From the Rumble Series
Fort Wayne, IN — (December 18, 2014) — A familiar face will be absent when the 17th annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne” unfolds Dec. 26-28 at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center.
David Lesiecki, 47, a longtime race official and coordinator of the quarter midget division, died unexpectedly in March at his Lorain, Ohio, home. He will be remembered with the creation of the David Lesiecki Award, which will be presented annually to a Rumble driver who best exemplifies the spirit and dedication to racing that was his trademark.
Lesiecki’s family will continue their participation in the event. Wife Diana will work with Eric Rankine to oversee the quarter midgets, while sons A.J. and Jonathon, who came up through quarter midgets, will race in the outlaw midget divisions.
The Lesiecki family and Rumble officiating staff will collaborate over the weekend to select the inaugural recipient, who will be announced Saturday night as a full card of midgets, winged and non-winged outlaw midgets, karts and quarter midgets compete. The three-day program opens Friday and closes with a matinee on Sunday.
Rumble Series president Tony Barhorst called Lesiecki a “one of a kind” individual whose true passion was helping others without regard to personal recognition.
“Larry Boos from Eldora and I can’t even begin to explain how much we cared for this gentleman,” Barhorst said, recounting Lesiecki’s decade of service to young drivers in the Rumble Series. “He was opinionated, but he had a way of explaining and making things work.
“His loyalty is what stands out for me. Dave was one of those guys who constantly gave more than he would ever take, in every sense. He never had a chip on his shoulder and never expected anything back when he gave so much. His enthusiasm, hard work and attitude is what made Dave Lesiecki, and he will be sorely missed.”
Rankine, director of competition for the U.S. Auto Club, called Lesiecki “a great friend of mine and so many more. I always had the greatest respect for Dave and enjoyed working with him at the Fort Wayne Rumble for many years. He leaves some large shoes to be filled.”
Information about the event is available at www.rumbleseries.com.