7/31/2025
Bloomington Speedway
Sheldon Kinser Memorial Flashback: 2003 Cory Clobbers the Field
The 15th Annual Sheldon Kinser Memorial continued its reputation as one of the premiere races in the State of Indiana and anywhere in the traditional sprint car world. A stout field of 51 cars were on hand and recent Purdue University graduate Bobby Stines was best in qualifications. Bobby needed a B feature win to crack the starting lineup while Kevin Briscoe took the final transfer spot by inches.
Jay Drake was racing at Richmond International Raceway with the USAC Silver Crown series, so with a seat available in his sprint car Keith Kunz put in a call to his friend Cory Kruseman.
The Kruser always excelled at Bloomington Speedway (remember when he topped Heros and Hotdogs qualifications at the first D.O. Racin’ Fest?), so he was more than ready. At the start it was Kevin Huntley, who had been victorious on the red clay the week before, getting out to the early lead. Brian Gerster in the Law Brothers entry was hanging tough as was Derek Scheffel who would claim his 4th track championship later that summer. The Kruser started rolling and after dispatching those in his path he was in the lead and dashing off for good. It was a dominating performance. He was followed at the flag by Scheffel, Huntley, Dickie Gaines, and Kevin Briscoe
Heats were won by Marc Jessup, Derek Davidson, A. J. Anderson, Kruseman and Gaines.
Brady Short was the best in the modifieds - his first Bloomington win. Ben DuBois ruled the street stocks,
Cory Kruseman was well on his way to a Hall of Fame Career. He topped the 1999 Non Wing World Championship Series, and in 2002 he was the king of the SCRA. All told he posted over 100 major wins between the SCRA, USAC-CRA, and USAC. In Indiana Sprint Week competition, he was the champion in 2002 and 2004 amassing 12 wins. He also topped the Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway in 2002 and 2004. Cory also excelled in midgets winning the USAC Western State title in 2001, and significantly he took a Golden Driller at the Chili Bowl Nationals in 2000 and 2004.
In March 2025 he was appointed the Director of USAC Western Operations. He was a 2023 inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was truly one of the best of his time and was one of a slew of California racers who helped elevate the status of Indiana Sprint Week.
One more thing. Cory was here for the start of Indiana Sprint Week where he remarked, “This is just how I remember it. Hot.”
John Mahoney photos
Article Credit: Patrick Sullivan
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