FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Six-time Rumble in Fort Wayne Midget winner Billy Wease has been absent from the annual battle on the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum sixth-mile concrete oval for the last several years but something has sparked his interest to return this year.
Three years ago, another veteran, Russ Gamester, garnered checkered flag No. 5, to put him within one victory of Wease on the all-time Rumble win-list.
Uncomfortable with that slim margin, Wease is teaming with Guess Racing to return to Fort Wayne, with sights on padding that difference. He will have two opportunities, as both nights of the Rumble, presented by Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales, Dec. 27 and 28, will showcase complete racing programs.
At his six wins, Wease holds down second spot in the history rankings behind Tony Stewart’s 11
triumphs. Wease is not alone in the goal of adding to the archives. An additional eight former winners will be in the fold with each of them sharing the same vision – add wins.
Gamester will be back, along with Mike Fedorcak who both share an interesting statistic. They are the only two active drivers that have raced and won on both the current oval inside the Expo Center, but also inside the adjoining Coliseum hockey rink. Interestingly enough, the hockey rink was the sight of USAC’s (United State Auto Club) very first race, January 6, 1956.
Completing the former winner list will be Jim Anderson, Justin Peck, brothers Kyle and Nick Hamilton and last year’s victors Ryan Flores and Joe Liguori.
In addition to the midgets, the busy agenda includes winged and non-winged 600cc midgets sponsored by North Baltimore Custom Cuts and LiUNA, along with six classes of go-karts sponsored by Coe Heating and Economy Auto, 2 classes of Wedge Innovations sponsored Wedge Karts and 6 classes of BRE Racing engines Quarter Midgets.
The Rumble in Fort Wayne presented by Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales will be streamed live via SPEED SPORT affiliate PitRowTV.