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!
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
I remember meeting Kenny coming down to Heartland Park in Topeka, KS. And he was filling in for his son in top fuel when Budweiser sponsor them. And I got to talk and shake his hand, he is down to earth person. As I seen him win and go over 301 mph. Many Top fuel and funny cars where going over and close to 300 mph. He is one of the best in Drag Racing.
@@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.
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 ❤
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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 👏
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
300 in 1000 or so feet,it might be better to work out get the strenguth up,its 250 in 5 ft of ground,so we get old sir kenny,be smart not wise,set new rec.550 mph actual 1/4 mile track!!!,use motto of judge,all in,tuning,gears and fuel
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!
yeah, I was there too! Never will forget it !
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
Kenny still in good shape,brings back ol memories...what a blessing...never be forgotten
I remember meeting Kenny coming down to Heartland Park in Topeka, KS. And he was filling in for his son in top fuel when Budweiser sponsor them. And I got to talk and shake his hand, he is down to earth person. As I seen him win and go over 301 mph. Many Top fuel and funny cars where going over and close to 300 mph. He is one of the best in Drag Racing.
You don’t even need to be a drag racing fan… how can you not love this guy!!
Kenny has always been a class act and very appreciative of the fans.
Beautiful to see the king of speed again! It's been a long time!
Kenny's always been my favorite drag racer.
Really enjoyed this interview. Didn't realize he had so many surgeries. Glad to see him overflowing with enthusiasm, and fond memories. 😊
Can relate to the multiple surgeries, both knees, both shoulders, 2 back procedures, the last surgery lasting 8 hours!
@@nashvillecop1 Hope all those surgeries have improved the quality of your life.
@@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.
Hello if John Force can you can🎉🎉🎉
@@oaker55 Wow! That's amazing! Glad you are still with us! ❤️🙏
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.
nice to see the KING once again!
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 ❤
Great to hear an update on one of the class acts of drag racing. Thanks!
Wow! I was thinking about Kenny Bernstein today, wondering how he's doing. Thanks for posting.
wearing a bud king shirt right now!
Kenny's always been a great interview. He's so comfortable on camera. Miss the Budweiser team.
Miss Budweiser being American.
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!!
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!
Kenny,,, always a class act!!! Your one of a kind my friend!!! Love the memories ❤ ❤❤
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.
Thierry is nothing like drag racing! Can't wait for tapeka
Loved this interview with Kenny Bernstein ❤👍 I remember well when he raced funny cars and rails. Super Super performer in NHRA.
What a man God bless you Kenny still number one in my book
Always have loved the King!!!
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.
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 👏
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
Wow the legend Kenny Bernstein super cool got his autograph years ago what a legend thanks for the video you guys God bless you
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.
Kenny always has been a great interview. I wish him all the best. Loved watching him in the Bud Funny Car.👍
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.
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.
@@buckodonnghaile4309 Yea !! Most are just REALLY STUPID !!!!
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!!!
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
Atco dragway just closed on monday!
Sooo sad 😢
@@rearspeaker6364 Yup. Heard THAT today.
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.
Still the King! Long Live Kenny!
"The King" Brought so much to the sport.
What a Champion guy nice one King 😊
A true legend,,👍👍😎💪💯🏁
I remember meeting him in the pits at Las Vegas. We got his team in to watch the Thunderbirds practice. Awesome time.
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. 🚦💨💨💨
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.
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.
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.
I appreciate the sentiment, but Kenny has his priorities right.
Great to see Kenny, I remeber seeing him in the UK back in the 60s or 70s
very well done - thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Love Kenny! A legend! Thanks for the video.
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
Wow Kenny it's been a real long time, you're looking good sir....
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!
One word, LEGEND..
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.
Kenny really did more than his share in the 80s and 90s elevating the sport to the level it is today.
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.
Thanks for watching! Was greta to see him back in the cockpit
Great interview
Thank you!
Those were the days! 😊❤️
great vid thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
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.
great enterview !!!!!! i'm less then a mile from OG kith blacks place good times Kenny sounds good
Wow, great guy and not living in the past..loves the old days but happy to embrace change..
Everything is perfect because aunt Ron is also a freaking legend! And all his crew!
Used to have drinks at the original Chelsea Street Pub at the mall in Lubbock....
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.
I used to love watching him driving those race cars
Bring it on let's Go let's make it happen force vs Bernstein!! Love to see it !!
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
That model must look great, sorry about your local track. Same thing here in Canada with the tracks closing. Cheers
absolute legend!
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.
Just Love It John Force Still Hanging
How can this have so few views? Wow .. people are missing a legend.
So is Kenny saying Dale invented the first form fitted seats? Dale was an innovator
I was there back at Green Valley back in the early 80s when he drove Miss Budweiser.
Nice! So was Kenny Sargent.
@@OfficialSpeedFreaks Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney...
Really wish we could see KB get back behind the wheel!!!
It’s all about the magic at the strip from wheelie cars to a jungle Jim fiery burnout.
What a nice guy.
Him and Don Garlits are legends
Sure miss you out their kenny
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.
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!
The “KING “
Kenny will always be able to drive a nitro car! 🤘
Classy man
It was nice that Kenny wasn't wearing a Budweiser hat. He always did exude class.
We miss you at National Trails Raceway Kenny
301.70 is burned into my mind, king Kenny!
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
He's coming back * LISTEN TO HIM :-) !!!!!!!
I know exactly who Benny was, he's from sand springs okla, The wizard. ,
Bernie and Dale were the king
Who are the SpeedFreaks commentators?
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
Kenny is smiling because he retired before budwiser became WOKE
still sharp as a razor
The last time he returned to the track, he almost killed John Force. Hang it up Kenny
I never did like this guy Kenny Bum-Stein or Shirley Move-downy
Where is"Big Daddy " Don Garlits and
Don "The Snake " Prudhomme
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.
Kinda click bait there
Chicago Bears Fan He Is Not Do You See He Is An Athlete
if you know the man trouble at school isn't the track actually
most nhra surgeries CORRECT
The Budweiser car was prefert
What is Brandon doing? 11:26 11:26
I got him beat with the number of surgeries I have done 20
World's fastest Jew. 😊
Answer: No!
300 in 1000 or so feet,it might be better to work out get the strenguth up,its 250 in 5 ft of ground,so we get old sir kenny,be smart not wise,set new rec.550 mph actual 1/4 mile track!!!,use motto of judge,all in,tuning,gears and fuel
He didn’t even run the car!
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