Series news on Kinser family 2010-06-11

Wife of Racing Legend Steve Kinser Recovering from Major Heart Surgery

CONCORD, N.C. - June 11, 2010 - Steve Kinser's world was turned upside down earlier this week when his wife, Dana, fell ill on Tuesday at their Bloomington, Ind., home. She complained of heart pain. Now, 72 hours later, the First Family of Sprint Car racing can catch its collective breath as hundreds of prayers were answered, and will no doubt help to spur Dana Kinser's recovery.

Quickly airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Dana underwent 11 hours of extremely complicated open heart surgery. Today she is sitting upright and flashing that smile fans have come to know when seeing her at the track. Steve, a 20-time World of Outlaws champion and racing legend, remained by her side with their family throughout the challenging time. She faces a long and difficult recovery, but promises to be back at the track probably sooner than her doctors would prefer.

Steve, Dana and all of the family want to express their thanks and gratitude for the outpouring of support and well wishes from the entire racing community. After more than 30 years of racing across the country and around the world, they are extremely grateful for the compassion they've been shown this week.

With Dana's blessing, and to some degree her demand, Steve and Kraig will be elbows up this weekend with the World of Outlaws in Dodge City, Kan., with Stevie working in the pits and Dana catching all of the action online.

-source: WoO