Back in the 50's and 60's when I was growing up in Southern Illinois on a farm there were dirt tracks everywhere. Most of these tracks are history now. I am sure Steve raced on a lot of those tracks including DuQuoin Fair Grounds. I knew how great Steve was. I am a big NASCAR fan now. Thanks for the great video!
You're welcome Jerry; thanks for taking the time to watch. I love southern Illinois...been going to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds since I was a little kid. I'll be thinking about that one mile track this weekend when USAC and ARCA will be pounding it...wish I was going. HMM
Oh man do I love hearing Steve talk about guys like Rick F, Bubby J, Ron S, those were the days when you could actually stand in a corner on the track and watch the races up close. Great interview
Talked with him many times at the highland lounge having no clue who he even was. I was just a young guy having a beer. Always friendly and down to earth. Maybe if I knew it was Steve Kinser, it be different. But he was just another guy . We’re all just regular guys.
@@HistoryMysteryMan so regular I didn’t even know it was him until later. Just a down to earth guy. Btw..... highland lounge wasn’t a bar most folks went too. You could say it had a little bit of a reputation as a rough place. But most folks are always friendly. Great interview!
My friends and I would wait all year to see the world of outlaws come to Elma fairgrounds in Washington state. We really looked forward to that. While talking to Steve breifly he said it was running around $300,000 a year to run. We were Steve Kinser fans. I raced asphault and dirt. Dirt was more fun. Thank you for this interview.
Thanks for letting me know this way in 4 parts. Their shop is amazing. I went to a track called Hatfield Speedway here in Pa. Talking about those days reminded me of my childhood races.
I have great memories of being a child at Williams Grove, Reading, Selinsgrove and Penn National...it was pure magic. My dad had a USAC sprint car. I remember a guy named Mitch Smith who used to clean house over there when the USACers would come to town. I'm planning on doing a Pennsylvania swing this summer...Port Royal and the Grove for sure. Gettysburg too, of course! Thanks...HMM
I haven't even began to start watching this series but I had tell you I had the honor to talk to Steve in the pits one night. He was more than happy to autograph my t shirt and yes, I still have it. A humble legend. Simply a great guy !
That's the cool part about this type of racing. You can walk up to pretty much any of them and say, hey, how's it goin. Kyle Larson is hugely popular. Go to a Midget or Sprint car show, walk by and stop and talk to him, no problem. NASCAR, hell, ya can't get anywhere near him. Local racing is fan friendly even at Knoxville, or the Chilli bowl.
It never fails to amaze me just how wonderful these men are.Listening to their stories and their love and sacrifice for Sprint car racing.Steve Kinser,local boy becomes worlds most winningest race car driver,that is America.Very nice interview,enjoyed it so much.
Steve was huge in the mud 70s, 80s and beyond. If I stopped by his trailer I would almost feel bad because he was always so busy, and you could look at his face and see he was thinking about a million things, but if he could, he would talk to you, his wife as well. Just good people
Love the slide job story, it’s funny that I was talking to Ronnie about slide jobs one night at Ascot, he said that slide jobs were ok as long as he didn’t have to lift if you gave him one, the king of slide jobs in a midget was Jimmy Caruthers’s. Back in the day, you usually did them at the end of the race for the win, these kids today use slide jobs every lap, and I’ve seen quite a few that need a lot more practice at doing them right. Excellent interview Don.
Agreed ! Seen him race at Haubstadt many times. Also I was at Talladega when he won the IROC race. Most all of the crowd had no idea who he was at the time as we were cheering our butts off . Great memories, I suppose his short transition to NASCAR was supposedly hindered by him racing a 3,500 lb. car that he wasn't able to adjust to.
Love your story about cheering your guts out for Steve at Talladega, especially when few in attendance knew much about him at the time...super cool. Thanks for watching...HMM
I grew up 25 miles from Knoxville, Iowa. My family has raced both old time stock cars and sprint cars there. Out of all the great ones. Steve was one of the more approachable. Behind every great driver is a great crew chief and lets not forget Karl Kinser!
Yep I remember the days when he had bad blood with Mark kinser. I had marks autograph on my shirt and when I went to get Steve's he made a joke that he should cross out marks autograph.
I remember seeing Steve many times at Lawrenceburg Speedway. He would even show up for weekly races; a real treat. This family did more for auto racing than any other family in history. Thank you for the great show you put on.
IDK about that, but Steve, and Karl sure did. Many of the guys who became household names through Nascar went through the ranks of dirt track racing. AJ, Mario, and so on. Not diminishing what the Kinser's did.
My dad and I would always go to the pits after outlaw races I met Steve many times I remember one time he was talking racing with my dad for like 30 minutes he is a really nice guy.
The picture at 17:19 of Steve Kinser and Ron Schuman looks like it may have been taken at Ascot in Gardena Ca. back in the early 1980's. I was privileged to see Steve, Sammy, and Doug run non-wing back then. Thanks for another great video.
I so hope this is a 10 part interview been waiting for the kings interview love these interviews keep it up your bringing us info we would never have known thank you
Another great story & interview. I am still amazed at their humility and excitement when they talk about what they loved to do. Inspiring for sure, Thanks HMM🤗
Thanks so much for the great videos, keep up the good work. I was lucky enough to start going to Eldora in 78, got to see steves whole career and most of Hewitts.
WHAT A Great series!! Hoffman Farm I drive by weekly,most of these tracks I have been to, I may have met you at an ARCA event, is that you? Love The channel!!!!
Whoops! I forgot to give thanks to Kraig Kinser also, and hope he has a great season in 2022, we'll be watching 😀 Hey, I know I can't be the only one who watches these more than once, and then comments again, right? 😉
You do a great job Mystery Man. Loved everyone of your videos that I've watched. Much appreciation, hope the weekend is well and thr fresh week better.
👍Great job! Looking forward to the next part...Hmm....what is the story behind the car up in storage? Perhaps we shall learn more about it! I imagine Craig's Kville winner must be safely stored as well...🏁11🏁
If any driver deserves to be called "King" this side of Richard Petty, it's certainly the greatest Sprintcar driver ever....Steve Kinser! Been a Race fan of all major forms of motorsports literally all my life & anyone like me knows, you pick your guy in each form, I picked Steve back in 1980 & like King Richard, The Great Bobby Unser & The Snake Don Prudhomme, Steve NEVER let me down! 💪🤠👍 Long live The King!!!
according 2 wiki brett hearn has 919 wins and 79 track and series championships so i guess that would make him the winningest driver in pro motorsports history correct?
919 wins on a nationally touring series? I'd have to see those numbers. I'm talking about a traveling national touring series, not local stuff, but worth checking into to. Thanks...
I tell you what I think it was Knoxville nationals where he was ill say it full bore and got kicked in turn no 1 and I never seen a car bounce across to the other side it was his quaker state sprinter I think it was at the nationals I know he said he would never forget it I mean he pancake that wall I never like to see any1 get hurt I said to myself Man and he walked away from that horrible wreck my mine the way he hit that wall I thought he was a dead man I seen wrecks before but I'll never forget that race maybe he still remembers it .it was 1 hell if it wreck .I seen him go into the outside wall and shot across the track and I don't think he hit any1 when he come across that track. I'll never forget that 1 he said well we got another car to get ready hell I would said that's it for me this year. Steve do you remember that wreck?
I don't think Mr. Kinser consciously meant to disrespect your father. Would you ever consider sitting down with me to talk about your dad? Be an awesome interview! Thanks for writing in...stop by anytime. HMM
King of Outlaws
Absolutely! Thanks...HMM
Back in the 50's and 60's when I was growing up in Southern Illinois on a farm there were dirt tracks everywhere. Most of these tracks are history now. I am sure Steve raced on a lot of those tracks including DuQuoin Fair Grounds. I knew how great Steve was. I am a big NASCAR fan now. Thanks for the great video!
You're welcome Jerry; thanks for taking the time to watch. I love southern Illinois...been going to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds since I was a little kid. I'll be thinking about that one mile track this weekend when USAC and ARCA will be pounding it...wish I was going. HMM
Oh man do I love hearing Steve talk about guys like Rick F, Bubby J, Ron S, those were the days when you could actually stand in a corner on the track and watch the races up close. Great interview
Thanks Rick...greatly appreciated. HMM
Talked with him many times at the highland lounge having no clue who he even was. I was just a young guy having a beer. Always friendly and down to earth. Maybe if I knew it was Steve Kinser, it be different. But he was just another guy . We’re all just regular guys.
Cool story...thanks for sharing it here, Thomas. Regular guys doing extraordinary things...HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan so regular I didn’t even know it was him until later. Just a down to earth guy. Btw..... highland lounge wasn’t a bar most folks went too. You could say it had a little bit of a reputation as a rough place. But most folks are always friendly. Great interview!
Oh my God, look at those pics of Bob Kinser
Love it!! My Favorite driver !! #11
He's the GOAT! HMM
My friends and I would wait all year to see the world of outlaws come to Elma fairgrounds in Washington state. We really looked forward to that. While talking to Steve breifly he said it was running around $300,000 a year to run. We were Steve Kinser fans. I raced asphault and dirt. Dirt was more fun. Thank you for this interview.
You're welcome Wendell; thanks for taking the time to watch. Huge Kinser fan here! Never been to Washington state...love to visit some time. HMM
Outstanding job and video
Thanks Tim...so appreciated. HMM
Thanks for letting me know this way in 4 parts. Their shop is amazing. I went to a track called Hatfield Speedway here in Pa. Talking about those days reminded me of my childhood races.
I have great memories of being a child at Williams Grove, Reading, Selinsgrove and Penn National...it was pure magic. My dad had a USAC sprint car. I remember a guy named Mitch Smith who used to clean house over there when the USACers would come to town. I'm planning on doing a Pennsylvania swing this summer...Port Royal and the Grove for sure. Gettysburg too, of course! Thanks...HMM
WatchedSteve race hundreds of times over the years. There will never be another. ThanksHMM
Thanks Steve👍🏻🇺🇸
You're always welcome, David! HMM
LONG LIVE THE KING! [salute].
Salute!
I haven't even began to start watching this series but I had tell you I had the honor to talk to Steve in the pits one night. He was more than happy to autograph my t shirt and yes, I still have it. A humble legend. Simply a great guy !
Humble for sure...and the GOAT! Hope you get time to watch David...thanks. HMM
That's the cool part about this type of racing. You can walk up to pretty much any of them and say, hey, how's it goin. Kyle Larson is hugely popular. Go to a Midget or Sprint car show, walk by and stop and talk to him, no problem. NASCAR, hell, ya can't get anywhere near him. Local racing is fan friendly even at Knoxville, or the Chilli bowl.
Great interview!!! I always appreciate your content!!!
#HistoryMysteryMan
Thanks again Mark; I appreciate your support...HMM
This is awesome. Thanks
Thanks...greatly appreciated. HMM
It never fails to amaze me just how wonderful these men are.Listening to their stories and their love and sacrifice for Sprint car racing.Steve Kinser,local boy becomes worlds most winningest race car driver,that is America.Very nice interview,enjoyed it so much.
Thanks Mark; I'm glad to hear from you again. Always appreciate your support. HMM
Steve was huge in the mud 70s, 80s and beyond. If I stopped by his trailer I would almost feel bad because he was always so busy, and you could look at his face and see he was thinking about a million things, but if he could, he would talk to you, his wife as well. Just good people
I loved the Allen Barr story. Now to have Allen and Steve together is going to be awsome. Can't wait till next video.
Thanks Bill! HMM
Love the slide job story, it’s funny that I was talking to Ronnie about slide jobs one night at Ascot, he said that slide jobs were ok as long as he didn’t have to lift if you gave him one, the king of slide jobs in a midget was Jimmy Caruthers’s. Back in the day, you usually did them at the end of the race for the win, these kids today use slide jobs every lap, and I’ve seen quite a few that need a lot more practice at doing them right.
Excellent interview Don.
Steve Kinser= GOAT
Agreed ! Seen him race at Haubstadt many times. Also I was at Talladega when he won the IROC race. Most all of the crowd had no idea who he was at the time as we were cheering our butts off . Great memories, I suppose his short transition to NASCAR was supposedly hindered by him racing a 3,500 lb. car that he wasn't able to adjust to.
Forever the GOAT! Thanks...HMM
Love your story about cheering your guts out for Steve at Talladega, especially when few in attendance knew much about him at the time...super cool. Thanks for watching...HMM
@@stansmad What about Gary Balough and the late Dick Trickle if i'm right they have over 1,000 wins i know there on pavement!
Now that is great ! Alan Barr and Steve Kinser sittin together. Look forward to the series.
Thanks again, Robert! HMM
I grew up 25 miles from Knoxville, Iowa. My family has raced both old time stock cars and sprint cars there. Out of all the great ones. Steve was one of the more approachable. Behind every great driver is a great crew chief and lets not forget Karl Kinser!
Steve's the best...so great with his fans. Thanks for watching...HMM
Yep I remember the days when he had bad blood with Mark kinser. I had marks autograph on my shirt and when I went to get Steve's he made a joke that he should cross out marks autograph.
Great video Don I'm going to watch it again THE KING
Because Steve Kinser is absolutely the KING! Thanks Alan...HMM
I remember seeing Steve many times at Lawrenceburg Speedway. He would even show up for weekly races; a real treat. This family did more for auto racing than any other family in history. Thank you for the great show you put on.
You're welcome Rupert; thanks for watching! HMM
IDK about that, but Steve, and Karl sure did. Many of the guys who became household names through Nascar went through the ranks of dirt track racing. AJ, Mario, and so on. Not diminishing what the Kinser's did.
@@rickarra1833 If Steve Kinser would of moved to NASCAR in his 30's, He would of been a NASCAR Champion also. Indy Cars the same. He was that GREAT.
Fantastic interview! It's great that you're recording all these stories while they're all still able to tell them.
Doing my part to preserve history...thanks for watching! HMM
Steve is a legend great video. Glad to live in the time of king Steve kinser.
Thanks for watching, Rusty...HMM
Oh man! This is priceless to an old time Sprint Car fan, thanks Don, Allen and Steve and Co. Great interview, man.
³===4
Thanks Don! HMM
Absolutely fantastic!! This is why this is my favorite RUclips channel.
I really appreciate that Michael; that one means a lot! HMM
My dad and I would always go to the pits after outlaw races I met Steve many times I remember one time he was talking racing with my dad for like 30 minutes he is a really nice guy.
Steve always had/has time for the fans...learned that from his father Bob. Thanks michael kiser...HMM
The picture at 17:19 of Steve Kinser and Ron Schuman looks like it may have been taken at Ascot in Gardena Ca. back in the early 1980's. I was privileged to see Steve, Sammy, and Doug run non-wing back then. Thanks for another great video.
You're welcome Gary, I went to Ascot Park one time...never had so much fun. Thanks for watching...HMM
Thank you so much for the great interview.
You're welcome Judy...thanks! HMM
I so hope this is a 10 part interview been waiting for the kings interview love these interviews keep it up your bringing us info we would never have known thank you
You're welcome Greg...thanks for your kind words! HMM
Great video !!!!
Thanks again, C Porter...HMM
Another great story & interview. I am still amazed at their humility and excitement when they talk about what they loved to do. Inspiring for sure, Thanks HMM🤗
Thanks again, Ave! HMM
Thanks so much for the great videos, keep up the good work. I was lucky enough to start going to Eldora in 78, got to see steves whole career and most of Hewitts.
That was a great era at Eldora! Thanks for watching, Karlton. HMM
Awesome show and interview, Thanks so much. Ron
You're welcome Ron; thanks for watching...HMM
nice Video and waiting for the next chapter or chapters.
Part 2 is up now...thanks Adrian...HMM
Great history. I saw Steve in the 70s, he must have just started. He was already the talk though. Tulsa had a large 1/2 mile he was flying.
Kinser was fast everywhere...amazing skill. Thanks Mike...HMM
I can’t wait for part 2. Thank you!
You're always welcome...Part 2 is up now...thanks! HMM
WHAT A Great series!! Hoffman Farm I drive by weekly,most of these tracks I have been to, I may have met you at an ARCA event, is that you? Love The channel!!!!
Thanks Terry...so appreciated. Yes...I worked for ARCA for 22 years. HMM
How good was that, looking forward to the next one 🇦🇺👍🏻
Thanks Geoff...greatly appreciated. HMM
This is amazing! Can’t wait for the rest
Thanks Ryan! HMM
Thank you for all that you do History Mystery Man!
You're always welcome, R A...HMM
Whoops! I forgot to give thanks to Kraig Kinser also, and hope he has a great season in 2022, we'll be watching 😀
Hey, I know I can't be the only one who watches these more than once, and then comments again, right? 😉
Man I hope not. Watching twice is twice as nice...for me! Hope so for you too...thanks! HMM
Another amazing interview! Great insight into the history of sprint car racing.
Thanks...so appreciated. HMM
You do a great job Mystery Man. Loved everyone of your videos that I've watched.
Much appreciation, hope the weekend is well and thr fresh week better.
Thanks Aaron...so appreciated! HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan always wondered about the Hoffman car, man did you do that story justice. Tuned in on ya, take care. Lots care... needa ya around.
@@aaronanderson7619 Thanks Aaron; I appreciate your support...HMM
Thank you sir for making such great videos like you always do🏁🏁🏁
You're always welcome; thanks for watching...HMM
Great job HMM!
Thanks again, Joe...HMM
Hello~ great clip
Thanks again, Patty...so appreciated. HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan you're welcome. I hope you are doing well.
@@pattyward7061 Holding my own in this crazy world...you? HMM
Great video.
Thanks Tater...so appreciated! HMM
👍Great job! Looking forward to the next part...Hmm....what is the story behind the car up in storage? Perhaps we shall learn more about it! I imagine Craig's Kville winner must be safely stored as well...🏁11🏁
I'll have to find out about that Valvoline car up on the shelf. Thanks for watching Mark...HMM
If any driver deserves to be called "King" this side of Richard Petty, it's certainly the greatest Sprintcar driver ever....Steve Kinser!
Been a Race fan of all major forms of motorsports literally all my life & anyone like me knows, you pick your guy in each form, I picked Steve back in 1980 & like King Richard, The Great Bobby Unser & The Snake Don Prudhomme, Steve NEVER let me down! 💪🤠👍
Long live The King!!!
I'm buying all of this! Thanks for watching, Robert...HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan Absolutely, enjoyed it very much. 💪🤠👍
@@Slinger43 Thanks Robert...absolutely appreciated...HMM
Is there more videos to come from this interview??
Yes...there are 4 total...the conclusion coming out today...Thanks. Bubba
You were not far from my house when at Steve’s and from the track it’s a mile
I'll be back! Let me what time for dinner! Thanks again, Kevin...HMM
How many times he win kings royal?
I believe 7...HMM
according 2 wiki brett hearn has 919 wins and 79 track and series championships so i guess that would make him the winningest driver in pro motorsports history correct?
919 wins on a nationally touring series? I'd have to see those numbers. I'm talking about a traveling national touring series, not local stuff, but worth checking into to. Thanks...
Jan Opperman was the original outlaw
I tell you what I think it was Knoxville nationals where he was ill say it full bore and got kicked in turn no 1 and I never seen a car bounce across to the other side it was his quaker state sprinter I think it was at the nationals I know he said he would never forget it I mean he pancake that wall I never like to see any1 get hurt I said to myself
Man and he walked away from that horrible wreck my mine the way he hit that wall I thought he was a dead man I seen wrecks before but I'll never forget that race maybe he still remembers it .it was 1 hell if it wreck .I seen him go into the outside wall and shot across the track and I don't think he hit any1 when he come across that track. I'll never forget that 1 he said well we got another car to get ready hell I would said that's it for me this year. Steve do you remember that wreck?
As severe as you described this wreck, I can assure you that he remembers it. Thanks for watching, Charles! HMM
I can't believe Steve Kinser did not mention my dad Jan Opperman.... not even one time in this interview.😢 NO RESPECT........
I don't think Mr. Kinser consciously meant to disrespect your father. Would you ever consider sitting down with me to talk about your dad? Be an awesome interview! Thanks for writing in...stop by anytime. HMM