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It’s All In the Name. Kobernusz. Alvin Kobernusz.

Alvin Kobernusz
Comments (11)
  1. pk in AZ says:

    Unfortunate that the author of this article didn’t mention ELMER TRETT, obviously you should do a little more research!

    1. Bill Stephens says:

      Please see my response to Linda Wilson. You might also re-read the first sentence of the story. The premise of the feature is the creative and inventive names and nicknames motorcycle racers have worn over the years. If I were doing a story on the the Top Fuel Dragster racers who have also raced in Pro Stock, would you have taken me to task for not mentioning Big Daddy Don Garlits? I can assure you I do my homework and the necessary research when writing a story that will be read by the drag racing community. All I ask is that people read carefully and understand the thrust of the piece. Thanks.

      1. Jack Korpela says:

        I can tell you this, Bill Stephens is one of the greatest drag racing historians in the world. It is an excellent article and as Bill explained, it’s no disrespect to the great Elmer Trett at all.

      2. pk in AZ says:

        You say: “The premise of the feature is the creative and inventive names and nicknames motorcycle racers have worn over the years.”

        So where exactly in this article, which I have read and reread, is the “creative and inventive names and nicknames etc. etc. etc.” that pertains to Alvin Kobernusz?

        Perhaps you need to follow your own “advice”.

        1. Bill Stephens says:

          I will politely point out that the premise of the story is the fact Alvin Kobernusz DOESN’T HAVE A SLICK OR INVENTIVE NAME unlike so many other Nitro Harley veterans. Had I set the story up by naming the racers I did and then added that Alvin also had one of those trick monikers, it pretty much would defeat the setup, would it not? Let’s review:

          1. A number of familiar racers in the motorcycle category have had evocative names over the years that reflect the excitement of where they compete.
          2. However, Alvin Kobernusz doesn’t yet have a clever nickname like so many other racers.
          3. Despite that, he has shown he doesn’t need a punchy nickname to prove he’s an accomplished Nitro Harley racer.

          I can’t put it any more clearly than that.

          I hope that resolves the issue. And thanks for the kind words, Jack!

          1. pk in AZ says:

            If it weren’t for Elmer, who by the way, just as Alvin, didn’t have any “catchphrase” associated with his name, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation…..have a great day!

  2. Linda Wilson says:

    I really don’t want to throw nitro here, and the article is nice for Mr Kobernusz, and I’m not trying to take anything away from him, but to omit Elmer Trett sure made for a disappointing read. The author definitely needs to do his homework. For anyone that doesn’t know about Elmer Trett just look his name up on your computer!

    1. Bill Stephens says:

      Thanks for your comment. I was at the US Nationals in Indianapolis in 1996 working for the NHRA when Elmer Trett lost his life (The same event where Top Fuel star Blaine Johnson was also killed). I’m quite familiar with his history and accomplishments. I’m sure most who read the story understood I was pointing out a number of motorcycle racers who had colorful names or nicknames, not making a list of the sport’s most successful competitors.

  3. Ron Swanson says:

    I’m sure Elmer Trett is a great guy, But the article is about Alvin Kobernusz and rightly so. The man has paid his dues not only in racing but life as well. It is cliche but Alvin would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I’m very happy Alvin is having fun doing what he loves to do. I worked with Alvin for 8 years, he is awesome. Give em’ hell Alvin!

    1. Kevin says:

      You hit that right. I’m on alvins race crew, I have known him about 7 years now, he has become one of my best friends, so happy for him.

    2. Kevin Markham says:

      Top Fuel Rider of Bad Apple Racing Tracy Kile calls him “THE MAN FROM MANLY”

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