2007 University of Northwestern Ohio "Virtual Rumble in Ft. Wayne"

Young Slingshot driver, Anthony Perrego from Montgomery New York, ran double duty this weekend, and took home the $300 top prize in the first ever "Virtual Rumble in Ft. Wayne" presented by the University of Northwestern Ohio, held Friday December 28, and Saturday December 29, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Expo Center, in conjunction with USAC's Rumble in Ft. Wayne midget event.

Brian Hampton was presented with a 1/24 scale diecast replica of Gary Scelzi's Mopar/Oakley NHRA Funny car, courtesy of Mopar, for setting the quickest time in qualifying.

Perrego established himself as a favorite early, setting his 2nd quick qualifying time during the first day of qualifications. He transferred to the A main with a 2nd place finish in Heat number 2. This would allow him the opportunity to start on the outside of the front row of the A Main based upon his qualifying time.

After a 1st lap tangle prompted a complete restart, the 25 lap A Main got underway with quick qualifier Hampton grabbing the lap 1 lead. As the top 3 jockeyed for position down the back stretch, Perrego squeaked by and grabbed the point on lap 2. Hoserville Ohio's own Duane Hancock, who started last by virtue of his 12th fastest qualifying spot, made some moves early, grabbing 5th on lap 3, and muscling his way past Greg Waters to take 4th on lap 12. Brandon Perkins made his move around Waters with 5 to go to take 5th place. The story of the event, however was the battle between quick qualifier Hampton, and 3rd qualifier, Dave Peterson. The two swapped 2nd and 3rd several times during the 25 lap affair in dramatic fashion. The wily veteran Peterson grabbed the runner-up spot for good with a crafty slider on Hampton on the last lap.

Amain Results: 1. Anthony Perrego, Doty 18 2. Dave Peterson, Kears 0 3. Brian Hampton, Elden 22 4. Duane Hancock, Stewart 20 5. Brandon Perkins, Crush 75 6. Greg Waters, Smoke 2

Tim's Dirt Track Simulators would like to thank all of the fans and racers who helped to make this event a huge success. We especially want to thank the University of Northwestern Ohio for sponsoring the "Virtual Rumble", as well as Mopar for providing the fast time award. Also, a heartfelt thanks to Classic Motorsports' Tony Barhorst for allowing us to set up during the Rumble and entertain his fans.

Tim's Dirt Track Simulators next appearance will come at the 22nd annual Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma from January 8th thru the 12th. If you're coming to the Bowl, make sure you stop by and say hello to Tim and take a shot at being the fastest driver during Chili Bowl week.

    In conjunction with the USAC "Rumble in Ft. Wayne" indoor races at the Allen County Coliseum in Ft Wayne, Indiana on Friday December 28th, and Saturday December 29th, Tim's Dirt Track Simulators will conduct the University of Northwestern Ohio "Virtual Rumble in Ft Wayne". During this event the top 12 qualifiers in equally prepared sprint car simulators will compete in heat races, from which a total of 6 racers will transfer to race in a 25 lap A Main feature for a top prize of $300 to win. A Quick Time Award will be provided by Mopar. Other prizes to be awarded throughout the weekend.
    Full rules and details will be available from Tim's Dirt Track Simulators at the Coliseum.
    This will be your last chance to take a spin in the simulators before we head to the Chili Bowl, so be sure to come check us out in Ft. Wayne. Don't forget to check us out at http://www.timssims.com