Alan Bradshaw enters Bristol on the strength of a positive St. Louis showing. (Roger Richards)

Having secured his first round-win of the 2008 season at the last NHRA event in St. Louis, Top Fuel driver Alan Bradshaw returns to his traditional Vis Viva "Living Force Energy" colors for this weekend's running of the O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.

"Team Vis Viva is certainly showing signs of hope," Bradshaw said. "In St. Louis we had three runs in the 4.50's and that is the kind of consistency we have been looking for all season.  It also shows that we seem to have a good 'average weather' tune-up, and our 'playbook' is getting bigger at every race.  Anytime you have more runs to the finish line under power than not, it is a good thing." 

Bradshaw looks to put more round-wins under his belt, and feels this weekend in Bristol is the perfect time and place for that to happen.

"Bristol is such a unique racetrack," Bradshaw said. "I really like the scenery around the track, and the fans are some of the best on the circuit. They really get into the racing and that makes it fun to come here.  With the track down in the valley you get a great view of the action on the track, and the echo from the cars is an all out assault on the ears too.  There is no other place like this."

Bradshaw partially credits the change in his Vis Viva dragster's chassis for the team's recent gain in momentum.

"We started running the new back half in Atlanta and I love it," Bradshaw said. "First and foremost it is safer, and it also seems to fit our tune-up better.  It looks like we have the chassis, engine and clutch all working together now. With all that and a crew that is second to none, I'm looking to put the Vis Viva 'Living Force Energy' dragster in the winner's circle at Thunder Valley."