‘Rumble in Fort Wayne’ to expand to three days

Russ Gamester, driving a family-owned car built in 1977, became the oldest “Rumble in Fort Wayne” midget winner with his victory on opening night last year. He joined Mike Fedorcak as the only drivers to win at both the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center and the old Coliseum track. Photo by Chris Seelman.
Russ Gamester, driving a family-owned car built in 1977, became the oldest “Rumble in Fort Wayne” midget winner with his victory on opening night last year. He joined Mike Fedorcak as the only drivers to win at both the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center and the old Coliseum track. Photo by Chris Seelman.
Russ Gamester, driving a family-owned car built in 1977, became the oldest “Rumble in Fort Wayne” midget winner with his victory on opening night last year. He joined Mike Fedorcak as the only drivers to win at both the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center and the old Coliseum track. Photo by Chris Seelman.

From the Rumble Series

Fort Wayne, IN — (October 1, 2014) — The “Rumble in Fort Wayne” indoor midget event, featuring top national drivers, will expand to three days for the 17th annual running on Dec. 26-28.

Separate programs are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the 1/6-mile track inside the remodeled Memorial Coliseum Expo Center, with a matinee on the final day.

National midgets and non-winged dirt modified midgets will compete all three days, joined by winged outlaw modified midgets on Saturday and Sunday. Karts will be part of the program Friday and Saturday, while quarter midgets are included Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, with the main portion of the program at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Event promoter Tony Barhorst said the decision to spread the holiday event over three days – prompted by Christmas falling on Thursday – was made with fans and race teams in mind.

Usually, teams practice the day prior to the “Rumble,” he noted. Running three divisions instead of five on Friday allows for adequate practice to build up a racy track surface as well as a day of racing – without requiring teams to come in on Christmas.

“A big reason is that it gives us a more comfortable and enjoyable show for fans who want to see certain divisions,” Barhorst said. “Going to three days also allows us to not run so late on Friday.

“I think a lot of fans are going to like the Sunday matinee, which is like it was in the old days of the Coliseum.”

Last year’s event was one for the ages, with veteran Russ Gamester, just shy of his 48th birthday, and high school freshman Justin Peck, 15, becoming the oldest and youngest midget feature winners, respectively, in “Rumble in Fort Wayne” history.

Gamester, driving a family-owned car built in 1977, also joined Mike Fedorcak as the only drivers to win at both the Expo Center and the former Coliseum track, which hosted midgets from 1953-89.

In addition to the racing, the Evans Toyota Fan Zone will feature race cars and other displays. Fans may purchase pit passes at the event to see drivers up close as teams prepare their cars.

More information, including the event schedule, ticket prices, entry forms and “racer’s rate” hotels, is available at www.rumbleseries.com.