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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