I would like to publicly thank everyone who helped make the fourth annual charity auction held in conjunction with the “Rumble in Fort Wayne” a big success.

The silent auction of auto racing memorabilia, held Dec. 26-27, raised a record $1,863. All money goes directly to the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Foundation’s Dare to Dream Camp, located near New Castle, Ind. The not-for-profit camp provides boating, fishing, karting and other activities for youth free of charge and is operated by Ken Sr. and Reba Irwin, parents of the late NASCAR and USAC driver.

The most popular items were a framed print of Irwin Jr. and Tony Stewart competing in the 1996 Hut Hundred midget race, autographed by Stewart, and a 15-lap ride in David Fuhrman’s midget around the Fort Wayne racetrack. Each brought a winning bid of $210.

The following individuals and race teams donated items:

--Tony Barhorst
--Lou Cicconi Jr.
--Rick Crist
--Dave Darland
--Rick Daugherty
--David Fuhrman
--Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
--Joe Gibbs Racing
--Gillette Evernham Motorsports
--Indy Downforce
--Indy Racing League
--Indy Screen Print
--Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Foundation
--Arin McIntosh
--Jim "Timex" Morgan
--Jim Morrison
--Penske Racing
--Chris Petersen
--Rahal Letterman Racing
--Roush Fenway Racing
--Ken Schrader
--Jon Stanbrough
--Tony Stewart
--Michael Waltrip Racing
--Billy Wease
--Randall Williams

Thanks again to everyone who donated and bid on items. I apologize for the delay in reporting the final total, but I was waiting on a check that arrived today from a winning bidder who wasn’t present the final day.

Wendy Atkin, auction organizer
(wendy_atkin@yahoo.com)