I just saw an Associated Press piece that says Kenny Bernstein at age 67 is retiring from drag racing, where he has been a fixture for many years. A lot of folks have forgotten what a strong influence Kenny had in NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing during the 10-year period from 1986-1995 when he fielded the #26 Quaker State Cup entry out of Traveler's Rest, SC for drivers Joe Ruttman, Morgan Shepherd, Brett Bodine, Ricky Rudd, Hut Stricklin, Dick Trickle and Steve Kinser in 293 Cup races, scoring 3 wins - one by Bodine and two by Rudd.
Kenny brought a lot of professionalism to NASCAR. He was the first owner I met who also owned his PR and Marketing business serving his sponsors. A smart move.
The first time I ever met Larry McReynolds, he was crewing for Kenny before moving on to famewith Robert Yates and Richard Childress. In fact, LarryMac won his first Cup race as a crew chief with Ricky Rudd at Watkins Glen.
Here's the AP story on Kenny, but please don't forget his NASCAR contributions.
Nov 15, 9:32 PM EST
Bernstein leaving drag racing at 67
GLENDORA, Calif. (AP) -- Six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein is retiring after 30 years of racing.
The 67-year-old said in a statement Tuesday that he's retiring to pursue other interests with his wife, Sheryl.
Bernstein was the first NHRA driver to eclipse the 300 mph barrier in Gainesville, Fla., in 1992 and won four straight Funny Car titles from 1985-88. He followed with Top Fuel titles in 1996 and 2001.
Bernstein also had success as a team owner, becoming the first to earn wins in NHRA, NASCAR and CART. He won 69 races as a driver and had 18 Top Fuel victories as an owner with his son Brandon driving.
Bernstein said he will work to find a new team for his son.
2011 The Associated Press.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
