1992 Gatornationals
The Gatornationals is known for its long and eminent history, and Gainesville Raceway is considered one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit. The first 260-, 270-, and 300-mph Top Fuel runs were recorded there, along with several record-setting e.t.s. This week, we will look at the NHRA National Dragster photo files from one of the most memorable editions of the event, the 1992 Gatornationals.
Here are a few overall photos of how Gainesville Raceway looked in 1992.
Veteran racer Eddie Hill might have been disappointed that he wasn’t the first to break the 300-mph barrier, but he recorded a few other accomplishments at the 1992 Gatornationals. He became the quickest driver in drag racing when he blasted to an astounding 4.801 in his second-round victory over Pat Austin. At 56 years old, Hill became the oldest driver to win an NHRA national event after defeating Kenny Bernstein in the Top Fuel final round.
John Force ended a seven-month and eight-race winless streak by defeating Jim Epler in the Funny Car final with the quickest and fastest run of his career, a 5.154 at 289.01 mph. Force’s career-best pass also reset both ends of the Gainesville Raceway track record.
Jim Bernard collected his second national event victory when he beat John Mafaro, 7.722 to 7.835, in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final, considered the most shocking win of the event. Riders also made history with a record 7.87 bump spot.
Warren Johnson and his AC-Delco Cutlass put on one of the most dominating performances ever in Pro Stock at the 1992 Gatornationals. On race day, W.J. made four runs ranging from 7.141 (second round) to 7.149 (semifinals) and ended his noteworthy weekend with a 7.145 to 7.165 victory over Jerry Eckman in the final. Johnson and his crew earned their second straight Gatornationals win and fourth overall, a record for a Pro Stock driver.
One of the most memorable moments in NHRA history happened at the 1992 Gatornationals when Kenny Bernstein, driving his Dale Armstrong-tuned Budweiser King Top Fueler, became the first to break the 300-mph mark with a 301.70 in Friday’s qualifying. In round two of eliminations, Bernstein backed up his historic run for the national record with a 299.30-mph pass against Tommy Johnson Jr. Although he didn’t win the event, it’s safe to say Bernstein had a memorable weekend in Gainesville.
