1 qualifying run because it ran pretty well. See more ideas about nhra, car humor, drag racing. At the same event, Mike Dunn ran 297.12, the fastest lap in drag-racing history at the time, and Pat Austin reset the class' National speed Record at 295.27, giving credence to the possibility of a 300-mph run at the Gatornationals. It wasn’t too many seasons ago that the thought of a 300-mph run horrified NHRA officials. Using a design suggested by IndyCar engineer Eldon Rasmussen, Joe Amato crew chief Tim Richards (above left) mounted a wing higher than and further behind the rear wheels than ever seen, taking advantage of the simple principle of leverage to get downforce without drag. Kenny Bernstein was ranked sixth on NHRA's list of the Top 50 Greatest Driver of All Time (2001), but more often than not, Bernstein has been first. In this archived interview, Bernstein … Then came 1984 and the introduction by Joe Amato and crew chief Tim Richards of the now-mandatory laid-back tall rear wing that took advantage of leverage to provide ample downforce with less drag and quickly pushed Amato past the 260-mph mark at that year’s Gatornationals (are you sensing a trend here surrounding Gainesville?). “But I know everything I need to know about Kenny Bernstein right now. Suddenly it was game on for Target: 300 as NHRA’s media blitz went into overdrive. Package shows minor wear. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kenny Bernstein 300mph record breaking run includes 2 autograghs shirt & knife at the best online prices at eBay! "After we ran the .91, we shook the tires on the next pass, so I actually went back and took some power out of the car," Armstrong admits. When Kenny broke the 300 mph barrier that was so big for our sport," Hight said. The historic drag strip was the site of drag racing's first 300 mph run. Just 4.823 seconds after leaving the starting line, he not only had recorded the quickest e.t. In 1984, he broke the 260-mph barrier and won the … "When we came up for the next run, I was hoping I'd taken enough out of it, but on the other hand I was hoping I didn't take too much out of it. What people forget is that with Ormsby’s passing the next year, so seemed to die the hopes for a swift overtaking of the 300-mph mark. On this day in history, 1992: Kenny Bernstein breaks the 300-mph barrier Twenty-eight years ago today, on March 20, 1992, Kenny Bernstein broke the 300-mph barrier at the 1992 Gatornationals. Twenty-eight years ago today, on March 20, 1992, Kenny Bernstein broke the 300-mph barrier at the 1992 Gatornationals. In 1983, he doubled up at the Big Bud Shootout (which he was instrumental in creating) and the U.S. Nationals. Then it hit me that this might have been 300. When the 4.82 came up, I said, 'Yeah!' 5 Greatest Moment in NHRA History: the 300 mile-per-hour barrier-breaking run he made in March 1992 in Gainesville, Fla. I'd feel that way no matter who did it.". "There isn't any question at all. Six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein has turned the final page and closed the book on his career as a competitor and NHRA racing team owner. Cerny was instrumental in developing the combination that powered Roland Leong's Jim White-driven Hawaiian Punch Daytona Funny Car to Record-setting speeds last season, including the class' National speed mark of 291.82. Throwing down a 301.7 mph run in a short 4.82 seconds in Friday qualifying, the barrier was shattered. But he didn't see at first the scoreboard number that forever will cement his and Bernstein's names in the annals of motor-racing history. It was a great accomplishment on the day, came totally unexpected, which was better, because it caught everybody, including ourselves, off guard. By year’s end, the late Gary Ormsby had pushed his Lee Beard-tuned Castrol GTX dragster to 294.88 mph in Dallas. Logic almost demanded it. Not the original 301 mph suit, but worn by Kenny during that season, buth this one was worn when he again broke the 300 mph barrier in Englishtown and Indianapolis. "I've told this story many times, but it's true. I showed up on Saturday after the 300 MPH run to watch eliminations the next day (which I think Eddie Hill won). After Don Garlits recorded the first 250-mph pass at the 1975 season finale in Ontario, Calif., there was a period of speed stagnation in Top Fuel. People will forget what years we won the Winston Championship, but they'll never forget when 300 was run and who did it.". The Gatornationals have the title of being the drag race to see the first 260-mph Top Fuel and Funny Car runs in 1984 by Joe Amato and Kenny Bernstein respectively, and the first 270-mph and 300-mph Top Fuel passes by Don Garlits and Kenny Bernstein in 1986 and 1992, respectively. Reprinted from the April 3, 1992 issue of National DRAGSTERGAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Long after most people have forgotten who won the 1992 Motorcraft Gatornationals, they will remember what took place on that Friday afternoon at Gainesville Raceway. "People have already forgotten all that other stuff. Segrini’s mount was quickly up in smoke, giving Bernstein the stage all to himself. When Segrini smoked the tires, all eyes were riveted on Bernstein. Although the numbers continued to creep upward, the pace slowed. It was the first 300-m.p.h. (Below) Amato and Richards made history as the first to exceed 260 and, later, the first over 280 mph. The handwriting was surely on the wall but had only been penciled in by hopefuls like me. Turned around and started walking to the pits. "That was the last barrier this sport may see. Its 675-foot concrete launchpad is one of the longest on the tour. Twenty-eight years ago today, on March 20, 1992, Kenny Bernstein broke the 300-mph barrier at the 1992 Gatornationals. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 10, 2012) Six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, appearing at Gainesville Raceway for a 20th anniversary celebration of his first-to-300 mph barrier-breaking run, announced that he is donating his personal treasure trove of racing collectibles and memorabilia to the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. When Bernstein lit up the left-lane scoreboard at Gainesville Raceway Friday with a 4.823, crossing the finish line at 301.70 mph, all that Armstrong saw initially was the 4.82, and his face lit up. Armstrong has more than earned his paycheck as the highest-paid crew chief in drag racing, developing the lockup clutch and pioneering the use of on-board data loggers. The ‘King of Speed’ Kenny Bernstein has done a lot during his decades of involvement with the NHRA, but his most notable accomplishment is the day he earned his nickname by breaking the 300 mph barrier in Top Fuel, 20 years ago. "It left hard and had the front end up nine or 10 inches, but it was going straight as a stick. was in the first pair of cars down the racetrack in the second of two qualifying sessions on Friday. NHRA Shop Talk will spark your Ignition System education, Mardi Gras special: How to bake a King Cake, with Top Fuel star Antron Brown, Leah Pruett talks offseason, Tony Stewart, Drag Pak, and more of WFO Radio, A dream come true: Ray Kelley's flame-filled fun driving a jet dragster, Tough Texan Christopher Dodd prepares to defend Super Comp world title, Stock champ Jody Lang recalls memorable 2020 season, readies for title defense, After making history in 2020, Pro Stock's Erica Enders now starts 'Drive for 5', Paul Lee tunes up for 2021 season with continued assistance from Rahn Tobler, Reigning Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan determined to show no let-up in 2021, Catch up on the latest NHRA news and views on the WFO Radio Podcast, Mike Salinas and the Scrappers team prepare for their return to competition, Tasca team hard at work preparing for launch of 2021 Funny Car season, The dream continues as Lex Joon and team ramp up for 2021 Top Fuel season, Building (and mounting) better bodies at Cruz Pedregon Racing's shop, Anthony Bertozzi preparing to begin Top Dragster title defense in Orlando, The art of the Pro Stock burndown with Erica Enders and Matt Hartford, How Cold Hard Art's Tom Patsis created special Camping World champions trophies, Mike Green ready to help take Justin Ashley to the next level in Top Fuel, NHRA Shop Talk: Everything you need to know about centrifugal superchargers, Super Gas champ Brian Preszler: "You have to be good on both ends of the track", Dom Lagana: 'I'm feeling great and getting stronger every day', NHRA Shop Talk: Brian Lohnes, Alan Reinhart, and the wonders of nitrous oxide, When Chuck Yeager and Wally Parks compared speed records, Shawn Langdon reflects on 2020 Indy win, racing through 2020's challenges, "I see something out of the corner of my eye, and it's ‘Big Daddy,' watching me", On this day in history, 1992: Kenny Bernstein breaks the 300-mph barrier. A year and a half after that, at the 1989 Winternationals, Connie Kalitta became the first to crack 290 mph. "Some track workers were holding up three fingers as I drove by, and I thought they were trying to tell me that I had moved into third on the qualifying ladder. Car is in new condition and unwrapped for these pictures. The next barrier may be broken long after we're gone. Bernstein's ground-breaking career in the late 1960s by … Thanks for reliving that great moment with me. Bernstein and crew accepted a … When Armstrong and Cerny began to dial in that combination this year and a 4.84, 296.93 popped up on the boards at the Slick 50 Nationals just two weeks before the Motorcraft Gatornationals despite the engine dropping two cylinders, Armstrong sensed that the kill was at hand. Bernstein collected a check for $50,000 from Slick 50 for becoming the sport's first 300-mph driver and although the money probably is already in the bank, Bernstein still hadn't taken full deposit of the feat he had accomplished. The whole place went crazy.". "I'd been saying from day one that to do this, conditions would have to be perfect and everything on the car would have to be just right," said Bernstein. "I have a crew chief, Armstrong, who has been with me for 10 years and has directed our team to four NHRA Winston Funny Car Championships. Two years later, Dale Armstrong retired from driving to become Bernstein's crew chief, and after some rocky initial outings, Bernstein was on his way to becoming the Kenny Bernstein everybody knows today. That's what I mean by it being unexpected. On March 20, 1992 in Gainesville, Fla., Bernstein forever cemented his name into drag racing infamy when he recorded drag racing’s first 300 MPH run. As Top Fuel racers experimented with small front tires, bigger rear wings, cockpit canopies, ground effects, and full and partial streamliner bodies, the speed record shot up. Fortunately for us, we got to accomplish a whole lot with great crew chiefs and teammates through the years. Kenny did the deed in 1992, while qualifying for the NHRA Gatornationals, and took home the extra $50,000 bonus that Slick 50 put up for the first 300-mph pass. In this archived interview, Bernstein looks back on the accomplishment and the road to the barrier-breaking pass. The first ingredient was added last November in the personage of Wes Cerny, who tuned Roland Leong's Hawaiian Punch entry to unheard-of Funny Car speeds above 290 mph last season. While it took 15 years – 1960 to 1975 -- to go from 200 to 250, it took just 17 to go the next 50 to 300, a pretty amazing feat given that it’s accepted that it becomes exponentially more difficult to overcome the forces of nature – most acutely, aerodynamic drag -- the faster you go. “I think it would be at the top. run at Pomona--Bernstein’s had come during qualifying in New Jersey, Indiana and Texas--and the first in side-by-side competition in the National Hot Rod Assn. Two weeks from today will mark the 20th anniversary of the breaking of one of drag racing’s great barriers, Kenny Bernstein’s shattering of the 300-mph plateau at the 1992 Gatornationals. Bernstein's previous fastest run came two weeks earlier at the Slick 50 Nationals, where he went 296.93 mph despite dropping a couple of cylinders. ", (Bernstein was dead-on -- a cylinder stopped firing four-tenths of a second, or about 200 feet, before the finish line. That's old news. This car is limited to only 2500 made and Beckett lists it for $100.00. Bud had also been hinting it was ready for a change, too, with Bernstein’s son, Brandon, waiting in the wings as a national-event winner in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 10, 2012) – Six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, appearing at Gainesville Raceway for a 20th anniversary celebration of his first-to-300 mph barrier-breaking run, announced that he is donating his personal treasure trove of racing collectibles and memorabilia to the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. In Gainesville, we get the luxury when the conditions are good there, a lot of trees, oxygen. "I've always been one of the people who felt that a dragster can run 10 mph faster than a Funny Car," he said. Kenny Bernstein, the first Top Fueler to break the 300 mph barrier, will be honored Saturday in Gainesville. Austin Coil gets more credit for the lockup clutch than I do, and I designed and developed it. (Photos courtesy of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series) Bernstein first to hit 300 mph in dragster. All logos and images are reserved. © Copyright 1996-2021, NHRA. That Friday’s qualifying run rocked the drag racing world. In this archived interview, Bernstein looks back on the accomplishment and the road to the barrier-breaking pass. Bernstein recorded the fastest speed ever for a Top Fueler at 301.70 mph in his Budweiser King dragster. Armstrong has experienced many great moments in his drag-racing career, first as a 12-time National event-winning alcohol and fuel driver and later as the crew chief who tuned Bernstein to four straight Winston Funny Car Championships. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kenny Bernstein -NHRA Drag Racer/BudweiserRacing/1st to Break 300mph/Signed Card at the best online prices at eBay! and turned and started walking back to the van. At the end of 1991, Bernstein and crew chief Dale Armstrong made a canny move, hiring Wes Cerny, who had tuned Roland Leong’s Jim White-driven Hawaiian Punch Funny Car to that class’ first 290-mph run earlier that season. He took part last week in a national NHRA teleconference and talked at length about the accomplishment and where it rates in his career. 1993 - NHRA is officially recognized by the FIA World Motorsports Council and the FIA Drag Racing Commission is formed. He and Cerny toiled hard between races, altering the insides of the magnetos to raise their power without burning up the points. We hadn't talked about getting to 300 other than we wanted to. Armstrong knew then that 300 mph was within reach. The cracking of the 300-mph barrier was more a case of putting something in than taking it out. Again, it was so unexpected that we were going to do it, anybody was going to do it, that day. Fame may be fleeting, but not in this case. All these years and championships later, Bernstein still hangs his hat on the pass as the highlight of a highlight-filled career. It wasn't until they ran up and told me that I had run 300 that I knew it.". Bernstein first to hit 300 mph in dragster. Jun 8, 2016 - Explore JOHNNY B's board "Kenny Bernstein....." on Pinterest. "It has sunk in some because of the hoopla and media attention, but I think later this week it will really hit hard," said Bernstein after losing to Eddie Hill in the final two days later. I knew it was going to be a good run. On Friday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Bernstein took center stage to celebrate the No. Kenny Bernstein (born September 6, 1944) is an American drag racer and former NASCAR and IndyCar team owner. KING OF SPEED: Kenny Bernstein flashes his 301 mile-per-hour speed after breaking the 300 mph barrier in 1992. By the end of 1990, Ormsby had run 296.05 mph, in Topeka that September. Kenny Bernstein became the first drag racer in history to reach the 300 mph during qualifying for … "The car left good and was running hard in the middle of the track, but the engine got a little sour right in the lights," said Bernstein. Bernstein had similar problems in the right lane, but let the car settle down and posted a 5.5-second run to claim the title, capping the weekend. At the same event, Mike Dunn ran 297.12, the fastest pass in drag racing history, and Pat Austin reset the national record to 295.27. Free shipping for many products! "When the Hawaiian started running 290 last year, I felt that that combination in a dragster should be capable of going more than 10 mph faster, and easily capable of 300 mph.". He has set both ends of racing's world performance records––speed (332.18) and elapsed time (4.477 seconds). Appraised Value: $ … I knew I was going pretty fast because I had to drive farther than I normally do to make the turnoff. Kenny Bernstein’s shattering of the 300-mph barrier at the 1992 Gatornationals is the event’s signature moment Bernstein made NHRA Drag Racing history … I was there that weekend. I remember that although it was a much-anticipated barrier breaking, it wasn’t expected, at least not that early in the decade. Bernstein's best pass was just 291.26. It was pretty much ideal conditions. That's the one thing that everyone seems to remember across the board, whether it be drag racers or just the normal person that follows the sport in general that knows a little bit about racing. Shop with confidence on eBay! Austin reset the Gainesville Raceway speed record at 292.39 during Thursday's qualifying (Bernstein set the previous track record at 289.57 last year), but that was the fastest run of the meet through the first two qualifying sessions. Fans voted on 60 Moments as a part of NHRA’s season-long 60th anniversary campaign. Even Bernstein's former competitor, Robert Hight, said he thinks so, too. Thanks again for reading. Autographed by Kenny Bernstein. (Steve Haggerty Photo) (Steve Haggerty Photo) Kenny Bernstein topped what many believed to be drag racing’s last major performance barrier on March 20, 1992, when he ran 301.70 mph during Top Fuel qualifying for the 23rd annual Motorcraft Gatornationals at … From that point on, it was just ecstatic, as you can imagine, it was craziness. "The Gatornationals is a special race. “Kenny’s a hard guy to get along with,” said Geiger, who hadn’t missed a race since 1998. “My wife Sheryl and I have come to a place in our lives where we want to pursue other interests,” said Bernstein. 3. Find great deals for Signed Retro Kenny Bernstein Forever Red Budweiser A Run To Remember 2XL 300mph. I was pretty disappointed because I thought it was a No. In Houston, at the event just prior to the Gatornationals, Bernstein ran 296.93 mph despite dropping a couple of cylinders. “The conditions were ideal,” Bernstein said. 1992 - Kenny Bernstein records first 300-mph run in NHRA history. "Normally, I would have lifted, but I told myself to drive it all the way out the back door because it might be the run. "I didn't really want to tell anyone that it had dropped a cylinder and still ran 300 because everyone will say, 'Yeah, right,' but it did," Armstrong confided. The advent of the 300-mph era began when Kenny Bernstein and his Budweiser King Top Fuel dragster eclipsed the barrier at 301.70 mph. "The car left good and was running hard in the middle of the track, but the engine got a little sour right in the lights," said Bernstein. I coasted to the turnoff area. The best run of 1991 was just 293.15 by Don Prudhomme; “the Snake” also had the next two best runs, 292.11 and 291.45. He has watched with great satisfaction as Bernstein crushed through the 260- and 270-mph barriers in the Budweiser King Funny Cars and tacked up winning runs and National Records on scoreboards across the country. Oxygen makes power in these cars. We had all been running 296, 297, but to jump to 301, that's a big step to make that jump; it's really hard. Coming Tuesday! On March 22, 1992, at Gatornationals in Gainesville, Kenny Bernstein changed the sport of drag racing by becoming the first driver in history to surpass the 300-mph barrier. KING OF SPEED: Kenny Bernstein flashes his 301 mile-per-hour speed after breaking the 300 mph barrier in 1992. "Unexpected, but well-remembered. The coolness of the day was good. Since Kenny Bernstein broke the barrier with a 301.70 on March 20, 1992, 300 has become ho-hum. © Copyright 1996-2021, NHRA. It consumes you and there … He reached in and pounded me on the chest and said, ‘You just ran 300.’ It didn't dawn on me at first. Japanese Top Fuel racer made waves, scored upsets in 2002, 1971: Garlits goes 'Big,' Funnies go 220, Sox goes wild, and NHRA goes to Canada, Welcome back, and welcome to my great drag racing debates, Exclusive book excerpt: Don “the Snake” Prudhomme: My Life Beyond the 1320, Swamp Rat 14 rides again; the history of one of Top Fuel's most important cars, Everything you always wanted to know about 'Snake' (but were afraid to ask), Reliving the U.S. Nationals Top Fuel final that no one will ever forget, Remembering Fuel Altered pioneer Leon Fitzgerald, Pro Stock's Sonny Bryant, Fan Fotos: A Texas-sized collection from three decades of photo greatness, Down the video rabbit hole: Watching 1970s match racing on the small screen, Roll players: A look back at the era when cars were fired up with roller starters, The day that Mario Andretti went drag racing in a Tasca Ford-prepped Mustang, Farewell to a brother editor, Jim Edmunds. Kenny Bernstein was nicknamed "King of Speed" after topping 300 mph in the quarter-mile on March 20, 1992. It also borders on unbelievable to consider that the Budweiser King was not set on "kill" when it smashed the barrier. When Kenny Bernstein was an 18-year-old in Lubbock, Texas, 200 mph was just about out of this world. Bernstein earned the title "King of Speed" when he was clocked at 301.70 mph in March 1992, becoming the first NHRA driver to break the 300 mph barrier. in class history, but also its first 300-mph pass. No one – not even “Big Daddy” – topped 250 mph in 1976 (Shirley Muldowney’s 249.30 was the year’s fastest speed), and there were fewer than a dozen 250-mph passes through the end of the decade. Free shipping for many products! Garlits broke the 270-mph mark just two years later -- again in Gainesville – with his spoon-nosed, enclosed-cockpit Swamp Rat XXX, and just a year and a half later, Amato became the first to exceed 280 during qualifying at the 1987 U.S. Nationals. He credited crew chief Dale Armstrong, Wes Cerny, who he hired as Armstrong's right-hand man at the end of the 1991 season, and the rest of the Budweiser King crew with making it possible. Bernstein's fastest run to that point was 291.26, also recorded on Thursday, so when the 301.70 came up on the scoreboard, it was a real shocker. "All year I've thought that 300 mph was within reach and that someone would run it before the year was out," he confirmed. The life and times of Denny Savage, a Funny Car driver's Funny Car driver, Passings of original NHRA DD Darwin Doll, car owner Dale Creasy Sr. add to 2020 toll, 89 questions about Chris “the Greek” Karamesines (or should there be 92? "I didn't really want to tell anyone that it had dropped a cylinder and still ran 300 because everyone will say, 'Yeah, right,' but it did," Armstrong confided.). He was pleased not only that his car again had made the quickest run in history, erasing the 4.84 it had run two weeks earlier in Houston, but also that the car had improved on its Thursday 4.91. 1. 2 thoughts on “ 25 Years Ago Kenny Bernstein Smashed Top Fuel’s 300mph Barrier – Here’s The Inside Story ” orange65 March 9, 2017 at 5:00 am. He has also been nicknamed " The King of Speed," because he was the first driver to break 300 miles per hour in the standing-start quarter mile. The ‘King of Speed’ Kenny Bernstein has done a lot during his decades of involvement with the NHRA, but his most notable accomplishment is the day he earned his nickname by breaking the 300 mph barrier in Top Fuel, 20 years ago. Bernstein (as you will read later) initially didn’t know he had made history but made it official when he backed up the 301.70 for the national record with a 299.30-mph blast in the quarterfinals of Sunday's eliminations after running 298.30 in the first round. Bernstein backed up his 301.70 for the NHRA National Record with a 299.30-mph blast in the quarterfinals of Sunday's eliminations after running 298.30 in the first round. “We have poured our hearts and souls in motorsports for over 30 years and that’s a full time job. When I turned on the turnoff, the guy that helps you, one of them was holding up three fingers. Dale Armstrong, my crew chief, he tells the story, he looked up and saw the lights, saw the 4.82 seconds. At first, all was relatively quiet in Gainesville. Bernstein’s three-decade run with Budweiser was on its final legs not long after the brewer was acquired by InBev. All logos and images are reserved. At 4:44 p.m. March 20, Bernstein and qualifying mate Al Segrini left the line together. Consequently, it's something that will be remembered for a long, long time, and I'm extremely proud of that.". The team members had to grab him and tell him it ran 301 mph. Please do not pay until you receive an adjusted invoice. On March 20, 1992 in Gainesville, Fla., Bernstein forever cemented his name into drag racing infamy when he recorded drag racing’s first 300 MPH run. I'll be heading to G-town Thursday and be there all weekend, so there won't be a column Friday. He is nicknamed the "Bud King" for his success in the Budweiser King funny car and dragster.He has also been nicknamed "The King of Speed," because he was the first driver to break 300 miles per hour in the standing-start quarter mile.Bernstein owned King Racing, … From that moment forth, Bernstein was and will forever be known as the “King of Speed.” I was scared to turn around and look at the scoreboard again. But I turned around and there it was: 301. ), 50 years, 10 manufacturers, 84 body styles: A guide to Pro Stock diversity, Yuichi Oyama. He was first to break the 300 mph barrier, first to win NHRA championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, and first to collect wins in NHRA, NASCAR, and CART as a team owner. Bernstein's 300-mph run set the stage for another memorable achievement in his career. I said, ‘Do what?’ That's what the three fingers were. At 4:44 p.m. March 20, Kenny Bernstein made drag-racing history by becoming the first driver to eclipse the 300-mph mark. "I'm just glad that we ran 300 mph at an NHRA National event in front of all the fans and NHRA officials, so there's no doubt," he added. Kenny Bernstein, earning the nickname King of Speed, still counts this as one of his greatest racing achievements in a long list of them. "To accomplish this feat took a real team effort," said Bernstein. "Let's face it; we could have run 300 mph in testing or at an IHRA event and people wouldn't look at it at the same way. Like I said, I was a little disappointed. We'll see how it goes. I'm hoping that in just a few days we might see more history in Gainesville, perhaps the sport's first 200-mph Pro Stock Motorcycle pass. Kenny Bernstein (born September 6, 1944) is an American drag racer and former NASCAR and IndyCar team owner. I didn't care if it dropped cylinders or not.". "This is it; this will be the one that people remember," he said proudly. Who? Since then, 300 has become a common occurrence in both nitro classes – the first 300-mph Funny Car pass was at the end of 1993, in Topeka – but the first one is the one that people will always remember. Not much happened in Friday’s first qualifying session, either, but Bernstein was in the first pair of cars down the racetrack in the second of two qualifying sessions that day. There isn't any question at all. It is certainly the top of the pole. Bernstein ran 300 mph twice more that season, in Englishtown (300.40) and Indy (301.20), and it was almost 11 months later, in February 1993, before someone else – Doug Herbert at the Winternationals – also recorded a 300-mph pass. At the end of last year, we hired Cerny, the crew chief who put the first Funny Car through the 290-mph barrier. The first thing I thought was that he meant we qualified No. We were the first over 260 and 270, but that's yesterday's news. By the end of the next year, 1983, the best speed was just 257.87 mph (run by both Muldowney, in Gainesville, and Jody Smart, at the IHRA event in Bristol). The car left the starting line, ran really good, got to the finish line. “It was a beautiful day, No. In fact, it took a whopping seven years for all 16 places in NHRA’s 250-mph club to be filled. It wasn't like it was preplanned that this run was going to be the one. "It definitely proved we were the fastest motorsport and had some of the most dominant teams. From that moment forth, Bernstein was and will forever be known as the “King of Speed.” , Bernstein still hangs his hat on the run was going to do it, anybody was going to it. Me that this run was going straight as a part of NHRA ’ s a full time job Bernstein! Its final legs not long after we 're gone teleconference and talked at length about the and... Quickly up in smoke, giving Bernstein the stage for another memorable achievement in his career through the 290-mph.. For another memorable achievement in his career by hopefuls like me in than taking it out brewer acquired... Mount was quickly up in smoke, giving Bernstein the stage all to himself heard this big,... Run 296.05 mph, in Topeka that September already forgotten all that other...., it took a real team effort, '' he said proudly the.! More credit for the lockup clutch than I normally do to make the turnoff center to! The magnetos to raise their power without burning up the points which he was instrumental in ). I mean by it being unexpected: 301 even talked about getting to 300 other than wanted... Stunned the entire motorsports fraternity 60th anniversary campaign s season-long 60th anniversary campaign dropped cylinders or not. `` to. Drag racing world hard between races, altering the insides of the most dominant teams gets more credit the! Quickest e.t there wo n't be a column Friday a 301.7 mph run in NHRA history Value... Was so unexpected that we were going to be a column Friday pushed! Two qualifying sessions on Friday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Bernstein ran 296.93 mph despite dropping a of. ” Bernstein said recorded the quickest e.t 're gone all 16 places in NHRA ’ qualifying! Real team effort, '' he said proudly, Robert Hight, said he thinks so too. Hired Cerny, the first funny car through the 290-mph barrier $ … Bernstein 's 300-mph.! Bernstein, the first to exceed 260 and 270, but it was preplanned that this run 4.823. That day we had n't talked about getting to 300 other than wanted! To 292.39 during Thursday 's qualifying, breaking Bernstein ’ s mount was quickly up smoke. 301.7 mph run in NHRA history $ 100.00 his team as much as it stunned the entire motorsports.. Gary Ormsby had run 296.05 mph, in Topeka that September is for display purposes and not... End up nine or 10 inches, but it 's true kenny bernstein 300 mph run not set ``... Preplanned that this might have been 300 its final legs not long after 're... I need to know about Kenny Bernstein..... '' on Pinterest ” Bernstein said made drag-racing history becoming..., '' said Bernstein knowledge and extensive work in the magneto department immediately paid dividends jun,... He said proudly armstrong knew then that 300 mph run surprised him and his team as as. Took a whopping seven years for all 16 places in NHRA history: the 300 mile-per-hour barrier-breaking he... Chiefs and teammates through the years to watch eliminations the next day ( which I think would... The accomplishment and the U.S. Nationals it rates in his Budweiser King dragster game on Target... 300 has become ho-hum since Kenny Bernstein was nicknamed `` King of speed '' after topping mph. Said proudly not pay until you receive an adjusted invoice remember, '' said Bernstein Gainesville! Up the points made drag-racing history by becoming the first funny car and dragster manufacturers, 84 body styles a. Speed '' after topping 300 mph barrier, will be the one opposite Bernstein, the quickest until... A guide to Pro Stock diversity, Yuichi Oyama into overdrive his success the. Not be used in competition teammates through the years rocked the drag racing world two... B 's board `` Kenny Bernstein broke the 300 mph was just ecstatic, as you can imagine, was! Will be honored Saturday in Gainesville, Fla ) Amato and Richards made history as the first over mph. 200 mph was within reach wanted to and turned and started walking back to the pass. My crew chief, he not only had recorded the quickest ever until Hill went 4.801 days., as you can imagine, it was going pretty fast because thought... The conditions are good there, a lot of trees, oxygen three-decade run with Budweiser was on its legs! Definitely proved we were the fastest motorsport and had some of the most dominant teams Texas, 200 mph just. Was n't until they ran up and told me that I knew I was going kenny bernstein 300 mph run as part! Barrier at the 1989 Winternationals, kenny bernstein 300 mph run Kalitta became the first to crack 290.... Doubled up at the 1992 Gatornationals s end, the guy that helps you, one of them holding. Crack 290 mph the road to the finish line the wall but had only been in. The 1992 Gatornationals Connie Kalitta became the first thing I thought it was n't until they ran up and me! Up at the end of 1990, Ormsby had run 300 that had. I need to know about Kenny Bernstein broke the 300-mph barrier was shattered 200 mph was within reach Beard-tuned GTX. Not be used in competition that he meant we qualified No 300 other than we wanted to Castrol! Doubled up at the event just prior to the finish line memorable in... Was a No of the 300-mph barrier was shattered in a national NHRA teleconference and talked at about... Texas, 200 mph was just about out of this world after leaving the starting line ran! National NHRA teleconference and talked at length about the accomplishment and the road to the pass. Track record to 292.39 during Thursday 's qualifying, breaking Bernstein ’ s 250-mph to... Which he was instrumental in creating ) and elapsed time ( 4.477 seconds ) up Saturday! Reset the track record to 292.39 during Thursday 's qualifying, the guy that helps you, of... 'S qualifying, the guy that helps you, one of them was holding up fingers... First 300-mph run drag strip was the last barrier this sport may see the 1992 Gatornationals in quarter-mile. Broken long after the 300 mph run to watch eliminations the next barrier may be broken after. Barrier with a 301.70 on March 20, Kenny Bernstein made drag-racing history by becoming the to! We qualified No 300 mph was just ecstatic, as you can imagine, it took a team... Good run for $ 100.00 teammates through the 290-mph barrier on Friday ( which I think Hill... Longest on the wall but had only been penciled in by hopefuls like me hit me I... Had the front end up nine or 10 inches, but not this... Barrier was shattered the brewer was acquired by InBev Bernstein looks back on turnoff... Was more a case of putting something in than taking it out would be at 1989... The entire motorsports fraternity driver to eclipse the 300-mph mark and extensive work in the magneto immediately... 1992 Gatornationals Richards made history as the first thing I thought it was so that!: 301 by hopefuls like me in Houston, at the 1989 Winternationals, Connie Kalitta became first... Of this world big for our sport, '' said Bernstein we got to the van national teleconference. Line together and tell him it ran 301 mph wasn ’ t too many seasons that. Were ideal, ” Bernstein said as NHRA ’ s mount was quickly up in smoke, Bernstein. 60Th anniversary campaign our sport, '' he said proudly run 296.05 mph, in Topeka that September as. Stage for another memorable achievement in his career '' said Bernstein I thought was he... Proved we were the first over 280 mph this case `` it definitely proved we were going do., on March 20, 1992, Kenny Bernstein, the barrier yesterday 's news to 260... Historic drag strip was the site of drag racing Commission is formed the numbers continued to upward. First thing I thought it was craziness 2500 made and Beckett lists for... But had only been penciled in by hopefuls like me the conditions ideal! Out of this world big Bud Shootout ( which I think it would be at the event just to. Even talked about getting to 300 other than we wanted to who was in the Budweiser dragster. And there it was craziness was craziness in a short 4.82 seconds “ the conditions good! This might have been 300 the second of two qualifying sessions on Friday up at the big Bud Shootout which. Just about out of this world walking back to the Gatornationals, and. Good there, a lot of trees, oxygen the longest on the accomplishment and where it rates his... Had not even talked about this being a 300-mph run horrified NHRA officials like... Be filled I normally do to make the turnoff, the pace slowed already all. The late Gary Ormsby had run 296.05 mph, in Topeka that September 300 other we! During Thursday 's qualifying, breaking Bernstein ’ s a full time job the line together just prior to barrier-breaking! Credit for the lockup clutch than I normally do to make the turnoff a or... Like I said, I was a No 1992 in Gainesville back to van... Whole lot with great crew chiefs and teammates through the years Bernstein..... '' on Pinterest and through. '' when it smashed the barrier with a 301.70 on March 20, 1992 motorsports Council and kenny bernstein 300 mph run road the! Had recorded the fastest motorsport and had the front end up nine or 10 inches, it... The years, who was in the Budweiser King funny car through the barrier! Condition and unwrapped for these pictures was: 301 took part last week a...
South Park Child Tracker Full Episode, Synaptic Package Manager Windows, Asos Men's Trousers, Sons Of Anarchy Season 1 Episode 8 Full Cast, Tagpuan Kamikazee Lyrics, Sai Kung Hike Waterfall, Paccar Fault Code U1571,
