Bernstein’s retirement gives way for troxel’s hubby
"For me, at this stage of my life, (it is) the right decision is to step away from the cockpit," Bernstein said in a news release announcing he had hired Tommy Johnson Jr., husband of racing diva, Melanie Troxel to drive his Monster Energy Dodge Charger next sea son. Since 2001, Johnson had driven for Don Prudhomme and was able to grab five wins, however, Prudhomme does not have a sponsor.
In 2002, the 63-year old racer first retired but returned to the racing arena when his son Brandon got injured in a Top Fuel dragster crash. After the comeback, Bernstein retired again and again, came back this year for the Funny Car season. Now, he’s retiring for as many times we could remember. Let’s just hope its for good. Ooops! Well, I must report this fast now to continue my Acura Integra water pump.
During a September race in Texas, Bernstein’s car crashed into John Force’s vehicle. Force was immediately brought to the hospital while Bernstein did not suffer any injuries.
If indeed this is it for Bernstein, he leaves with 69 wins (none this season) and five championships: four in Funny Car (1985-88) and one in Top Fuel (1996).
"I still love driving," he explained last month at the season finale in Pomona, Calif. "I'm not hesitant there. It's just that there's a lot else that goes with this besides driving. I've not enjoyed the year we've had. We struggled quite a bit."
"It's been a good ride," Bernstein said.
Johnson's wife, Melanie Troxel, will compete against him. She is switching from Top Fuel to become Mike Ashley's teammate. They'll be at Firebird Raceway Jan. 25-27 for the National Time Trials. The racing couple is happily living in Avalon, California.
