NHRA: Amato Understands Bernstein's Emotions

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 19, 2001

Joe Amato knows that Kenny Bernstein is not only the Top Fuel-class favorite at this weekend's (June 22-24) Sears Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway (just minutes from downtown St. Louis), but perhaps the hottest driver in all of motorsports. If anyone can understand, and explain Bernstein's roll -- three consecutive NHRA victories before losing to Amato driver Darrell Russell in the semifinals last Sunday at Columbus -- and his emotions -- Kenny has announced he will retire after next season -- it's Amato.

Amato retired at the end of last season with five Top Fuel championships and 52 victories, both NHRA records. He had planned his own farewell tour for this year, but racing-related eye injuries caused him to stop, and Joe hired Russell to drive his Valvoline/Keystone Automotive dragster. Amato and Bernstein are long-time friends and avid golfing buddies.

"Anytime you can win three races in a row and be leading the championship, especially from where you were, struggling with a quality team, he's on top of the world," said Amato, who saw Russell win at Pomona last February in his first start in the Valvoline/Keystone car. "He's having a lot of fun. When you're on a roll that like, you want to go to the races. When you're struggling, it's like a job you don't like, a grind. When you're on top of your game, like Kenny is now, it's fun. Everybody's in a good mood, the crew works with a lot of enthusiasm, the sponsors love you.

"It's like you're on top of the Ferris wheel, but the problem with that is, the wheel goes round and round and sometimes it stops in the middle or at the bottom. It's hard to stay on top. I'm sure Kenny is enjoying the ride, day-to-day, and it's hard to beat that feeling."

The decision to retire, Amato explains, is intensely personal and Bernstein has spoken with him about it. "You never want to give up, even as you get older, and you decide you want to do other things," said Amato, 57. "I don't think it's any different than a doctor or lawyer. You've worked hard to get to where you are, and you feel you do a good job, and that makes it hard to walk away. Sometimes physical ailments force your hand, like what happened to me. To be able to go out and call your own shot, like Kenny is doing, it's still hard, but it's a great way to close one chapter of your life and start another chapter."

Text provided by M. Knight

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