[BobKoorsen]

“Smoke” Rising…Tony Stewart is BACK to "RUMBLE in FORT WAYNE"

The 20th annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne” presented by Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales, is shaping up to be one for the history books. After four years away, NASCAR, IRL & USAC Champion TONY STEWART makes his return, Friday and Saturday, December 29 & 30! The question on everyone’s minds is, after a long hiatus, can the 10-time Rumble Champ reclaim his throne?

It will be far from easy, as Stewart joins a field that is expected to include a record TEN former “Rumble” winners, along with an all-star line-up of returning veterans and up-and-coming new stars. Headlining the list of contenders is defending “Rumble” and “Little 500” winner Kyle Hamilton along with five-time “Rumble” winner Billy Wease; three-time “Rumble” winner Russ Gamester; two-time winners “The People’s Champ” Dave Darland and Justin Peck; and single-event winners Jim Anderson, Derek Bischak, Mike Fedorcak, and in his first start since winning in 2003, Thomas Briggs. Joining the former winners, a host of other talented drivers will be looking to get their first taste of “Rumble” glory. Among them will be 2017 USAC Silver Crown Champion Kody Swanson, stock car and winged sprint standout Tyler Roahrig, two-time runner-up Bryan Nuckles, Fort Wayne’s Geoff Kaiser and Cory Setser, Joe Liguori, Nick Hamilton, Matt Westfall, Cap Henry, Taylor Fenske and up to two dozen other hopefuls.

Although they are the headline attraction, the Midgets make up only a fraction of the 15-division show that will see over 300 competitors fill every inch of the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center as well as the basement of the Arena.

Once the private playground of 13-time winner John Ivy of Ohio, the Outlaw Modified Winged Midgets have become one of the most competitive divisions of each Rumble. After winning 12 of the first 15 Rumble Features, Ivy has only a single tally since 2009. His main challengers include his teammate Cap Henry, who has won two-of-the-last-three Winged Features. For the first-time ever, Ivy will look to double-up as he makes his first-appearance in the Non-Winged 600 Mini Sprints. The going will be tough as that field includes three-time winner, Larry Joe Sroufe, defending-Champion Josh Ross, and Midget stars Fedorcak and Gamester. Seven divisions of Go-Karts will be in competition, highlighted by the $2,000 to-win John Limbacher Memorial on Saturday night, and the kids will take center stage with five classes of Quarter Midget racing, trying to follow in the footsteps of former Rumble QM competitors like NASCAR’s Eric Jones & Cale Conley; NHRA’s Austin Prock; and a host of up-and-coming open wheel stars.

Both Friday and Saturday will see spectator gates open at 11:00 am for two rounds of Go Kart and Quarter Midget qualifying heats; Midget, Winged, and Non-Winged 600 qualifying will be at 4:45; Go-Kart and Quarter Midget Features are at 6:00; Opening Ceremonies will be at 7:00 followed by the full program of Midget, Winged and Non-Winged 600 heats and Features. Adult tickets are $20 per day ($24 reserved) with kids 2-12 $10 ($14 reserved). Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the Coliseum Box Office.
www.rumbleinfortwayne.com

[jdull99]

Is this the most updated entry list tho?

https://www.rumbleinfortwayne.com/event-information

[MIracing]

Originally Posted by jdull99 Is this the most updated entry list tho? https://www.rumbleinfortwayne.com/event-information

I would assume so. It hasn't changed since the pre-entry deadline. TBA #2 should be Smoke.

[BobKoorsen]

That was as of around December 12.

If I get a more current one today, I'll post it....and update after Thursday practice.

Thanks

[jdull99]

How many midgets made the practice day? Is there a run-down?

[fish]

Originally Posted by jdull99 How many midgets made the practice day? Is there a run-down?

There were 30+ midgets there for practice.

[jdull99]

Tony?

[Backitin]

Originally Posted by jdull99 Tony?

Hopefully he's at Eldora trying to get a halfway decent race surface for a change.

[MIracing]

Originally Posted by Backitin Hopefully he's at Eldora trying to get a halfway decent race surface for a change.

Tomorrow, I get to go watch a NASCAR champion race up close and personal for $20. A guy who could be doing literally anything, yet chooses to spend his time, money and efforts supporting grassroots racing.

Maybe it's just me but I'll spend this weekend appreciating that rather than worrying about a track currently under snow.

[Chase Hightower]

13929 St. Rd. 118
New Weston, Ohio. 45348
Address for Eldora Speedway if anyone is interested in checking out their track prep this weekend? Should also be some good racing at The Rumble! Wish I could make it, but my daughters wedding prevails. Enjoy the races to those who are able to attend!