Kenny B. Takes Sears Craftsman NHRA Topeka Nationals with 317 mph Run
1 October 1997
Kenny Bernstein, from Richardson, TX and Newport Beach, CA, finally got back on track in NHRA Top Fuel competition, winning over Joe Amato with a 4.656 et at 317.34 mph. Amato had a 4.544 and a 309.81 to make the quarter mile pass one of the most dramatic of the NHRA season, which moves on to Memphis, TN next weekend.In Funny Car action, John Force once again proved he--the points leader--is the guy you gotta contend with. He won over Randy Anderson with a 4.988, 308.74. Anderson, from Ontario, CA, ran and broke with a 5.356, 245 mph pass.
The Pro Stock competition went to points leader Jim Yates, Alexandria, VA, with 7.026, 195 mph over Mike Edwards, Broken Arrow, OK, who ran a 7.059, 193.13 for a darn close finish.
TOP FIVE POINTS LEADERS Top Fuel 1 Gary Scelzi 1469 2 Cory McClenathan 1353 3 Scott Kalitta 1318 4 Kenny Bernstein 1082 5 Bob Vandergriff 1038 Funny Car 1 John Force 1490 2 Whit Bazemore 1255 3 Chuck Etchells 1115 4 Tony Peregon 1053 5 Randy Anderson 995 Pro Stock 1 Jim Yates 1639 2 Warren Johnson 1371 3 Kurt Johnson 1333 4 Bruce Allen 982 5 Steve Schmidt 909
Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel