7/9/2025
Bloomington Speedway
Red Clay Legend: Bob Kinser
When it comes to Red Clay Legends few cast a larger shadow than Bob Kinser. Born to Zelbert and Mary Kinser on August 12, 1931 he first took to the track in 1954 in a 1936 Ford flathead coupe he purchased for $125. Using an army helmet for protection he began competing at Bloomington and Mitchell. He got some timely help from racer Jim Waltz and soon Bob and his #707 were finding victory lane. He moved to supermodifieds with owner Earl Fleetwood by 1959, he got a chance in Pete Brewer's Cadillac powered car, and eventually found a home with Clyde and Lawrence Fox. He was off and running and when he secured the talents of mechanic Galen Fox they were a force to be reckoned with.
How many wins did Bob add to his resume? The number exceeds 400 and he captured at least 29 championships of various stripes.
Then there was Bob the person. To say larger than life hardly captures us. He truly was a living legend. He was a tough man that no one messed with, but he could also be kind, and had a great sense of humor. At the end of a 40 years career he was a slam-dunk selection to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and many, many others.
As we celebrate the heroes of the Red Clay with a 50 lap feature rest assured he took many long distance races. On July 3, 1970 Kinser took the Firecracker 150 at Bloomington after establishing a track record 13.841 in qualifications besting Dick Gaines' previous mark of 14.01. After a victory cigar Kinser told Herald-Times reporter Merv Hendricks, "I didn't think I could turn it that fast. The fastest I had ever run before was in the low 14s."
He would eventually go even faster before his legendary career came to a close. As you know he watch his sons, and grandson go forth to sprint car glory. Bob passed on 11/4/2017
The Legends 50
Pit gate: 4
Spectator Gate: 5
Hot laps 6:30
Racing 7:30
Adult General Admission $15
Kids 12 and under Free
Pits 30$
Kids 12 and under $15
Coolers welcome: No glass
Lets Fill the Hill
John Mahoney photos
Article Credit: Patrick Sullivan
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