Kenny Bernstein and the Monster Energy/Lucas Oil team are picking up
the pieces, literally, and putting together another chassis and Dodge
Charger Funny Car body for competition at the Torco Racing Fuels
Nationals, Oct. 5-7.
Legendary drivers Bernstein and John Force collided in second round
competition in Dallas, Texas. News of the accident jammed cyberspace
for hours as fans and friends searched for information. The accident
happened when Force’s car began to break apart and became
unmanageable. Bernstein climbed out of his chassis without injury,
while Force was airlifted to a Dallas hospital and underwent a surgical
procedure to repair ankle, hand, wrist, and knee injuries.
“John is a good friend and we’re happy to know he is making good
progress,” said Bernstein. “We know it’s going to be a painful
recuperative process, but John is strong and determined.
“When drivers go through an accident like this, the best thing from my
point of view is to get back in the saddle and ride the horse. I will
be fortunate enough to be able to do that at Richmond.
“The saving grace for John is that he doesn’t remember much of the run
at all, so the vision won’t keep looping through his brain. I remember
everything that happened, but I never want to review video footage or
photos from something like this. I leave the review process to Jimmy
(Walsh, crew chief). So I’m mentally prepared to get on with
qualifying.