Bernstein earns sixth NHRA title

POMONA, Calif. -- Kenny Bernstein earned his sixth NHRA Winston championship of his career Sunday during the 37th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway.

This is Bernstein's second Top Fuel title. He also has four Funny Car titles and is the only driver to win a Winston title in both nitro categories. He coupled the championship with the event win - his eighth victory of the season.

Warren Johnson and Angelle Savoie also wrapped up Winston titles. Johnson earned his sixth Winston Pro Stock championship while Savoie earned her second straight Winston Pro Stock Motorcycle title.

Del Worsham, Bruce Allen, Savoie and Mike Coughlin won in their respective categories at the $2 million race, the final of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

Bernstein had a 5.500-second pass at 300.46 mph in his dragster to beat Mike Dunn's 10.397 at 88.45 in the Top Fuel final.

Larry Dixon, who trailed Bernstein by a few points, lost to Dunn in the semifinals, which sealed he championship for Bernstein.

Worsham turned in a 7.199 at 175.89 in his Pontiac Firebird to earn his fourth Funny Car win of the season. He won at the starting line when Whit Bazemore in his Pontiac Firebird red-lighted.

The win moved Worsham into third place in the Winston point standings.

Allen earned his second victory of the season with a 6.869 pass at 200.62 in his Pontiac Grand Am, beating Brad Jeter's 6.936 at 199.94 in his Grand Am.

Johnson was ousted in the first round, losing to Darrell Alderman. Johnson had to wait for Jim Yates to lose in the second round before he clinched the Winston Pro Stock championship.