Kenny Bernstein should have been wearing a t-shirt that read, “Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt.”

That’s exactly how the experience went as he sat in the cockpit of Antron Brown’s Matco Tools-sponsored dragster as it warmed up before the Q1 session at the NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals, the tenth stop on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series tour.. 

“This is exactly how we did everything, how we started, how the clutch felt, how the steering felt, how the brake felt, how the fuel shutoff was, where it was located,” Bernstein explained. “It was no different than my car 16 years ago, so it was a piece of cake, but I enjoyed it so much, and I love [Antron]. He’s the best.”

Brown made the opportunity possible through his longstanding relationship with Lucas Oil and a familiar executive with the company, Bernstein’s son Brandon. 

The warm-up seemed innocuous, but Bernstein admits he had his guard up the moment the engine fired. 

“Next thing [Antron] will tell me, I can get in there [make a run], and I’m really in trouble because my wife will probably divorce me more than likely,” Bernstein said with a smile and shaking his head. “This is a special place for us. This is where Sheryl and I met 42 years ago.”
 

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Bernstein admitted he’d jump at the chance to drive a fuel car again, but knowing where his bread is buttered, a warm-up will have to suffice the King of Speed’s need for miles per hour. 

“I’d have a little argument or two to go through first, so you may have to give me about six months to get ready,” Bernstein admitted.

It’s likely not because he’s not in the best shape ever. 

“I hope I could [drive one],” Bernstein said. “But let me tell you, these things work on you. They are monsters. There was many a time I got out on a Monday morning, and I was a little sore.”

But on Friday, at Bandimere, the only thing that was sore after the warm-up was the broad smile he had from the experience. 

"The King sat on my throne and I love it," Brown added. "He told me he fit in the seat and could drive it right down there. He looked good in there. The way he was in there, he could get in one of these cars and make us all look bad."