NHRA (MEMPHIS) - WILL TURNED AWAY IN FIRST ROUND LOSS...

The driver of the KB Racing LLC-owned, Kalitta Motorsports-managed "Support our Troops and Families" dragster, Hillary Will, saw her quest for the Top Fuel title at the 20th annual NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals come to an end in a close first round match up.

In the opening round against Brandon Bernstein, who qualified No. 2, Will, who qualified for her 42nd consecutive Top Fuel race, got off the line first and in a great side-by-side drag race was nipped at the finish line. Will covered the Memphis Motorsports Park quarter-mile in 4.617 seconds at 312.13 mph, running her best elapsed time of the weekend. Bernstein covered the 1320-feet in 4.569 seconds and won by 35 thousandths of a second -- quicker than you can shut and open your eye and equal to about a half of a car length.

"Taking nothing away from Brandon who ran great today, low of the round, but our team continues to struggle," said Will, following her race with Bernstein. "I'm really proud of my team because they are not hanging their heads. Our morale is up. They're continuing to work really hard. Our spirits are up around here and we're going to keep trying and trying. I know with that type of attitude that we're going to be in winner's circle soon. I wouldn't change these guys for anybody.

"The same is true of everybody at Kalitta Motorsports. We realize that we all have to stick together and work together. Connie (Kalitta) runs a great team and our attitude here at Kalitta Motorsports is that this is temporary and we'll overcome this. This group of guys is amazing."

*TELEVISION: *ESPN2 / ESPN2 HD will air same-day coverage of eliminations for the 20th annual NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals tonight (Sept. 16) from 7-10 p.m. The elimination show repeats early Thursday morning, Sept. 20, from 4-6 a.m. *Television times are ET and subject to change without notice. Check your local listing.*

*NEXT RACE:* The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series heads straight to Dallas and the Texas Motorplex for the 22nd annual NHRA O'Reilly Fall Nationals next weekend, Sept. 20-23. *Pro qualifying begins on Friday, Sept. 21.