7/23/2025
Bloomington Speedway
9 Days Away from the Biggest Race of the Year on the Red Clay: Indiana Sprint Week -
Sheldon Kinser Memorial at the Historic Bloomington Speedway
Race #1. September 29, 1989
The race, delayed 1 week by rain paid $3,000 to win. Any fears about participation was dispatched early as 55 cars signed in. Bob Kinser was the fast qualifier, transferred to the A main by wining the B feature, but got upside down when the money was on the line. In the end Kerry Norris topped Tray House and Jack Hewitt.
With the passage of time there may be fans who only remember Kerry from the 90's when he was posting double figure win totals in a modified every year - but following in the footsteps of his father Dave he was a terrific sprint car racer.
Dave Norris when he wasn't racing operated at Shell Station at 17th and US31 in Columbus and he also had dreams of racing in the Indianapolis 500. In the early 60s he helped in the Federal Express team garage that fielded cars driven by the likes of Shorty Templeman, Norm Hall, and Chuck Hulse. He also began guiding his son who moved into Kart racing.
Kerry got the hang of sprint cars quickly. He was the top dog at Lawrenceburg three straight years from 1979-1981 and the Kokomo Speedway champ in 1981. He had great success at Fremont (Oh) speedway and with the All Star Circuit of Champions finishing 5th in series points in 1982 and 1983.
There will only be 1 first time Sheldon Kinser Memorial winner at Bloomington Speedway and that honor goes to Kerry Norris.
Come see the stars of USAC Racing and Fill the Hill as we honor a Bloomington Speedway legend.
John Mahoney photos.
Article Credit: Patrick Sullivan
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