Top Fuel Driver Joe Amato Wins Title in the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis

Top fuel driver Joe Amato solidified his position as the fastest man in drag racing when he swept to victory Monday in the 33rd NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Kenny Bernstein won top eliminator honors in funny cars, and Bob Glidden took the pro stock competition in the $1.25-million event.

Amato, of Old Forge, Pa., covered the quarter-mile in a 5.268-second elapsed time, 279.15 m.p.h. top speed to defeat Dick LaHaie of Lansing, Mich.

Amato’s victory, which earned him about $65,000, was his third of the Winston drag racing series. He also won the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., and the Mile High Nationals in Denver, and finished second at five other events.

Sunday, Amato became the fastest man in drag racing history when he drove a 282.13 m.p.h. run during qualifying.

Bernstein, the two-time Winston funny car champion from Newport Beach, Calif., drove his Buick LeSabre to a second U.S. Nationals title by defeating Mike Dunn of Ontario, Calif..

Bernstein crossed the finish line at a 5.538-second elapsed time, with a top speed of 269.29 m.p.h. He also earned $65,000.

Glidden, of Whiteland, Ind., won the pro stock title when he drove his Ford Thunderbird to victory over Darrell Alderman of Fairfield, Ill. Glidden turned in a 7.437-second elapsed time with a 188.99-m.p.h. top speed.