THE LEGEND OF BIG BERTHA With KARL KINSER & KEITH FORD

Big Bertha is one of the most famous Sprint Cars to ever come out of Indiana. A winner no matter who sat in the seat, most of her success came under car owner Karl Kinser, whose homemade inventions/secrets gave Big Bertha the edge she needed to dominate across Indiana dirt tracks. No driver won more in Big Bertha than Oolitic, Indiana's Larry Miller who won every race at Tri-State Speedway over a two-year stretch except one. His numbers were similar at Paragon Speedway. Come with the History Mystery Man as we rediscover Big Bertha inside a chicken house and nearby barn. This one's a keeper! Enjoy Part 1 of The Legend of Big Bertha!
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#BigBertha #KarlKinser #AllenBarr #KarlKinser #SteveKinser #ParagonSpeedway #TriStateSpeedway #LarryMiller #KeithFord #RacingLegends #RaceCarLegends #keithford #paragonspeedway #usac #nascar #worldofoutlaws #kartrace #openwheel #dirttrack #championracecars #racecars #checkeredflag #trophycars

[@mariebeasley1269]

Shared 🏁

[@terrywillis5784]

Great history in this video. Thanks again for all you do.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Terry; I appreciate you! HMM

[@joshdenk5656]

Dang ya done good job with the interview especially with kieth ford for him to open up that barn and take ya inside to show ya that ol sprint body . lol Nobody that i know of hes ever let in there except Allen bar when he drove thre ol paragon speedway sprint car.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Funny you should mention Allen Barr; he's my next video! Thanks for watching, Josh...HMM

[@Sherlockohms303]

This Video is part of History. Showcases Big Bertha and as true racing fan since lil boy I almost cried at the end I was thankful to see all those old grupms before they died. I thank HMM for seeking out these gentlemen and old bertha parts. this is the most top10 important race cars of all time and their is many others. Brandon Kinser is my name God Bless.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Brandon; I appreciate your kind words. Are you related to the famous Indiana Kinser clan? HMM

[@alanpeters9241]

Again Don great video!could listen to Karl and Keith talk for a week had 2 watch it twice!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Alan...so generous of you...so grateful. HMM

[@tjw3999]

so cool finally get to see that car.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll show you the chassis in the next one. Thanks for your support! HMM

[@jimheckert5383]

Thanks. Tremendous interview. 🇺🇸🍀🇺🇸

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Jim...HMM

[@grahamdinte7318]

Thank you for all these great videos from Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@johngerber3891]

Another very good video enjoying them thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@Heckofadeal]

Great video !!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@ericspratt3164]

Love stories about dominant race cars. Twice as good when the original still exists. Hope to see Big Bertha brought back to her former glory one day.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You and me both brother; thanks for your support! HMM

[@dlbracer56]

Oh MAN!.. The memories that brought back. I grew up in Bloomington IN. Friday night was Bloomington, Saturday night was Paragon and Sunday was USAC or Haubtstadt. After a 22 yr distraction (USAF '73-'95) a wife and two great kids. I finally got to live my dream (at age 60) and race a car I built with the number 56 on it at Bloomington Speedway. Though not as much horse power but, just as quick as some of the cars in that era my upright mini sprint ran in the low 13 second lap times (similar to midgets). GREAT episode can't wait to find the rest of them. David L Bender, MSgt USAF ret Owner/Driver Graylocks Racing EnterPrizes D2 midget #56.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks David; I appreciate your support! You saw Big Bertha race? Thanks for your service, sir! HMM

[@adrianfernandonoya5196]

I love that nice studebaker old car , and waiting for the second part...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hearing he has now sold that Studebaker; I'm not surprised. Thanks again, Adrian. HMM

[@joshingtonbarthsworth631]

Thanks for making this. I love open wheel history, and it's not documented enough. Great work.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Joshington...doing my part to preserve racing history. HMM

[@bobsmyth9776]

Oh that was great, can't wait for Part 2. I met Karl over 20 yrs ago at his home ,log home.He told me about building it, he took me out in his shop- oh what an honor. I took some photos of He & his baby grandson together in the pits at Eldora-- They we're so touching to me I placed them in his front door one day..Hope he enjoyed them--( and I lived 6 hrs to the North) T Y for your posts

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bob...cool story; thanks for sharing it here! I appreciate your support...HMM

[@belilestrucking5182]

very cool , that car does need put back together awesome history, . the fact that it has set within 30 miles of where karl first built it and is still all there is amazing. so much history in that ol barn.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Beliles Trucking; I appreciate your support! HMM

[@steventweed3599]

Outstanding!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Steven! HMM

[@buddygoben9750]

thank you for all the time and energy you put into your projects!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Buddy; it's a lot of time and energy for sure. Thanks for recognizing my work...so appreciated! HMM

[@RA-zl6iw]

Your documentaries are excellent. Thanks so much for putting the work into each of them and preserving the history of our great sport. Thanks again History Mystery Man!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome R A; I'm honored to hear from you again! Thanks...HMM

[@ronstewart9792]

What an awesome story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Ron...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@gregsimon9061]

Such great history, thanks for tracking these cars down and making such great videos that bring back some wonderful memories. Awesome job Don.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Greg; I sure appreciate your continual support! HMM

[@shawnharrington8307]

Awesome🏁🏁👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Shawn...HMM

[@richardboggs260]

Thank you !!!! This will be a very exciting series!!! Too bad Carl didn't get that fuel injection system copy righted!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No doubt on the copyright. Thanks again, Richard. HMM

[@CuzznRickH14]

I love the interviews with the legends of the sport. I think that all great legends had a still in the barn. LOL. Keith Ford's Hawk is AWESOME!!!! Miller died on my birthday.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting; thanks for sharing your thoughts here. HMM

[@Brad-S]

Thank you HMM. One of the things I love the most about going to races. Was going in to the pits to see what made the car tic. Great job!

[@tjw3999]

it was the wooden wing that made it fast lmao

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank Brad...and you're welcome! HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hysterical! Thanks...HMM

[@richardmourdock2719]

Great stuff! Well done. Iconic stuff indeed.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Richard...so appreciated. HMM

[@KSparks80]

Great video and interviews. Cars like this, and their stories, do need to be preserved. I wonder if some of the more recent drivers, like Stewart, or Gordon, with their ties to sprint cars and Indiana, have any memories or knowledge about this car and it's history. Or are aware of the thoughts going around to restore it. Maybe they'd know a few strings to tug if they did. (I think that car might attract some people if it would occasionally show up at somewhere like Knoxville, or Eldora, or even a chili Tulsa in the winter, looking all nice and shiny. And fast! lol).

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

If not knowledge of this car, certainly other important cars that may be laying in the weeds out there. Thanks for taking the time to watch; I appreciate you. HMM

[@marktreweek1988]

Thanks for this history lesson Keep up the good work

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Mark. Thanks for all your support; I know it's a lot. I'm always glad to hear from you! HMM

[@skepticusmaximus184]

Please do a story on a legendary South Australian car, (#88 Suddenly) and its legendary driver Bill (the wizard) Wigzel. Rowley Park Speedway nostalgia makes me well up. Thanks for a wonderful video. That Big Bertha realy was a legendary machine.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Where does this 88 car live? Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. HMM

[@marktoomeyz28]

Great content. Very well done. I could listen to Karl or Karl stories all day!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm with you Mark...thanks! HMM

[@marktoomeyz28]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I've seen a few videos of his garage. Oh my that must be a wonderful place to snoop around.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@marktoomeyz28 It's definitely a gas to hang out with Karl in his shop...I strongly recommend! Thanks Mark...HMM

[@garygoudeau8346]

As usual. Excellent presentation.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Gary...so appreciated. HMM

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Wow HMM, your content is fantastic! Side note, You have a nice mention over on the Hoseheads Sprint car chat board for your Hoffman peice. Kudos to your great content and production. ✌️🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Really? Hoseheads Sprint Car Chat Board? That's super cool, and I'm grateful for that. Thanks for letting me know; I appreciate your continual support. HMM

[@chucksmith7166]

I will do it too!!!

[@donolbers9446]

Pretty sure there is a shot of Tom York, with Karl, a smokin' trophy queen, and this car after winning a big race somewhere on pavement. The Minnesota State Fair or The Little 500? That old Michiana racing picture site is where I saw that, on one of the Tom York pages.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man I'd love to see that picture! If you can help dig it up, I'd be grateful! Thanks again, Don...HMM

[@14Joyceb]

Yes there is a photo of Tom York and Karl Kinser, with Danny Smith's Dad, Mike in the background!!

[@chadalac1977]

Wow that fuel is real innovative for the times . When you first put that pic of the fuel injection up my first thought was wondering if he had a patent on it then you answered it. They still use that today in drag cars guys call them toilet bowls now ! That's very interesting great video as always.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks; I appreciate you chiming in. Didn't know that about the "toilet bowls" in drag racing. Wonder if that concept/technology started with Karl Kinser? HMM

[@jadeharris7961]

Very cool 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jade...HMM

[@joshdenk5656]

Kieth, ill help ya restore big Birtha i got plenty of time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Josh! HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

I do hope its restored !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm with you Ron; thanks for watching...HMM

[@burnychaplin4601]

My Dad BEARCAT Chaplin raced against some of those names Allen Barr and Butch Wilkerson were friends with my dad Calvin Gilstrap and mike Johnson are names I recognize Dad didn't race a bunch in a Sprint Car but I have a few newspaper clippings from the late fifties or early sixties makes me proud of my Dad

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Cool stories Burny...thanks for sharing them here. HMM

[@mark4m557]

I’m a race car driver/owner I can’t tell you how many people that are just getting into this sport and some even been in it for a while thinks that driving wins races when all honest races are won in the shop setting the car up for the next race and driving is just part of it the car has to be best car out there to win even the rookies we had last year was winning races but they all had one thing in common a better set up than everyone else

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Makes sense to me, Mark. I think Karl Kinser is the very best example of how/why races are won in the shop. I mean...no car owner/chief mechanic ever won more! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@mark4m557]

@Bobb Grimley That takes too much time. You proper SOB! Why are you even commenting? This ain’t about English and your 9 year old! It’s about something you probably have no clue about!

[@mark4m557]

@Bobb Grimley you want a pat on the back?

[@jrogers1809]

Give Ray Evernham a call. I’d bet a wheelbarrow full of $50’s he & his guys would love the opportunity to bring ‘Big Bertha’ back to Glory

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting idea...thanks for sharing it here. HMM

[@jimjoe9945]

So it wasn't the car or driver's just the intake?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I think it's a combination of all those things, including the driver...thanks! HMM

[@joshdenk5656]

And kieth to have the car that messed his hand up thats a sentamental car to kieth he never mentions that hand or shows it .

[@joshdenk5656]

Kieth how bout it buddy lets bring the old girl back to life even if its to just put around down there at paragon ill put in all the wrench time and such.

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Kieth Miller Is Larry Millers Son and Kieth needs to be the one that ends up with Big Bertha

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No matter where it goes, it sure would be nice to see it restored; that's the hard part. Thanks Camp Runamuck! HMM

[@chucksmith7166]

I would help restore it for free

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...now that's generous! Thanks Chuck...HMM

[@kevinjachim2378]

Restore it,don't sell it,Donate it to the National Sprint Car Museum where it belongs for the world to know?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

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

[@BigWheelHawaii]

>>>> History Man>>>>> You Are Not Very Good At This "Internet Interview Stuff".... YOU ARE GREAT AT IT,,,, You Have The "Voice",,, You Have The "Knowledge",,,, You Have The "TIMING",,,, and You Have The "Desire" !!! And You Have The "Connections".... You Are GREAT,,,, I Have Enjoyed All of Your "Presentations"....

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! Some of the nicest compliments I've ever received! So grateful...HMM

[@nickknickerbocker6415]

😏 I'd almost Rather see an old Racecar in an old barn as opposed to a museum🪄 " Karl Kinser " { Engineer }

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well that's an interesting perspective... and I like it! Thanks again, Nick. HMM

[@grahamdinte7318]

Thank you for all these great videos from Queensland,Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Queensland, Australia! I'm honored you checked in...and thanks for your support, Graham! Spread the word please...HMM