The Pro-Touring Race Community Loses Fellow Racer Todd Rumpke

Todd Rumpke, multi-time Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) competitor, lost one of the toughest battles he had ever fought

It is with deep sadness that we learned multi-time Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) competitor Todd Rumpke lost his battle to cancer. Todd, who continued to race between his treatment sessions this year, won his way back into the invitational as the Spirit of the Event winner at the NCM Motorsports Park event.

During the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series NCM event, Todd was the center of attention while the group from Ultimate Performance unveiled a shirt honoring Todd and his 2006 Z06 Corvette better known as Snoopy.

Todd’s racing background extends from the Optima Series to include 10/10th Motorsports, RAFT, SCCA, and several other series and race events across the country. Memories of Todd surfaced quickly on social media as people learned the news about his death, recalling him to be a very kindhearted, passionate, and loveable guy.

Todd’s entry into OUSCI immediately following SEMA was one highlight he was looking forward to as he went in for a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, the transplant that was set for late July was delayed due to kidney problems.

Rumpke had continued to race throughout his cancer treatment, running his 2006 Z06 Corvette in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Series

Friends, family, and fellow racers turned to social media wishing Todd the best of luck through his treatment and for a quick recovery. It was not until Todd’s best friend, K&N driver Danny Popp, released an update via social media indicating that Todd was not doing well.

Photos of supporters wearing Todd Rumpke’s shirt and Snoopy sightings started to appear across the country. For those who had the lucky opportunity to know Todd Rumpke, then most knew that the Snoopy character was a reminder of Todd’s Corvette. Those who raced alongside Todd often saw the glimpse of Snoopy on the back of the white Corvette as Todd flew past them on track.

Todd’s battle with cancer did not slow him down over the last couple years. Todd’s entry into the 2015 OUSCI resulted from win in the GTL class at the Auto Club Speedway event last October.

The announcement of Todd’s death came early Wednesday morning, August 29, 2016 as Danny Popp informed fellow friends and racers of the unfortunate passing.

K&N driver Danny Popp released a statement early Wednesday morning on social media informing friends and family of the tragic loss

9.7.2016 - The day the world lost the most INCREDIBLE friend. The most INCREDIBLE father. The most INCREDIBLE husband. The most INCREDIBLE son, and brother. The most INCREDIBLE competitor. The most INCREDIBLE person.

The world will forever now be a different place without him. Todd has touched so many in his 53 years. The family and I would like to thank each and every one of you who wished well, thought of, prayed and rallied for support of this GREAT man. All of you made a significant difference for Todd, his family, friends and I. #63forever

Sonya told me that he said that he would miss her and the boys. I had thought about that for a bit, and in my last conversation with Todd I told him of what I had heard. I told him that he had no idea how bad the world would miss him, and how big the hole in people's hearts would be of those that he touched. Albeit incredibly hard, I was very glad to be able to say my last good-byes and tell him exactly what he had meant to me, my son and the community/ world. I left nothing unsaid as I held his hand, cried and shared. News will be forthcoming shortly of his arrangements. In the meantime, please continue to pray for the family in this time of loss. They too have been through a lot in the last few days, weeks, months and year. –Danny Popp

Danny Popp did inform everyone that Todd’s 2006 Corvette will be present at this year’s SEMA show and the 2016 OUSCI in honor of Todd Rumpke. For those attending the show or the race immediately following SEMA, you too can check out the car behind the man, Todd Rumpke.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Rumpke Family and all of his family and friends that are going through this tough time.

Rumpke had won his way into the 2015 OUSCI by winning his class at the Auto Club Speedway event

Those who knew Todd Rumpke remember him to be a very genuine, honorable and kind man who always had a smile on his face

Rumpke had won the Spirit of the Event Award at the 2016 Optima NCM Motorsports Park event, which would have sent him back to compete at OUSCI again this November