[Ray3]

Bryan Gapinski, Badger Midget Auto Racing Association Announcer & Historian, Passes at 56

By: Pat Sullivan

10/26/2020

The world of midget racing has suffered a tremendous blow at the passing of Bryan Gapinski on October 25 at the age of 56. It can be reasonably argued that no contemporary individual held a greater passion for this racing discipline, nor served the sport in so many varied capacities. Bryan leaves his wife Jenna, and two children, 10-year-old daughter Kailey and 7-year-old son Tyler. As much as he loved racing, as anyone who knew him can attest, it was surpassed by his love of family.

In a remarkable career, he served as an announcer, writer, publicist, and car owner. He was one of the nation’s top midget racing historians and was called upon regularly to share his expertise in a variety of mediums. He was a car owner from 1990 to 1996, an editor and reporter for the now-defunct Midwest Racing News, as well as a feature writer and columnist for National Speed Sport News. His work in a public relations capacity extended over a quarter-century. Gapinski also worked for National Hailbrand, in addition, he also served as a salesman for 1st Ayd Corporation.

One of Bryan’s crowning achievements was the creation of the National Midget Driver of the Year awards, and many looked forward to his presentation at the Chili Bowl Nationals at Tulsa, Oklahoma. Few activities underscored his commitment and devotion to midget racing more than the NMDOTY competition. His intent was clear. The goal was to highlight the accomplishments of those involved in midget racing, and it was an activity that he gave his full attention to, tirelessly and selflessly.

His first passion was and remained forever Wisconsin midget racing. He was an important contributor during the days of the Dairyland Midget Association and was deeply associated with the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association. His promotion of the BMARA, both formally and informally, was unparalleled, and he cherished his interactions and memories of racers, officials, and fans past and present. He will be greatly missed, and the range of testimonials that have followed this loss speaks to his status as a giant in the sport.

A Go Fund Me page has been established to help his wife and young family. www.gofundme.com/f/bryan-gapinski

Services will be held on Thursday, November 5th at the Church and Chapel Funeral Homes, 380 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI, 53188. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm, with services to follow.

[Pitdad]

Robbie, thank you for posting. We were truly shocked and devastated when we heard yesterday of Bryan's passing. His knowledge of midget racing history will never be equaled. His passion for midgets, particularly Badger Midgets, was clearly evident and we are so proud to have gotten to race with him announcing. In a year full of cruel irony, it's so sad that he didn't get to call a race at Angell Park in his last season. Assuming we get to roll out for qualifying next May at The Prairie, it just won't be the same, knowing Bryan won't be roving the infield, looking for his next interview. A lesson for everyone, cherish the moments you have with friends and family because you don't know what tomorrow brings. RIP Bryan.

[55fan]

Godspeed my friend.🏁🏁🏁

[Duke17]

Bryan was a top notch guy!!!! He will be greatly missed!!! RIP my friend!

[Tony Barhorst]

I am shocked to see this....he was all Wisconsin as a person, good natured, funny. He was a national writer, however. I know I have old e-mails from him. Godspeed to this fine man, and my heart goes out to his family.

He wrote this in regard to my indoor races. The Chili Bowl has always been the king, but-Here's a story from National Speed Sport News. Jack Calabrase's NAMARS and I worked two years planning events. Jack and Rose were vital to my promotions from 1998 to 2004. I sold the Rumble In Fort Wayne to Larry Boos in 2015.

Bryan Gapinski's Without Wings: Tony Barhorst Has Helped Keep Indoor Racing Alive

November 29, 2006
By Bryan Gapinski

MILWAUKEE -- Promoter Tony Barhorst deserves a big thank you for keeping a 70-plus-year open-wheel tradition alive -- indoor midget racing. We're not talking the type at the Chili Bowl, which is by far the sport's marquee event.

Instead we're talking about indoor arena-style racing on concrete floors inside civic centers and hockey arenas.

The first indoor midget race was held in the Chicago Armory on Thanksgiving night in 1934. Shortly thereafter indoor events popped up in New York, St. Louis, Detroit and Indianapolis. As the sport changed, indoor racing remained popular during the months of January through March, usually running at sports arenas nationwide before handsome crowds.

The BCRA Midget Series ran numerous events in Northern California each year with a separate point system from its regular season. BCRA crowned an indoor champion from 1949-1976.

Beginning with its first sanctioned event Jan. 8, 1956, at the Ft.Wayne, Ind., Memorial Coliseum, USAC sanctioned 127 National Midget point events indoors. Kenny Irwin won the last USAC National event run indoors Jan. 16, 1993, at the Toronto Skydome.

However, in the early '90s indoor racing began to vanish. The two biggest reasons were the cars changed and became wider and longer making it harder for eight-second lap indoor racing. In addition, special pavement cars began to cost a great deal of money and featured carbon-fiber bodies and lightweight parts, hardly a good combination for indoor racing.

Secondly, the Environmental Protection Agency began monitoring air quality at events, making it harder for many arenas to pass the required air safety measurements.

Barhorst, a promoter of successful country-western events, decided in December 1998 to rent the Allen County Memorial Expo Center in Ft. Wayne next to the old Memorial Coliseum, site of 62 USAC events, and stage midget and go-kart racing.

"We learned a lot from the first event and each year have grown the event to the stage where the Rumbleseries.com event is now a successful two-day event in late December,"' commented Barhorst. "Our events create great contact open-wheel racing, and have become a traditional gathering of fans looking for a racing fix in winter."

Barhorst and a crew of eight will assembly the track and pit area in about 160 man hours. A Coke syrup combination is applied to the track surface to create traction. Hoosier Racing Tire Corporation produces special soft compound tires for the cars. Barhorst revealed getting the floor cleaned and returned to original condition after the event, costs around $5,000 for clean up.

Indoor race passing can be difficult, and a lot of contact and wheel rubbing takes place during the action-packed events. The small track equalizes the cars, making older, heavier and under-powdered cars competitive.

This year Barhorst will hold events at Ft. Wayne Dec. 29-30. The event will also contain many off-track activities, including a first-night appearance by 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish.

On Saturday the 30th,ÊTony Stewart will race his Munchkin midget. Stewart has won three times at Ft.Wayne. Tony Elliott, Dave Darland and recent Turkey Night Grand Prix winner Billy Wease headline the 30-plus drivers competing in the midget portion of the event.

Barhorst has also recently announced a new indoor event for this winter.

The Rumble In The Buckeye State will be a one-day event at the Ohio State (Columbus) Fairgrounds Coliseum Jan. 20.