In a heartfelt tribute to sprint car racing royalty, the town of Oolitic, Indiana, unveiled a highway sign on May 9 to honor the legendary Karl Kinser and his son, Mark Kinser. The ceremony took place on the porch of city hall, drawing together family, friends, and racing enthusiasts to celebrate the duo's indelible mark on the sport.

Karl Kinser is widely regarded as the most successful owner and crew chief in sprint car history, with a career spanning decades. Alongside his son Mark, a standout driver, the Kinsers have deep roots in Oolitic, where they have long been residents. The family's racing legacy extends further through Steve Kinser, Karl's nephew, who also calls Indiana home and is a titan in his own right.

During the unveiling, Karl took a moment to reflect on his journey, starting with his transition from drag racing to sprint cars in the 1960s. He credited driver Larry Miller as a pivotal partner in those early days, noting their tremendous success with the iconic Karl Kinser-built roadster, "Big Bertha." That same machine later became the launchpad for Mark's career, as he took over the car sitting in Karl's shop. Karl's admiration for his nephew was equally evident, describing Steve Kinser as "a God-given chauffeur."

The numbers speak volumes: Karl Kinser amassed 17 World of Outlaws Championships and 12 Knoxville Nationals titles as an owner and crew chief. Beyond managing teams, he was a master craftsman, designing and building chassis and engines that dominated tracks across asphalt and dirt, indoors and outdoors, from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Mark Kinser followed in his father's tire tracks, winning two World of Outlaws Championships and three Knoxville Nationals behind the wheel.

The new sign will be placed at the entrance to Oolitic, near the "Welcome to Oolitic" sign along Indiana State Road 37, serving as a permanent reminder of the town's connection to sprint car greatness. The ceremony doubled as a homecoming, with old friends and racing associates gathering to swap stories and snap photos, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire fans and drivers alike.