Can the King of Speed Kenny Bernstein still hit 300 MPH in a dragster?

Рет қаралды 80,958

Жыл бұрын

Six-Time NHRA Champion Kenny Bernstein won his championships in both Funny Car (4) and Top Fuel (2). He’s the first to go 300 MPH in drag racing. And he’s the first to win races as a team owner in the NHRA, NASCAR and IndyCar. By any measure, Kenny Bernstein is a motorsports legend who shared some of those memories with The Freaks.
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Пікірлер: 133

@datapusher- Жыл бұрын

I was a young teen at the Gatornationals qualifying when KB made the first ever 300 mph pass. I remember it like yesterday. It was a chilly day in FL. The car was bowed up and flying! Legendary! Was lucky to see that in person! We were talking about it for days!

@alvintarrer6914 Жыл бұрын

Kenny still in good shape,brings back ol memories...what a blessing...never be forgotten

@jangell1320 Жыл бұрын

You don’t even need to be a drag racing fan… how can you not love this guy!!

@scottkovacs7634 Жыл бұрын

Kenny's always been my favorite drag racer.

@user-lo9or3zn5f Жыл бұрын

Beautiful to see the king of speed again! It's been a long time!

@johnmccloud2109 Жыл бұрын

nice to see the KING once again!

@Nitro1320 Жыл бұрын

Kenny has always been a class act and very appreciative of the fans.

@vincereynolds6092 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this interview. Didn't realize he had so many surgeries. Glad to see him overflowing with enthusiasm, and fond memories. 😊

@nashvillecop1 Жыл бұрын

Can relate to the multiple surgeries, both knees, both shoulders, 2 back procedures, the last surgery lasting 8 hours!

@vincereynolds6092 Жыл бұрын

@@nashvillecop1 Hope all those surgeries have improved the quality of your life.

@oaker55 Жыл бұрын

@@nashvillecop1 23 surgeries here. Most serious was 3 years ago when I had neck and back surgery in the same day. The doctor told me 5 days later when I left the hospital that he didn't think I would be leaving the hospital let alone walking. They can do some amazing things today. All started with a broken neck Thanksgiving Day 1989. I don't like cats but I must be part feline. I've had my share of close calls. My car was run over by a cement truck five years ago and I walked away from that. Should have died ten years ago when I had a 99% blockage in my widow maker that they caught before a knee replacement surgery. Moral of the story, don't think you don't need to go to the doctor. Know your body and listen to it when it tells you something is wrong. I was always a KB fan. It's good to see he's still the same guy.

@knight-ue6tf 11 ай бұрын

Hello if John Force can you can🎉🎉🎉

@vincereynolds6092 11 ай бұрын

@@oaker55 Wow! That's amazing! Glad you are still with us! ❤️🙏

@mdavid2100 Жыл бұрын

Wow! I was thinking about Kenny Bernstein today, wondering how he's doing. Thanks for posting.

@brianwilson8119 11 ай бұрын

So good to see Kenny. I was 13 y/o watching him run the Spring Ntl's at National Trail in Columbus and US Nats in Indy. I'm now 50 y/o and still have the NHRA flag in my garage with his autograph along with several others of the 80s & 90s

@georgecalder5175 Жыл бұрын

Mid/late 80s early 90s in Seattle NHRA was King, Bernstein, Prudolme, Hoover, Force, Oswald, Hill, Dunn, Pedregon, Joe Amato and many many more, a bunch of us would take 5 or 6 days off and drive up from Campbell River and get a motel with pool along the Kent. Wash strip, some racers and espn commentators at the same hotel or next one over, was always a great time and alot of Great memories with friends and the racing community ❤

@user-lo9or3zn5f Жыл бұрын

Thierry is nothing like drag racing! Can't wait for tapeka

@DM-eb7tu Жыл бұрын

Thank you for an amazing interview. Kenny gosh always full of joy and knowledge. Those Bud King cars were super fast and super clean. What a treat.

@jacksonmarshallkramer5087 Жыл бұрын

Kenny's always been a great interview. He's so comfortable on camera. Miss the Budweiser team.

@bobbys4327 Жыл бұрын

Miss Budweiser being American.

@richkuban2027 Жыл бұрын

Great to hear an update on one of the class acts of drag racing. Thanks!

@alexclements5631 Жыл бұрын

Great hearing him talk about the early guys! Met Vance Hunt, Dale Pulde ,Dale Emery ,Larry Dixon Sr. and so many of other greats at the 2000 CHRR ! Graciously spend time talking with you ! Memories!!

@petercunningham3469 Жыл бұрын

What a Champion guy nice one King 😊

@jebediahgentry7029 Жыл бұрын

I hate that some of the tracks are dying off. It happened to my home race at Commerce in Atlanta. I was able to go to the last one and it was sad to see it leave

@rearspeaker6364 Жыл бұрын

Atco dragway just closed on monday!

@jebediahgentry7029 Жыл бұрын

Sooo sad 😢

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

@@rearspeaker6364 Yup. Heard THAT today.

@af4od02 8 ай бұрын

Atlanta was my track also. Been going there since the 1970’s. I used to think the Commerce drag strip was way out in the country. Now, apartments along the hillside. I do miss the NHRA national events. I went to the last event also.

@stevenpederson1645 Жыл бұрын

Kenny is a class act! I had a chance encounter with him in the pits at SIR a bunch of years ago, he was walking by and made a comment about a tri tip sandwich I was eating, we just struck up a conversation like I was a neighbor or an acquaintance. That was before the 301 run. I would love to just hang out with him and listen to some of his stories.

@danoc51 Жыл бұрын

What a great interview! I'm so glad you asked Kenny about losing so many dragstrips. I was hoping for an positive answer but we don't seem to have one. Back in the day, I'd heard that Kenny started the Chelsea King line of pubs, just to give financial support to his drag racing operation. As an entrepreneur myself, I've always found that quite interesting and would love to get his take on it. He is still a great interview...I'd like to see him more involved. Thanks for what you do!

@DonCatherman Жыл бұрын

A true legend,,👍👍😎💪💯🏁

@molinachannel4385 Жыл бұрын

Always have loved the King!!!

@thomasshepherd2649 11 ай бұрын

Kenny,,, always a class act!!! Your one of a kind my friend!!! Love the memories ❤ ❤❤

@malbrandow7382 Жыл бұрын

Kenny will always be the King of Speed!!!!!!! To me he was the one that really propelled the sport to it's hights in the '80s & '90s

@US_ARMY_RETIRED Жыл бұрын

Kenny had wonderful fan appreciation tents. I Loved his Budweiser story. Pulling up to the headquarters and Pulling out your car and firing it up! Amazing 👏

@mikep4823 Жыл бұрын

Talking about tracks closing and noise is a big issue then its land value. The very track John Force won his first Grandnational is still up and running but no pro racing goes on there. The campsite that opened besides it considering being so close to the track put pressure to close the track then demand mufflers on cars just one thing after another. People buy houses close to motosport parks then make complaints of noise. Kenny is 78 and look at the shape he is in that is amazing he looks in very good health.

@buckodonnghaile4309 Жыл бұрын

Near me in Canada people bought newly built houses near a 120 year old slaughterhouse and then proceeded to complain about the smell. People are nuts.

@billdouglas6561 Жыл бұрын

@@buckodonnghaile4309 Yea !! Most are just REALLY STUPID !!!!

@milojanis4901 11 ай бұрын

I have absolutely NO SYMPATHY for any idiot who buys a place next to a dragstrip, then complains about noise. Why didja buy the place if ya don't like noise???!! Like someone who is going stir crazy, then buys the only house on an island. HELL-LOH!!!

@sharizabel2582 Жыл бұрын

I remember meeting him in the pits at Las Vegas. We got his team in to watch the Thunderbirds practice. Awesome time.

@RonNorman-qu4qz Жыл бұрын

What a man God bless you Kenny still number one in my book

@weaintfree Жыл бұрын

I remember watching the big boys race on tv with dad. We always looked forward to KB coming up to race. Unfortunately we never made it out to see the big boys in person. Good memories. KB was and is a class act.

@robertlinzer4887 11 ай бұрын

Loved this interview with Kenny Bernstein ❤👍 I remember well when he raced funny cars and rails. Super Super performer in NHRA.

@kevinbirmingham3863 Жыл бұрын

Wow the legend Kenny Bernstein super cool got his autograph years ago what a legend thanks for the video you guys God bless you

@brendaromaine2064 11 ай бұрын

Amazing memories watching Kenny at Pomona, Cali. Drag's. Been in the NHRA Museum many times as well, where Kenny Bernstein's funny car sits. 🚦💨💨💨

@kennethcarron6980 Жыл бұрын

Grew up a Bernstein fan. Would love to see him make a couple passes! If Karamesines, Muldowney, and Garltits could do it, surely KB could.

@richkuban2027 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the sentiment, but Kenny has his priorities right.

@johnn2557 11 ай бұрын

I had chance to meet Kenny and get his autograph years ago at Englishtown! He was very nice and enjoyed talking to us too! The Bud King!

@flyhalf2 Жыл бұрын

Great to see Kenny, I remeber seeing him in the UK back in the 60s or 70s

@mikekopmanis2099 11 ай бұрын

Kenny always has been a great interview. I wish him all the best. Loved watching him in the Bud Funny Car.👍

@wingerfan1 11 ай бұрын

This man is 100% a legend. I was loved watching him run. He had some pretty legendary seeds. I would love to see him get back in the car for one last ride but that's probably not going to happen. Much respect to the man.

@awfulcoffelsonecargarage8215 Жыл бұрын

I still have my diehl-armstrong sign Mac Tools gloves after you you won the race that year those gloves are really magical to me seems like everything I touch with them ends up going really fast Brandon was my next upcoming Star it was sad that his career stop early forever red

@precbsfender Жыл бұрын

One word, LEGEND..

@americonoffroadadventures8132 Жыл бұрын

"The King" Brought so much to the sport.

@1953travis Жыл бұрын

Wow Kenny it's been a real long time, you're looking good sir....

@mikegore5840 Жыл бұрын

Great to see Mr. Bernstien at the track. Got a shirt with his son brandon on it. Budweiser sponsored him also for a couple years. Kenny, Prudhomme, garlits, McCulloch, and Force before he won anything, forgeting many, mrs. Muldowny loved that chick. Man I'm old. Nothing can match the sound of a top-fuel car leaving the line. Maybe a t-rex. Nah. good day and God bless all.

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Was greta to see him back in the cockpit

@paulcasarez404 Жыл бұрын

Still got the 1/8th scale forever red top fuel dragster I built for you after your last run signed at firebird raceway here in Phoenix AZ that will now be turned into dust sad we are loosing racetracks like crazy

@buckodonnghaile4309 Жыл бұрын

That model must look great, sorry about your local track. Same thing here in Canada with the tracks closing. Cheers

@vaughnmojado8637 Жыл бұрын

Still the King! Long Live Kenny!

@nashvillecop1 Жыл бұрын

Those were the days! 😊❤️

@justchillin6599 Жыл бұрын

great vid thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@davidtimms9615 Жыл бұрын

Always loved Kenny. I can listen to him for hours recounting the stories throughout his career and the history of drag racing. First to 300 mph, six time world champion, KB is a legend.

@Romans--bo7br 11 ай бұрын

Not to take away, any of zzz"Big" was World Champ.... 17 Times!.plus 144 Nat'l. event wins, and to this day, the greatest innovator in T/F to ever live. Don also set more MPH records, than anyone else.... but above all else, he was a family man, first and foremost... Always True to his marriage and his wife, Patricia and their two daughters... he always put them first, before all else... including drag racing. He wanted to quit racing numerous times... but it was his wife, Pat... who kept supporting him and pushing him to press On. He's still building hot rods and innovating, at a "young" 91 plus years of age and out working on projects in his shop, next to his Museum... by 6am, every weekday morning. He was the First, to go 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 mile-per-hour marks in the quarter mile; he was also the first at over 200 mph, in the 8th mile. He was the First to go over 250 and an et. record of 5.63 (Ontario, Ca. Oct. 12th, 1975), which stood for a full 7 years+!! He was the Very First to put a wing on a Any drag vehicle (SR. 5), the First to build a "long wheelbase" - Slingshot. He was the The Very first, to build a successful RED and make it run Straight. He was the Very First, to make Hemi's "live" on Nitro. He was the very first to incorporate aerodynamics & ground effects in his dragster designs, He built the very first fully aerodynamic dragster (SR.30), which was inducted into, and set on Permanent display in the Smithsonian Institutes Museum of National History, in Washington, DC. Yes, there were (and are), Many drag racing "greats", but there is only One True "King of Drag Racing".... "Big Daddy", Don Garlits!! He has been inducted into several Halls of Fame and has won many, Many awards during his illustrious career. He was constantly by his wife, Pat's side, from the moment she was first diagnosed with Parkinson disease, from which she eventually, succumbed to.... in his arms..... a True "Legend" and "Role Model" in many ways, for all... and especially for, the younger generation.

@SeanBoweVideos Жыл бұрын

Really wish we could see KB get back behind the wheel!!!

@cjespers Жыл бұрын

Love Kenny! A legend! Thanks for the video.

@Roadking-ft4qe 11 ай бұрын

Bernstein-Amato-Scelzi-Hill Not really in that order but, The best years of top fuel in my opinion. Bernstein is the most polished interview in Drag-Racing. The sport needs his presence on a larger scale.

@johnnym1320 Жыл бұрын

So is Kenny saying Dale invented the first form fitted seats? Dale was an innovator

@saleen367 Жыл бұрын

How can this have so few views? Wow .. people are missing a legend.

@tonymijares5368 Жыл бұрын

Great interview

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@chrisschneiders6734 11 ай бұрын

Wow, great guy and not living in the past..loves the old days but happy to embrace change..

@trailerparkcryptoking5213 Жыл бұрын

Used to have drinks at the original Chelsea Street Pub at the mall in Lubbock....

@VGMurders Жыл бұрын

Kenny really did more than his share in the 80s and 90s elevating the sport to the level it is today.

@user-dv7ro8xp4f 11 ай бұрын

great enterview !!!!!! i'm less then a mile from OG kith blacks place good times Kenny sounds good

@etoineschrdlu9382 11 ай бұрын

Thank you! Kenny was always a class act and really made an impact on every aspect of motorsports, but particularly in marketing and publicity, the fuel motorsports runs on. The only person I see walking in his footsteps is Tony Stewart.

@AAFC733 Жыл бұрын

Good interview. KB still has the energy. I saw the Chelsea King Arrow at the '79 Fallnationals, through the '82 Mercury LN7 at OCIR and the extended Bud Tempo at the '85 Winternationals. Consummate businessman.

@skylarsoper241 Жыл бұрын

It’s all about the magic at the strip from wheelie cars to a jungle Jim fiery burnout.

@jimgordon3206 11 ай бұрын

What a nice guy.

@2005yzfr1 Жыл бұрын

absolute legend!

@grampageorge3407 Жыл бұрын

I used to love watching him driving those race cars

@dmeemd7787 Жыл бұрын

Everything is perfect because aunt Ron is also a freaking legend! And all his crew!

@simplekustomsbyeddiepapand1838 Жыл бұрын

Bring it on let's Go let's make it happen force vs Bernstein!! Love to see it !!

@alviney5138 Жыл бұрын

very well done - thank you

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@papagary1779 Жыл бұрын

The “KING “

@dmeemd7787 Жыл бұрын

Kenny will always be able to drive a nitro car! 🤘

@DonaldFenton-sf6cb Жыл бұрын

Just Love It John Force Still Hanging

@josephsalazar5831 Жыл бұрын

Sure miss you out their kenny

@kylewood8327 11 ай бұрын

Him and Don Garlits are legends

@anthonynelson9136 Жыл бұрын

It was nice that Kenny wasn't wearing a Budweiser hat. He always did exude class.

@rtkl13 Жыл бұрын

Classy man

@Tom-xp7dl Жыл бұрын

Put NHRA back on free tv , get hot wheels involved again, have some NHRA advertisements on kids bikes from walmart and there you have the kids interested in racing again. That worked in the '60s and '70s and would work again.

@robh9577 11 ай бұрын

301.70 is burned into my mind, king Kenny!

@2ndarymotion Жыл бұрын

Great interview. Kenny is sharp as a tack. Racing isn’t suffering because “there are so many other choices”. Racing is suffering because the governing bodies have so over-regulated it in the name of “safety“ or “trying to attract more fans“ with stupid ideas (ie; stage racing), that they have simply ruined it. NASCAR, IRL, F1 and NHRA are nothing but a shell of what they once were. THAT is why racing is dwindling.

@bobbys4327 Жыл бұрын

Yup, I remember in Albuquerque NM back in the day, Don Garlits did the last flame burnout in NHRA. Lit the asphalt on fire! Same meet, got to see one of the first rocket cars. I do not remember the time but it was quick, and the speed was 333mph!

@awfulcoffelsonecargarage8215 Жыл бұрын

We miss you at National Trails Raceway Kenny

@awfulcoffelsonecargarage8215 Жыл бұрын

Hey Kenny you still look like you're in great shape I remember watching you jog down 40 interstate in the morning before the race do you still jog every morning I remember used to hang out with you over at the National Trails secretary's office on the pit side of the track right off the side of Kenny Bernstein Boulevard she always did have the AC cranked up pretty good great place to cool down at do you remember those days the early nineties was a lot of fun a lot of good drag racing if we could only go back in time would love to see you to take the big red down the track one more time maybe it would blow some of the gray off my face miss the old days love you man later bye

@craigellsworth3952 Жыл бұрын

I was there back at Green Valley back in the early 80s when he drove Miss Budweiser.

@OfficialSpeedFreaks Жыл бұрын

Nice! So was Kenny Sargent.

@craigellsworth3952 Жыл бұрын

@@OfficialSpeedFreaks Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney...

@Scott-ec4ux Жыл бұрын

He's coming back * LISTEN TO HIM :-) !!!!!!!

@bravofoxable Жыл бұрын

still sharp as a razor

@nashvillecop1 Жыл бұрын

Who are the SpeedFreaks commentators?

@michaelmaher4328 Жыл бұрын

I know exactly who Benny was, he's from sand springs okla, The wizard. ,

@jamesweaver1738 Жыл бұрын

Bernie and Dale were the king

@dustedone Жыл бұрын

The last time he returned to the track, he almost killed John Force. Hang it up Kenny

@ONEFUNFONE Жыл бұрын

Yes he can- until nhra cuts nitro down to eighth mile. Hell I'd stomp it to the lights and show them what a quarter mile pass looks like with modern equipment.

@davekraus7334 Жыл бұрын

Kinda click bait there

@johnfrew2798 Жыл бұрын

The Budweiser car was prefert

@kimweedon8056 Жыл бұрын

What is Brandon doing? 11:26 11:26

@wheeliprince12 Жыл бұрын

I got him beat with the number of surgeries I have done 20

@ChardelraConner 11 ай бұрын

Chicago Bears Fan He Is Not Do You See He Is An Athlete

@ChardelraConner 11 ай бұрын

if you know the man trouble at school isn't the track actually

@ChardelraConner 11 ай бұрын

most nhra surgeries CORRECT

@jimthomas1989 Жыл бұрын

I never did like this guy Kenny Bum-Stein or Shirley Move-downy Where is"Big Daddy " Don Garlits and Don "The Snake " Prudhomme

@keithmyers1454 Жыл бұрын

Kenny is smiling because he retired before budwiser became WOKE

@danboren6567 Жыл бұрын

He didn’t even run the car!

@markv4016 Жыл бұрын

I have been boycotting Budweiser/ABusch since it was bought by InBev years ago. The first thing they did was stop supporting/sponsoring Kenny B. and drag racing. Their latest crap with the alphabet soup agenda has nailed their coffin! Kenny B is still the KING

@Fa_Qx2 Жыл бұрын

Answer: No!

@billmadison2032 Жыл бұрын

No I don't believe he is. When he came back to funny car back in the day he damn near killed John Force when punted the timing block into his Lane

@leftyo9589 Жыл бұрын

clickbait!!!!

@tommccallan8802 Жыл бұрын

World's fastest Jew. 😊

@randalljames1 Жыл бұрын

they killed "dragin main street", they killed the joy of fixing your own car, street racing pays where the tracks do not... yea, nothing good happens like that...