Brandon Bernstein didn’t run today because of kidney stones. At approximately 10:30 a.m., he was transported to the hospital complaining of severe pain.

Bernstein was admitted to the Emergency Room and diagnostic tests confirmed a small kidney stone. The attending urologist suggested the stone would pass with fluids and rest.

“We’re taking a ‘wait and see’ approach,” said Kenny Bernstein. “If the stone is expelled today or tonight, there’s a chance that Brandon might be able to drive tomorrow. At this particular time, we have opted not to do any type of surgical procedure which would mean he would have to undergo general anesthesia, which would stay in his system rendering him unable to drive this weekend.

Brandon Bernstein didn’t run today because of kidney stones. At approximately 10:30 a.m., he was transported to the hospital complaining of severe pain.

Bernstein was admitted to the Emergency Room and diagnostic tests confirmed a small kidney stone. The attending urologist suggested the stone would pass with fluids and rest.

“We’re taking a ‘wait and see’ approach,” said Kenny Bernstein. “If the stone is expelled today or tonight, there’s a chance that Brandon might be able to drive tomorrow. At this particular time, we have opted not to do any type of surgical procedure which would mean he would have to undergo general anesthesia, which would stay in his system rendering him unable to drive this weekend.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed. If the stone has not passed by tomorrow morning, we will explore the option of the surgical procedure to retrieve the stone. Tomorrow morning, we will also announce whether or not we will put another driver in the car.

“Brandon really wants to drive this weekend, so we have chosen to give him the opportunity to pass the stone by forcing liquids through him intravenously. It will ultimately be Brandon’s decision, along with medical staff, of whether he feels up to driving.

“Fortunately we are seeded in the countdown to eight so our status is protected.”

A quick check through the pits Friday revealed the only available licensed Top Fuel driver at Maple Grove Raceway was Mike Dunn.