Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Bernstein to race twice at LVMS on farewell tour

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | 10:57 a.m.

Brian Hilderbrand covers motor sports for the Las Vegas Sun. Reach him at bh@lasvegassun.com or 259-4089.

Local drag racing fans will have two opportunities next year to witness Kenny Bernstein's farewell tour as the racing legend caps his 23-year career with what is being billed as "Forever Red ... A Run to Remember."

Bernstein and the NHRA Drag Racing Series again will make two stops at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2002 -- the weekends of April 4-7 and Oct. 24-27. The fall event in Las Vegas will be the next-to-last race in Bernstein's career.

Bernstein, who has won four Funny Car and two Top Fuel championships, said he likes the idea of a farewell tour.

"We fell in love with the tour name the minute Budweiser presented it," Bernstein said of his long-time sponsor. "My dream when I was growing up was to be able to race professionally and to make racing my livelihood. Without Budweiser and the opportunity that NHRA Winston drag racing has afforded me, I never would have been able to realize this dream."

After the 2002 season, Bernstein will turn the driving duties over to his son, Brandon. The younger Bernstein, who raced in the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series this season, will not compete in the FMDRS in 2002 so he can work on his father's crew in preparation for taking over in the cockpit of the Bud King Dragster.

"In one respect, we're looking forward to the 'Forever Red' tour knowing that the future holds a wealth of opportunity for my son, Brandon," Bernstein said. "On the other hand, as the year progresses, we know that we'll miss driving the Budweiser King, which is the most fun a guy like me could ever dream of."

Marnell's crew chief, Greg Anderson, will leave Marnell's team to take over Black's operation. Marnell said Marcus Svenson would serve as the team's crew chief next season.

Russell won two races and finished sixth in the Top Fuel points standings while driving for team owner Amato, who won five Top Fuel championships and 52 victories in his career.

"You only get one opportunity at that award and, to me, that's something that follows you the rest of your life," Russell said.

"Everybody who has ever won that award, it's always a note in their biography and the media guide. To me, this is the icing on the cake for this whole year."

In addition, the top four drivers in each of The Strip's Junior Dragster age groups will be showcased on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers eligible to compete are: Zachary Cummings, Jacob Boggs, Tristan Craig and Malisa Mackay (age 8-9); Ty Sanders, Steven Holmes, Stephani Crifasi and Kayla Sewell (age 10-12); Tyler Howard, Miranda King, Jessica Ruell and Greg Hicks (age 13-14); and Tanna Sanders, Matt Little, Chris Bond and Heather Bullard (age 15-17).

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