Nicknamed the “King of Speed,” Kenny Bernstein is an American drag racing legend who began his professional pursuit of speed in 1978 behind the wheel of an NHRA Funny Car. Over the course of his illustrious career, he was crowned champion in the Funny Car class four consecutive times between 1985 and 1988 and twice in the Top Fuel class in 1996 and 2001.

Beyond achieving many first-place finishes, Bernstein’s name is recorded behind many “firsts” in auto racing. After winning his Top Fuel title, he became the first racer to win a championship in both Nitro categories. As the owner of both NASCAR and IndyCar teams, he became the first person to record victories in all three of the United States’ top racing series. Perhaps most famously, he became the first drag racer in any class to break the 300-mph barrier in a standing-start quarter-mile at the 1992 Gatornationals in Gainesville, Georgd 332.18 mph in 1996. It is believed to have been completed in December 1993, and NHRA certification decals on the frame indicate that it was cleared for use in the 1994 season. The bodywork features Bernstein’s iconic “Budweiser King” livery.

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Kenny would continue to break his own speed records, hitting 314.46 mph in 1994 anThe Ron Sturgeon Collection