1984 - Kinser Captures Eagle Nationals

Steve Kinser won the One-Third Mile National Championships at Eagle Raceway. – Lynn Ballard Photo

Eagle, Neb. (June 29, 1984) – Steve Kinser, Bloomington, Ind., stared right into the eyes of adversity and overcame it Friday night.

Kinser captured the 40-lap feature at the One-Third Mile National championships at Eagle Raceway.

Sammy Swindell, Bartlett, Tenn., occupied a most familiar position, setting fast time, finishing second in his heat, and following it up with a runner-up finish behind Kinser.

Kinser shot from his fifth starting position into the lead on the 9th lap and led the remainder of the historic event. Promoters John and Marty Beecham revived the One Third Mile National Championships after nearly a decade of non-activity. The event was sanctioned by the World of Outlaws sprint car series.

Kinser’s victory earned him $6,850. Swindell collected $4,075 for his efforts.

Kinser suffered engine woes in Thursday’s preliminaries, but crew chief Karl Kinser made the necessary repairs and had the mount in peak performance.

Swindell pushed his car into the runner-up spot on lap 24. Kinser used lapped traffic to perfection and kept those cars between himself and Swindell most of the time.

Brad Doty, Wooster, Ohio, led the first eight laps from his pole starting position. He ended up third and won $2,500.

Shane Carson, Oklahoma City, Okla., put in his best performance of the season to finish fourth and earn $2,015. Rocky Hodges of Des Moines rounded out the top-five and took home $1,540.


Results –


1. Steve Kinser
2. Sammy Swindell
3. Brad Doty
4. Shane Carson
5. Rocky Hodges
6. Danny Smith
7. Jeff Swindell
8. Rick Ungar
9. Bobby Davis Jr.
10.Tim Gee