By: Ron Burt
The Rumble Is Coming
On December 29th and 30th several very competitive classes of race cars will compete at the Allen Country War Memorial Coliseum inside the Expo Center. The Midgets are the headliners for the weekend. Let’s not count out the other classes that are loaded with veteran drivers that know how to run around a flat track, wheel to wheel, bumper to bumper and not letting off the gas pedal as drivers try to figure out how to pass cars to take and keep the lead. I’m talking Go Karts. When they take the track, don’t visit the concession stand. If you do, there’s a chance you’ll miss one of the best races of the weekend.
Go kart racing has been a very important part of the Rumble in Fort Wayne. Racing Karts are often overshadowed by the various Midget divisions, the Go Kart classes have traditionally captivated the fans with their harrowing speeds and intense competition on the purpose-built concrete oval.
“There is no other racing like it in America,” said Nick Welch (Brownsburg, IN), who has competed in the event and now serves as crew chief for several teams. “You’re an inch off the ground, circling a 1/6th mile oval in seven seconds; all while side by side with your competition and both of you trying to keep all 4 tires on the ground.”
All competing classes will be racing on a surface consisting of racing rubber built up over a syrup base, the set-up needed for victory can be difficult. Shawn Kluck (Fremont, OH), a multi-time kart winner at the Rumble agreed. “It is by far the most grueling, technical, and prestigious race when it comes to coke syrup racing. That is the lure that attracts the best concrete racers in the Nation to gather in a battle against not only each other, but against the track, to hold the checkered flag and bragging rights for a full year.”
Promoter Larry Boos talked about this year’s track. “The base layer will remain Coke syrup spread on to the concrete floor of the Expo Center, but over that we will be spraying VHI, a liquid rosin, similar to what is used at the dragstrips. This is the process successfully used at the Atlantic City (NJ) indoor racing events, and the folks from there are working with us on their set-up to see if we can bring back more side-by-side racing that the Rumble enjoyed over the years.”
This year Kart racers competing in the 360 Clone class will have a huge payday with the 6th annual John Limbacher Memorial Race on night two. A payoff of $2,000 awaits the victor of this special event honoring the memory of veteran engine builder Limbacher from northwestern Ohio. Fremont, Ohio’s Shawn Kluck will be going for his third straight win in the classic event.
2024 Dirt Car Summer Nationals
The Dirt Car Summer Nationals for Late Models and Modifieds have 29 race dates on this year’s calendar. The closest tracks to our area in N.W. Ohio will be in July. On the 10th the cars will be at Hartford Motor Speedway, 11th Butler Motor Speedway, 12th Crystal Motor Speedway all in southern Michigan. In Ohio the cars will race July 13th at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon and the series will conclude the following night in Orrville Ohio at Wayne County Speedway.
Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out! ohiosportsblitz@yahoo.com
