BIG BERTHA-DRIVERS, RACES, WINS with KARL KINSER & KEITH FORD-Can we bring her back to life?

Big Bertha is best known for her success with Oolitic, Indiana wheelman Larry Miller, who was nearly unbeatable in the car. But Miller isn't the only driver who found success in the 22 car...Dick Gaines, Allen Barr, Butch Wilkerson, Steve Kinser all spent time in the saddle, posting wins across Hoosier tracks. Piecing together more great stories on this iconic race car as told by Karl Kinser and Keith Ford. Drop your memories and thoughts on Big Bertha below please. Do you think she will be rebuilt and would you be willing to?
For booking, sponsorship and marketing info please contact [e-mail]
#BigBertha #KarlKinser #LarryMiller #DickGaines #KeithFord #AllenBarr #indycar #dirttrack #dirtchampracers #kinserbuiltracecar #usac #indianapolismotorspeedway #worldofoutlaws #paragonspeedway #racinglgends #nascar #nascarnation #racinglegends #racinghistory #businessofracing #SprintCar #AutoRacing #AllenBarr #BigBertha #racinglegends #racinginnovation #ButchWilkerson #SteveKinser #karlkinser #franksmith #stevekinser #checkeredflag

[@angeliastofleth117]

I remember early to mid 70s Larry Miller coming to Haubstadt Indiana and dominating every race Every weekend he was my hero at 12 years old

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Those are great memories; thanks for sharing them here. HMM

[@RA-zl6iw]

I could listen to Karl tell stories for as long as he’s willing to tell them. These documentaries are priceless. Keep up the good work!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again R A...man I appreciate this one...a lot! HMM

[@michaeldyer4140]

Karl Kinser, I have stories to tell about him telling stories.

[@angeliastofleth117]

It would be awesome to see that car in a museum

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It most certainly would...thanks again! HMM

[@whatalifewhataprice5261]

Karl is a LEGEND.!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely! Thanks for your support...HMM

[@donfrentzel2739]

Another good interview. Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Don...appreciate your support. HMM

[@kevinbledsoe6454]

Thank you so much for your history videos. I especially enjoy the racing history being a good old Indiana boy.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Kevin. Thanks for checking in, and watching of course! HMM

[@grahamdinte7318]

Another fantastic 2part doco, when Karl came down under with the Kinser tours, we were in absolute awe of Karl because he was the best owner, builder of sprintcars in the world, wish we had the guts to go and talk to him, definitely a missed opportunity, cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Australia! I'm sooo honored to hear from you. I can appreciate you holding back on talking to Karl...when he was racing, he had his game face on and was doing a job. But now, bet he'd talk to you a mile a minute. Thanks for your support, Graham; it's a big deal for me to have good folks like yourself reach out from down under! HMM

[@michaelakers1890]

Hands on Racing! Best Medicine! Thanks for sharing your History.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Michael; thanks for your support! HMM

[@Moonracey1]

Another awesome interview, Thanks for help keeping these memories alive.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@michaeldyer4140]

Karl Kinser, I have stories to tell about him telling stories.

[@danielrich3637]

thanks for doing these..Karl forgot more than most people will ever know about open wheel dirt racing!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Daniel. Thanks for taking the time to watch...HMM

[@riverrat82]

Wow best chance would to get Tony Stewart to restore that car.

[@ExcalibursEdge]

Thank you so much for this series. It took me back to the days of my dad racing his super modified at T-Car Speedway in Carson City, NV. What a ride, man!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Glad I could take you back to some "good ole days." Thanks for watching...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@jimheckert5383]

Sir. Your interviews are great. Fantastic thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jim; I appreciate your support...HMM

[@browndog8622]

What an awesome story, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@mikepulliam8314]

Thank you so much for these Sprint car stories. I was born and raised in Columbus Indiana. My dad and brother would walk from our house to the dirt track and watch the racing. We very seldom missed a race. I remember the last race there like it was yesterday. Thanks for bringing back great memories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Mike; thanks for watching! So you were at that last race at the Columbus fairgrounds? It would have been neat to hear you tell some of those stories inside my videos. HMM

[@robertweimer4612]

Another great video about a great time in the sport of sprint car racing. On a normal day you can still find Butch Wilkerson in Columbus IN...... Also there are lot more tracks gone than I care to about. Dayton which seem to tie as the fastest half mile tied with Salem, depending on how long since the last paving..... Lots of great races with Dickson, Bettenhausen, Greg Weld, etc. Tri-County Speedway a great, modern dirt track in Westchester, OH, just north of Hoffman's place was a great scene for USAC Sprints, Stock Cars. Saw many a great race with Larry Dickson, Gary Bettenhausen in sprints, and AJ driving the Jack Bowsher Ford Torino's, along with Rex White, Butch Hartman etc. Thanks for helping to bring back great memories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Robert...greatly appreciated. I remember that era well that you speak of. Was at most of the USAC Sprint races from 1969 through 1974...such great memories. Jack Bowsher was also a good friend of mine. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@richardboggs260]

Very good job as always HMM!! Every now and then a car comes a long that is just perfect no matter who drives it. Big Bertha is that car

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll buy that on Big Bertha! Thanks again, Richard...HMM

[@mmi16]

Is that a boat tail Auburn in the final scene with Kinser?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll have to find out; thanks for watching...HMM

[@aveorlando7805]

Deja vu....another authentic & endearing interview!!! Thanks HMM😊😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Always welcome Ave...HMM

[@jeffrivers4735]

I have to agree with R A. I love the Karl Kinser stories. His stories is a history book of racing. There is probably just a handful left that falls in that category. If there was a car needs to be restored it would be Big Bertha.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Jeff. I have another video coming out next with just me and Karl....yacking it up. Thanks for your continual support...HMM

[@donolbers9446]

Good stuff, Don, love the interviews, the pics and stories are great!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks friend...HMM

[@briannicholson5917]

Great video. Hope you can come up with a good idea to visit Carl again. Ive always been very interested in his history. I will have to watch you others with him again. I sure like listening to him.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Brian. My next video is one with Karl...just him and me. Coming soon! HMM

[@josephhigdon2204]

Larry Miller wore the supposed hot shoes at tri-state like an old pair of dirty shoes. If he had not chose to be a family man look out. In humble opine one of the best

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Joseph; thanks for watching...HMM

[@gregembrey2947]

All I can say Loved the story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Greg; that says it all. HMM

[@chadalac1977]

Another great video , I really didnt understand when he said that couldn't be re chromed. I've seen some awfully pitted bumpers. When he said Springfield was he talking about the mile in Illinois?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes...the Springfield mile dirt at the Fairgrounds...one of my favorite places...thanks! HMM

[@mmi16]

The fact that Big Bertha hasn't been restored is a sacrilege.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll buy that! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@uncleslug4954]

Billy Sheppard is a guy you need to talk to he would be a fantastic interview for you . He’s written great story’s about this car and many other cars as well of his life growing up around racing . Billy has forgot more than most guys will ever know about this era . He grew up at the Paragon track he’s Ed Sheppard’s grandson .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Uncle Slug. I've been talking to Billy Sheppard on the phone a lot over the last six months. If he ever gets close to Indiana, I'll definitely interview him. Thanks for your support! HMM

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Larry Miller was as good as they get . HARF Hall of Famer but needs to be inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame soon . Miller is definitely one of the most over looked drivers not in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I have to agree. How I would have loved to have seem him in his prime in Big Bertha at Paragon and Tri-State. Thanks again, friend...HMM

[@jd70camaro20]

wow! this is cool. Karl was freinds with someone like a father to me Tex Countryman . my mom is Kay

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's awesome Wesley...to have that connection. Thanks...HMM

[@sprintcarsandguitars959]

ray n jay shirt,rip billy albini our engine builder.

[@chrisf8766]

Any chance of Karl giving a shop tour?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You've seen most of it...it ain't that big. See what I can do...thanks. HMM

[@joshpitts7256]

I miss seeing him in the Pit area with his Apron on and his glasses down on his nose performing his Magic... Silva is good," But He isn't no Karl Kinser...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

There is only one Karl Kinser, in fact. Thanks Josh...HMM

[@adrianfernandonoya5196]

HMM can you tell me what car is that one who i am seeing in the last minute behind Karl Kinser ? Is a beautifull small car.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll see if I can find out...thanks. HMM

[@adrianfernandonoya5196]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thank You very much and when i see the video i was waiting that you ask Karl or show what car is that i think it is a type of car called coupe for the size.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@adrianfernandonoya5196 I'll find out...stand by. HMM

[@alb5489]

Looks like a PACKARD roadster (look at the hubcaps). Not a "small car" unless being compared to some earlier era cars. Looks like Karl likes Studebaker and Packard. Story starts with a Stude Golden Hawk and ends with a Packard. Both great cars.

[@adrianfernandonoya5196]

@@alb5489 Yes that is true and now i remember the Studebaker and if that is a Packard i love them all. Thank you for the information and happy 2022 for you.

[@donfrentzel2739]

To HMM I would like to contact you. I've sent you a message on your Facebook page and to the email listed on your home page.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

How can I help you Don? Thanks for stopping by...HMM

[@donfrentzel2739]

I would like contact you in person. I have been a 500 fan my adult life. I have the Indianapolis Times,Star or News papers for the day before the race, day after and the souvenir edition. For years 1959 to 1966 and 1988 to2006. I'm looking for some one who would appreciate this collection.

[@Brad-S]

If someone made a movie about Karl Kinser, I think Kenny Wallace should get the part. You may say, but Kenny's not an actor. I'd say Kenny wouldn't have to act.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting perspective. Thanks Brad...HMM

[@TheCrewChief374]

Okay well these two gentleman need to work something out. In order to get this car restored as a car. Since they are honestly the only two that could actually do it correctly. Furthermore, I am sure if another bolt on top cage; needed to be built. That there is a welder somewhere, who can weld the top cage together with a stick welder. So there is no excuse, other than they just don't want to do it. Besides, the main thing I've heard over the years from the older generation is we just don't know what things were like when I was racing; and you are to young to understand or you don't appreciate what we did back when. Well then this is a perfect opportunity to show us; younger generation what we don't seem to understand. Lets see "Big Bertha" restored before these two gentleman are not around to do the restoration. Because it needs to be in the sprint car hall of fame. For us younger people, (who don't seem to understand or appreciate anything. To be able to go see what it was all about back in the day. (Come on now, I am waiting to see it restored. Because I am 46 and primarily the only person left in my direct family. And I know that I am only getting up there in years.)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It may take a younger person to restore it...both Karl and Keith are up there in years and have already contributed more than most humans on earth to motorsports. And of course there is expense involved, man hours, etc. Thanks...HMM

[@TheCrewChief374]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Well I am sure that is how people may view it. That they have contributed a lot, in the world. Yet it only really means they have only skimmed the surface. At least that is what the older generation makes it out to me as, when I point out. That in the capacity of a mechanic, car chief, crew chief, as well as sponsor, and car owner. I have been apart of 49 track, regional, and national championships with over 500 plus wins, within five different divisions. (Which is just my auto racing accomplishments.) Although somehow I been told, by the older generation I still have so much more to contribute. Therefore, a person can always do a little more. Than what they have already done...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@TheCrewChief374 I appreciate you sharing your thoughts here. What exactly is "the older generation?"

[@TheCrewChief374]

@@HistoryMysteryMan In my case "the older generation" would be individuals such as my late dad, who raced against drivers like Emmett Hahn. Or Ray Crawford, and of course Mr Ford and Mr Kinser in this short documentary. On top of the fact that when I was younger and got to meet Mr. Kinser, he made mention about me being able to do more; with regards to effort and dedication amount other things. Along the same lines Ray Crawford stated similar ideas that Mr Kinser had expressed years before. All whom I understand are the "older generation" or dirt racing elders...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@TheCrewChief374 Understood...thanks for sharing your thoughts here...HMM