FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Two-time Rumble in Fort Wayne champion Justin Peck will see a streak come to an end on Friday, missing the first race day of his career at the Allen County Memorial Expo Center since debuting in 2012.
Peck’s team confirmed to Race Chaser Online that flu symptoms will keep the 19-year-old out of competition for the opening night of the 20th annual Rumble presented by Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales, ending the second-longest currently active streak of starts in the record books.
The Monrovia, Indiana hotshoe has made every Rumble A-Feature he has attempted in his career, with a record of two wins, seven top-fives and eight top-10s in 11 starts.
Every time Peck has made it to the checkered flag in a Rumble main event with his Steve Clay-owned national midget, he has been seventh or better in the final rundown.
This time, however, the green flag will be what’s missing.
“Justin’s health for the Chili Bowl is important,” Clay told Race Chaser Online Friday morning. “The Peck family means everything to me … I hate he won’t be able to run today, but him getting well is the main focus. He’s our driver until he doesn’t want to be; I’ve always been clear on that.”
Peck’s status for an attempt at the Saturday finale is undetermined as of now.
Hot laps for the national midgets at the 20th annual Rumble in Fort Wayne are scheduled to begin at 1:20 p.m., while Race Chaser Online’s live updates from the event will start with qualifying at 4:15 p.m.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 23-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
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