01/01/2025
My favorite year end tradition; visiting Munchkin Land at Rumble In Fort Wayne.
Thursday, during practice day, the Sam McGhee Motorsports / Tony Stewart Racing crew unveiled the new - old - paint scheme for Mike Fedorcak Munchkin.
The colors are an exact tribute of the livery on Mike's first original Munchkin.
I built this slot car about 5 years ago, dressed in black, as the test mule for the Tony Stewart collection of Munchkins.
Cap Henry test drove, and put it through its paces at his HMS Speedways & Hobbies.
Tony got his cars, and the mule lived at HMS for about a year until I brought it home and it joined my Munchkin collection. Honestly, we've run the absolute s**t out of this car in the past 5 years, and it's been a total champ.
My plan was to gift Mike the car as it was; black, battered, scratched, and chipped, knowing he'd enjoy the test mule aspect.
That was until Thursday afternoon when I saw the unveiling video. I knew what had to be done.
Friday morning I got ahold of Mikes teammate and fellow TSR Munchkin driver, Joey Payne The Jersey Jet, who was filling in for Boss Man while he was off on Paternity Leave.
Joey was kind enough to send me the reference photos of all the fresh body work.
Friday night I was slinging Testors.
Saturday night I handed the car to Mike.
It was a special moment. Mike's daughter Emma was there, and to see the looks on their faces was priceless.
Mike asked if I had worked with Sam in advance to make it happen. "Nope, I didn't know it was blue until after you did. Joey sent me pics yesterday morning!"
Cue a grin and "you're welcome" from The Jet.
Not bad for a 24 hour repaint, but honestly, it wouldn't have been possible without the help of all those names you see above. I consider myself incredibly lucky and privileged to know and work with these guys.
Mike just turned 70, finished 5th in one of the most difficult races out there, and it's the only one he runs all year.
The man is a blue-collar hero, a racing legend, and continues to be ones of the most innovative guys I know. Absolutely years ahead of the game.
To be able to stroll into the pits and be greeted as a friend is wonderful, but being able to give something back and honor this guy is what makes it worthwhile.
Mike's humble and completely down to earth, and I'm not sure that he'll ever understand the level of impact he's had on so many people. He says he's just a regular guy.
Regular guys doing extraordinary things really are the true heros.
Mike, I'm honored that you call me your friend.
Emma, it was a pleasure to meet you, and share how cool your dad is.
Tony, you were missed, but congratulations and best wishes to your growing family.
Joey, thank you so much for helping me at a moments notice, you're awesome bro.
And to everyone else in Munchkin Land, thank you all for being so warm and welcoming.
If anyone has photos, please share them in the comments. I only took the two you see here, I was too busy soaking it in 😁
Here's to 2025 everyone!
