NHRA FINALS INSIDE LOOK: NOT EXACTLY PERFECT ENDING BERNSTEIN FINISHES WITH 1ST-ROUND LOSS.Byline: Louis Brewster Staff Writer POMONA - At 11:11 a.m. Sunday, Kenny Bernstein's 30-year drag-racing career unexpectedly made the transition from racer to team owner. Yuichi Oyama became an instant trivia answer when he defeated Bernstein in the first round of the NHRA NHRA National Hot Rod Association NHRA Northland Human Resource Association NHRA National Human Resources Association NHRA Nursing Home Reform Act NHRA National Hospice Regatta Alliance NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (South Africa) Auto Club Finals at Pomona Raceway. It was the first, and last, meeting between the two as Bernstein had previously announced his retirement from the sport. Despite gaining a 0.050 second advantage off the starting line starting line n. Sports The point or line at which a race begins. Noun 1. starting line - a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game scratch line, scratch, start , Bernstein lost traction after 330 of the 1,320-foot race, and Oyama ended his opponent's career with a 4.676 second, 318.24 mph run. Bernstein raced in 5.165 seconds, with 247.11 mph run. Ironically, Bernstein joined Top Fuel legends Don Prudhomme Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme, (born April 6 1941, San Fernando, California) is an American dragster racer, who won the NHRA funny car championship four times in a thirty-five-year career. He was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. and Joe Amato For the Milwaukee mobster, see . Joe Amato (born June 13, 1944 in Exeter, Pennsylvania) is an American dragster driver, who won the NHRA Top Fuel championship a record five occasions and scored 52 event victories. in having lost their final competitive run at Fairplex in the first round and in the left lane. ``Not the way I want to go out, but that's racing,'' said Bernstein, who received an ovation from the crowd while driving back into the pits. ``That's the nature of the beast Nature of the Beast is the ninth episode of The WB television series Birds of Prey. The episode aired on December 18, 2003. Summary When Al Hawke, her mother's killer, is hunted by The Specialist - a metahuman assassin with the ability to pass through solid . We did the best we could. ``It was the same playing field for everybody, very difficult for everybody. No excuses, everybody had the same chance.'' Bernstein made the decision to retire two years ago, while in the throes throe n. 1. A severe pang or spasm of pain, as in childbirth. See Synonyms at pain. 2. throes A condition of agonizing struggle or trouble: a country in the throes of economic collapse. of a dismal point of his career. Little did he know that hiring Tim and Kim Richards Kim Richards (born September 19, 1964 in Mineola, New York) is an American actress. Her career began as a child in the early 1970s.[1]. From 1970-1971, Richards starred as Prudence Everett in the television series Nanny and the Professor. to his crew would result in a 2001 championship and second-place finish Noun 1. second-place finish - a finish in second place (as in a race) runner-up finish finish - designated event that concludes a contest (especially a race); "excitement grew as the finish neared"; "my horse was several lengths behind at the finish"; "the this year to Larry Dixon. ``The emotion showing is the feeling I have for the people, not because I'm getting out of driving,'' Bernstein said. ``It was because of the people, the fans, the gifts.'' Prior to the start of the season-ending Powerade Drag Racing Series national event, Bernstein received a set of custom-designed golf clubs from Darrell Gwynn and a special soda dispenser from the series sponsor. He had previously collected a box of casino chips in Las Vegas, gold-dipped roses, University of Georgia Organization The President of the University of Georgia (as of 2007, Michael F. Adams) is the head administrator and is appointed and overseen by the Georgia Board of Regents. football helmet and a pair of cowboy boots. Wife Sheryl also showed emotion after the final run. ``Kenny's safe, my prayers are answered,'' she said. ``I just wanted him not to red-light or be late (off the line). It has truly been a run to remember.'' Among those who were on hand for Bernstein's final weekend was Larry McReynolds, the NASCAR NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), organization that sanctions American stock-car races, est. 1948. It held its first race in Daytona Beach, Fla. crew chief turned television commentator. Bernstein gave McReynolds his first opportunity as a crew chief in 1985 for Joe Ruttman and eventually won three races for Bernstein. ``He taught me so much in six years,'' McReynolds said. ``He taught me about the business, people and communication. He took a chance on me.'' Bernstein's departure, his fourth first-round defeat of the season, proved to be a boon for those fans that mobbed his souvenir trailer. Within 45 minutes of his loss, Bernstein was signing various mementos of his racing career. ``There's something special about getting Kenny's autograph on his final day as a driver,'' Russell Ritter rit·ter n. pl. ritter A knight. [German, from Middle High German riter, from Middle Dutch ridder, from r of Fontana said. ``I brought my son today so that he could say he saw Kenny Bernstein in his last race. It's history, and we were here to witness it.'' Brothers John and Mark Kaminski of Corona stood in line for more than 20 minutes waiting for Bernstein's signature. Mark bought a $100 Farewell Red die-cast model and John a $25 wall plaque. ``I've been following Kenny since my brother took me to Orange County (International Raceway) in 1974,'' 37-year-old Mark said. ``I have a Bernstein collectibles collection.'' CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Kenny Bernstein, right, embraces former driver Darrell Gwynn during prerace ceremonies at the NHRA Auto Club Finals. Bernstein retired after losing in the first round. Will Lester/Staff Photographer |
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