Doctors at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., performed back surgery May 26 on six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein to relieve stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team owner had been suffering from pain in his lower back and numbness in his legs. After undergoing a battery of tests, doctors determined that surgery was needed to correct the trauma and inflammation that was causing the pain.
 
As part of the recuperative process, travel has been precluded for the next few weeks. It is expected that in addition to the Topeka event, he will miss the events in Chicago and Englishtown.

Doctors at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., performed back surgery May 26 on six-time NHRA world champion Kenny Bernstein to relieve stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team owner had been suffering from pain in his lower back and numbness in his legs. After undergoing a battery of tests, doctors determined that surgery was needed to correct the trauma and inflammation that was causing the pain.
 
As part of the recuperative process, travel has been precluded for the next few weeks. It is expected that in addition to the Topeka event, he will miss the events in Chicago and Englishtown.

“It seems that the years of driving race cars have taken a bit of a toll on my back,” said Bernstein. “This isn’t unusual as many drivers suffer from back ailments after years of absorbing vibration from these 8,000-horsepower engines.

“We’ll get this turned around, and we’ll be back out with the team soon. In the meantime, we’ll be listening to Bob Frey on the NHRA Internet audiocast and watching Mike, Paul, Dave, and Gary on the ESPN2 broadcast. Of course, we’ll be in constant contact with Brandon, Rob Flynn, and the team by phone.”

It is expected that Bernstein will be hospitalized for the next two to three days.

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