How an Indoor Coliseum Is Transformed Into a High-Speed Winter Race Track
What most people see as a simple indoor arena with four walls and a concrete floor is about to become something entirely different. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Exposition Center is once again being transformed into a fully functional indoor race track for the annual Rumble in Fort Wayne, and the process behind it is nothing short of impressive.
This transformation happens just once a year, and it’s a carefully planned operation. The work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 17, setting the stage for two full days of racing on December 19 and 20. It all starts with seating. Around 5,000 temporary seats are installed inside the building, creating a proper viewing experience for fans. As soon as that’s done, track construction begins almost immediately.
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The heart of the setup is a seventh-mile concrete oval, built entirely inside the coliseum. Massive highway jersey barriers, each weighing more than 3,000 pounds, are brought in and linked together to form the outer safety wall of the track. As those barriers are aligned, fence posts are inserted, and three layers of cable are attached. Chain-link fencing is then secured to complete the perimeter, creating a protected racing environment.
Safety is treated as a top priority. Temporary “safe walls” are added at the exit of each turn. These are made using conveyor belting, plywood, and tires, all tightly ratcheted to the jersey barriers to help absorb impact. Fire-retardant straw bales are also bagged and placed at key impact zones at both ends of the oval, adding another layer of protection for drivers.
Once the physical track is complete, the final details are handled. A safety light system is installed, the flag stand is positioned, and sponsor banners are hung throughout the venue. But the most unique step happens on race day itself. The concrete surface is treated with soda pop syrup, which is sprayed onto the floor and slowly worked in by vehicles. This creates the grip and consistency drivers need to race safely and competitively.
At that point, the transformation is complete. What was once a quiet indoor space becomes a climate-controlled race track in the middle of winter, offering the same intensity and structure as outdoor racing. Each day of the Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales–sponsored Rumble in Fort Wayne features full racing programs, including preliminary heats and main events. Fans can expect action-packed competition from Midgets, winged and non-winged 600cc Midgets, along with several divisions of Go-Karts, Wedge Karts, and Quarter Midgets.
It’s a reminder that with enough planning, precision, and passion, even a coliseum floor can turn into a roaring race track.
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