KB’S BREAKING OF THE 300-MPH BARRIER, THOUGHT TO BE THE FINAL FRONTIER OF SPEED, HAS BEEN VOTED THE No. 5 GREATEST MOMENT IN NHRA’S 60-YEAR HISTORY
Bernstein blasted into the record books with a 301.70-mph blast in his iconic Bud King dragster in March, 1992 at the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway
GLENDORA, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2011) – Kenny Bernstein achieved more than most – on and off the track – during his immortal drag racing career, but the moment that earned him the legendary “King of Speed” moniker was viewed by fans as his greatest.
The 300-mph barrier was viewed by many as the final frontier of speed in NHRA drag racing, and in the early 1990s drivers inched closer and closer to that final frontier. Then, in March 1992 at the NHRA Gatornationals, Bernstein blasted through it, tripping the timers at Gainesville Raceway with a 301.70-mph pass that etched his name forever in the annals of NHRA history.
The Moment was voted by fans, in a season-long campaign to highlight NHRA’s 60th anniversary, as the No. 5 Greatest Moment in NHRA History, and it was acknowledged live at Auto Club Raceway today prior to the second qualifying session at the season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals.
That leaves four Moments left to be announced during this final race weekend of NHRA’s 60th anniversary season. The Nos. 3 and 4 Greatest Moments will be announced prior to Saturday’s two qualifying sessions and the moment everyone’s been waiting for, the unveiling of fans’ choice for the Greatest Moment in NHRA’s 60-year history, will be unveiled during Sunday pre-race.
The four remaining Moments (voting is closed) still to be unveiled are, in chronological order:
1951: The Founding of NHRA
1971: Don Garlits debuts the rear-engine dragster – and wins.
2006: Tony Schumacher’s “The Run”
2010: John Force’s Comeback (from devastating accident) to win record 15th title
The quest for NHRA’s Greatest Moment has been one of a number of programs NHRA created during this historic 60th anniversary season to celebrate the sport’s rich tradition.
It began with the announcement in January 2011 of the 60 Greatest Moments in NHRA history, as selected by a panel of drag racing experts. From there, it was turned over the fans who responded in huge numbers during the first two stages of the program – more than 7.5 million impressions and more than 31,000 fan interactions – to trim the original list of 60 Greatest Moments to the Top 20 Greatest Moments (on Aug. 22) and the Top 10 Greatest Moments (Sept. 5).
Here is the complete list of the Top 10 Greatest Moments (remaining moments in chronological order):
Founding of NHRA (1951)
Don Garlits debuts the rear-engine dragster — and wins (Pomona, 1971)
Tony Schumacher's "The Run" (2006)
John Force completes comeback, wins 15th championship (2010)
No. 5: Kenny Bernstein makes NHRA’s first 300-mph run (1992)
No. 6: Shirley Muldowney is NHRA’s first woman to win a world title (1977)
No. 7: Don Garlits makes NHRA’s first 200-mph run (1964)
No. 8: Ashley Force Hood is first woman to win in Funny Car (2008)
No. 9: John Force is first to win 100 career races (2002)
No. 10: Shirley Muldowney is first woman to win in Top Fuel (1976)
Fans can visit the 60 Greatest Moments Web page for complete program details as well as to view historical photos and videos that retrace every step in NHRA’s rich and storied history. The page also includes links to view a preview of / purchase NHRA’s “60 Greatest Moments” DVD.
