in Top Alcohol Funny Car. The track is a unique experience that every drag racing fan should see for themselves. On that note, the boys and I have a sour taste from last year,” confessed Bellemeur. “We were flat embarrassed last year by Doug Gordon. A mechanical failure had the Pirate Ship not running right and I’ll never forget watching Gordon drive away. I could feel my blood boiling as he got further away. It’s been a year since that run and we have talked about that run many times. To say we’re out to redeem ourselves at Brainerd International Raceway is an understatement.”
After four straight wins in Ohio, the Killer B’s are beginning a string of four NHRA national events.
“Now is crunch time. The bulk of the ‘hitters’ in Top Alcohol Funny Car will be here this weekend,” he added. “We need to keep the momentum rolling. We know there will be no easy rounds so we need to keep focus and give it everything we’ve got. I know the boys will be prepared so I’m excited to hit them with everything we’ve got and set up the second half of our season starting at Brainerd International Raceway this weekend!”
This story was originally published on August 15, 2024. 
