Kenny Bernstein talks about the accident with John Force
Written by Sheila Scarborough · September 23, 2007
Funny Car driver Kenny Bernstein gave the press a short update on what happened from his perspective concerning the accident with John Force today during Fall Nationals Funny Car eliminations.
Some excerpts from Bernstein’s statement:
“I know he [Force] was talking to me, he was worrying about whether I was hurt….typical John. I told him I was fine, but I’m not sure how much of it he remembers.”
Regarding his Funny Car moving towards the centerline at the end of the strip: “I kept turning and correcting it, and it kept sticking. I just couldn’t get it to come back….we about wadded up together….I saw my [car] body and John’s [car] body coming apart and going past me….I saw John’s car hit the wall really hard.”
Bernstein feels that Force’s car also was having problems and was crossing over into his lane….”I saw the front of his car pointed towards me.”
At this point Bernstein has not had a chance to really review the tape, and I do not have access to it right now myself.
Bernstein himself is not injured. He said, “I did have a little headache right when I stopped, and I want to say that because of John’s work in that area, of new head pads, I want to give John and his team credit. It was a pretty violent head movement but if not for those new pads it could have been a lot worse.”
John Force is heading to (correction, not Parkland as previously reported) Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He has two severely broken legs, some hand damage to one hand, and a possible concussion. The extent of any internal injuries is unknown pending further evaluation. His wife Laurie is with him.
Daughter Ashley Force is scheduled to race Cruz Pedregon in the Funny Car semifinals later today.
Update: Kenny Bernstein post-race discussion transcript on NHRA.com.
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12 Responses to “Kenny Bernstein talks about the accident with John Force”
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I hope John is going to be OK and Kenny addressed the issue of John’s work in the head area since Eric’s death, he has done a great job… I have been keeping up with the reports and the talk of it and he is very dedicated. God Bless him!!! Tracy & Kevin
John you and your family will be in our thoughts & prayers. Get well soon . We love you Man
John Force takes a beating from a lot of people (mostly jealous of his success I presume), but when you talk to the drivers of these beasts - all you here is respect. Respect for his professionalism, respect for his success, but most of all - respect because he cares about people behind the race. You can see it in his relationships with Capps and Scelzi, the love he has for his team. Drag Racing is much richer for the likes of John Force - our prayers are with you - hurry back - the sport won’t be the same without John Force in the hunt for the championship.
John,
I just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers as well as your family. May you have a speedy recovery, and may God bless!
John,
I just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers as well as your family. May you have a speedy recovery, and may God bless!
Our prayers are with you get well soon. r.c.
the “timing cones”, as they are called need to be secured,tethered,to protect an innocent driver that does nothing wrong,like john force, when the protective box was hit by kenny. that box flew into johns’ rear tire and caused it to explode, thus causing the car to break apart and the rest is history! THANKFULLY JOHN IS GOING TO BE O.K. ATTN;DRIVERS! DON’T RACE @ANY TRACK THAT HAS LOSE STUFF LAYING AROUND ON THE CENTER LINE!!!RICK
Agree with Rick - Video shows Kenny knocking 2 red blocks at John’s car and when the second hits it went bang (while straight in his own lane). That makes it all Kenny’s fault? Best wishes to John & family for his full recovery.
I wonder why people are not talking about the flying timing cone. I think Rick is right. Major over sight by the NHRA.
My wife and I were there at Dallas, and were horrified when John crashed. Fault isn’t important. Improvements are. John you and your family are in our prayers. Speedy recovery, and god bless.
Bo and Karen Fowler
John I wish you the best!! you’r someone to realy look up to. God Bless.
The King Always