Brandon Bernstein needed the momentum qualifying No. 1 in Memphis provided. At this stage in the championship battle, he can use every point he can get as he tries to keep pace with leader Tony Schumacher.

“It’s tough when you look at the points system and that car is so consistent,” Bernstein said. “He runs the number so much that you begin to question if you can catch him or not. As long as we are in this fight, we are going to fight to the end. Anything can happen on Sunday.

“He’s got a good consistent race car but anyone can stumble and if he does, that could provide an opportunity to step up and get some points.

Bernstein wishes no ill-will on anyone. He would, however, like an opportunity to make up ground.

“We have to do everything at this point with four races left,” Bernstein said. “It’s critical that we do something this weekend, either a semi-final or final round finish.”

Bernstein’s Memphis qualifying success represented his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 13th in his career. For the first time in his career, Bernstein enters Sunday’s Memphis eliminations as the No. 1 qualifier.