FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Larry Ebert, the co-director of the quarter midget program at the Rumble in Fort Wayne, was presented with the event’s highest honor during opening ceremonies on Saturday night.

The Lesiecki family named Ebert as the recipient of the fifth annual David Lesiecki Award for Untiring Dedication and Devotion to Motorsports, recognizing Ebert’s longtime commitment to the Rumble.

The award was created in 2014 to honor the late Lesiecki, who passed away prior to that year’s Rumble and was instrumental in the operation and success of the quarter midget class at the event for many years.

Lesiecki‘s widow Diana and sons A.J. and Jonathan, who annually race 600cc midgets at the Rumble, have continued to operate the quarter midget program behind the scenes since his passing, with additional assistance and support from Ebert.

“This year, we picked Larry for the sheer fact that he has done so much, like my late husband did, for the young racers in this sport,” said Diana Lesiecki. “He has helped so many kids. It doesn’t matter what family you are; he will help you get out there and do what he needs to do to make the show run smooth. He’s busted his butt back there doing tech and trying to help out those who need it. We want to thank Larry for being so much like David and helping us help the next generation.”

“Larry has worked every bit as hard as Mom has at this event and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” added Jonathan Lesiecki. “We’re grateful for all he’s given to racing and to the Rumble and proud to have him receive this award in Dad’s honor. He’s the type of person that it was meant to recognize.”

Past recipients of the David Lesiecki Award include John Ivy (2014), Doc Hathaway (2015), Larry Cleveland (2016) and Joe Liguori (2017).

Boos also recognized Rumble staff member David Barnes on Saturday as the only event employee to have worked during all 21 editions of the annual indoor event at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.