30 Days in May Bonus: No. 81, Sheldon Kinser, 1981 Sergio Valente Longhorn/Cosworth

Welcome to our monthlong countdown celebrating notable drivers and cars from the history of the Indianapolis 500!

Photo Credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway photo

Sheldon Kinser finished a career-best sixth in the 1981 Indianapolis 500.

30 Days in May Bonus: No. 81, Sheldon Kinser, 1981 Sergio Valente Longhorn/Cosworth. Sheldon Kinser was a throwback to how drivers once earned an opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500. He came up through the ranks, honing his skills on the short tracks across Indiana and the Midwest. A three-time USAC Sprint Car Series Champion (1977, 1981, 1982), the Bloomington, Indiana, native made his 500 debut in 1975, driving the Spirit of Indiana and finishing 12^th.

He was in the 500 lineup from 1975-79 before failing to qualify in 1980. Kinser, a distant cousin of Steve Kinser, returned in 1981 with Bobby Hillin’s Longhorn Racing team and Sergio Valente backing. Sergio Valente was definitely a “fancy pants” sponsor as the company produced designer jeans.

The field for the 1981 Indianapolis 500 had several colorful cars, but Kinser’s ride still managed to stand out. He finished an excellent sixth in what proved to be his final Indianapolis 500.

 

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