[Task Force]

Bruns receives minor setback to start 2014 Rumble
By Zach Tasker
Three-time and current Illini Racing Series midget champion Patrick Bruns is coming into this weekend’s prestigious Rumble in Fort Wayne indoor midget races with a wave of momentum at his back. 6 Illini midget victories in conjunction with multiple USAC HPD and IMRA victories this season made him the hottest D-2 midget driver in the country.

The Champaign, Illinois driver was looking to parlay that into indoor success on the opening night of the Rumble on Friday December 26. This year is Bruns first attempt at the Rumble in many years.

The night started with a loose racecar in practice. Then a 23rd place qualifying time with a lap of 8.394 seconds after drawing the number 3 qualifying slot which meant he would go out when there was no rubber on the racetrack, putting him at a severe disadvantage. The driver of the #22 MWR/Paint Work by Z/Acro-Bat Classic Auto Beast/Brayton-Buick would start the night’s 3rd heat race in 5th position. He would make a nifty move in traffic to move up one spot to 4th which is where he would finish, two spots out of the transfer positions.

This result would mean the car fielded by longtime owner “Kenny G” would line up in 5th spot in the b main. However, he would never make the call as mechanical woes involving the gears would prevent him and the MWR team from getting to the starting grid in time.

“We had some trouble with the rear end, and we missed our starting spot for the consi, hopefully, we can regroup and get back tomorrow night. We were one of the first cars to go out to qualify. Usually, outdoors at a dirt track that is the ideal place to be, but indoors here at the Rumble you are actually better off having a late draw. We did get better as the night went on, passing cars in the heat race. Just missed the transfer to the A main and unfortunately we had some rear end trouble as we prepared for the consi.”

The annual Rumble in Fort Wayne continues Saturday and Sunday December 27 and 28 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Follow MWR Technology/Lightning Chassis on Facebook for live updates.