Rumble auction raises $1,826 for Dare to Dream Camp

From Tony Barhorst

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The annual silent auction held in conjunction with the “Rumble in Fort Wayne” indoor races raised $1,826 for the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Foundation’s Dare to Dream Camp.

For the second straight year, the opportunity to drive one of David Fuhrman’s Rumble Series midgets around the actual Memorial Coliseum Expo Center track prompted the most spirited bidding. When two fans kept raising the ante, Fuhrman allowed each to take 10 “hot laps,” for which they paid $365 apiece.

IndyCar star Sarah Fisher heavily supported the auction by donating numerous autographed items, and the retiring Mel Kenyon, along with other Rumble Series drivers, autographed hats, shirts and banners.

Such major teams as A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Rahal Letterman Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing also were among the donors.

“Despite the economy, interest in the auction seems to grow every year,” said auction organizer Wendy Atkin, who was assisted by members of the IZOD IndyDown Force fan club. “We are fortunate that we have such strong support by the fans as well as from car owners, drivers, photographers and others who donate items.”

The auction, held Dec. 26-27, benefited the Dare to Dream Camp for children. Kenny Sr. and Reva Irwin, parents of the late NASCAR and USAC driver Kenny Irwin Jr., oversee the foundation and its a 27-acre campground near New Castle, Ind.

The list of donors included:

Rick Crist, Dave Darland, Rick Daugherty, Sarah Fisher Racing, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, David Fuhrman, Joe Gibbs Racing, Adam Gregory, Roger Grevenkamp,
Hoosier Tire Co., Indy Screenprint, IZOD Indy DownForce Fan Club, Love and Theft,
James MacDonald, Jim Morrison, Chris Pedersen, Rahal Letterman Racing, Red Bull Racing, Dave Ryder and the Rumble Series.