Defending IHRA Pro Stock champion Peter Berner was spotted walking around the U.S. Nationals pits, which immediately brought a question to mind: Is Berner considering a move to NHRA Pro Stock, and taking notes from fellow IHRA racer Rickie Smith?

“It would be pretty interesting to give this side a try,” said Berner. “I just couldn’t afford to run the 23-race schedule over here in addition to the 11-race schedule in IHRA.”

Pro Stock legend has converted his versatile Jerry Bickel-built Chevy Cobalt from a mountain-motor Pro Stock car over to a 500-inch machine for this weekend’s race. Berner thinks his car could do the same thing.

Defending IHRA Pro Stock champion Peter Berner was spotted walking around the U.S. Nationals pits, which immediately brought a question to mind: Is Berner considering a move to NHRA Pro Stock, and taking notes from fellow IHRA racer Rickie Smith?

“It would be pretty interesting to give this side a try,” said Berner. “I just couldn’t afford to run the 23-race schedule over here in addition to the 14-race schedule in IHRA.”

Pro Stock legend has converted his versatile Jerry Bickel-built Chevy Cobalt from a mountain-motor Pro Stock car over to a 500-inch machine for this weekend’s race. Berner thinks his car could do the same thing.

“I gotta tell ya, I’m pretty impressed with what Rickie has done this weekend,” Berner said. “With a little more power I think he would be right up there. We’ve been thinking of trying the same thing, but we’d have to have the right motor program to even consider it. We have a really great motor program going on with our IHRA deal right now, so unless something incredible comes along it looks like I’ll stick with IHRA and try to defend my title.”

“Rickie is a racing fool,” continued Berner. “I told him when I got here yesterday that he was just a glutton for punishment! He’s a great racer, and he made some adjustments and went right down the track, so my hat’s off to him.”