Mario Andretti, Alexander Rossi make it known: They want 'Query & Schultz' radio show back

Big names in sports, and at least one legend, are coming to the defense of the "Query & Schultz" radio show, which was canceled Tuesday by iHeartMedia as the company announced corporate-wide layoffs.

A petition launched Thursday, with the goal of reversing iHeartMedia's decision to fire co-hosts Jake Query and Derek Schultz, had more than 5,000 signatures as of Saturday night.

Those signing included some icons in IndyCar racing, such as Mario Andretti and Alexander Rossi. Query is an IndyCar series turn announcer.

An executive with iHeartMedia did not respond to an IndyStar e-mail Saturday asking if there was a possibility the show might be brought back.

Earlier Thursday:

The fired co-hosts of "Query & Schultz" are feeling a rush of support from the city where they took to the afternoon airwaves for nearly nine years to talk sports.

Beyond trending locally on Twitter on Tuesday night, just hours after iHeartMedia canceled their WNDE 1260-AM show, Jake Query and Derek Schultz received thousands of messages. Those condolences and well wishes came from everyone from the show's listeners and media industry leaders to pro athletes and competitors.

On Thursday, a petition was launched on Change.org, pleading with iHeartMedia to bring back Query and Schultz. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, nearly 600 people had signed, with signatures continuing to be added.

Query, who was raised in Indianapolis and is the gym-obsessed jock character on the show, said he isn't accused often of being humble. But the flood of support, along with the petition, have humbled him.

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"There is a level of humility to it, to know that our show brought enough joy to other people that they're willing to even think about that possibility. It's a combination of unbelievable flattery and gratitude," Query said Thursday evening. "It made me realize our show isn't just our show, it's everyone's show."

The petition to bring back the show isn't all that far fetched. Earlier Thursday, iHeartMedia reversed layoffs it made in Des Moines at local sports radio shows after an outcry from the market.

“I heard you. I made a mistake,” 1460 KXnO General Manager Joel McCrea said on Twitter. “They are all coming back on Tuesday morning at six!”

"The Morning Rush," hosted by Heather Burnside and Travis Justice, and "The Sports Fanatics," hosted by Chris Williams and Ross Peterson, were both given new life.

According to a tally at radioinsight.com, iHeartMedia stations in more than 20 states lost shows and personnel as part of the nationwide layoffs. Other on-air Indianapolis personalities were also let go Tuesday as part of the reorganization.

The Change.org petition, started by "Query & Schultz" fan Jason Thompson, is titled "Bring back Query and Schultz." He called the duo "an institution to sports in Indianapolis."

"WNDE has an FCC required duty to serve the community of Indianapolis, and they have fallen down on that duty by laying these two men off," Thompson went on to say. "It's unacceptable and should be rectified immediately."

Schultz said he laughed at the petition at first, but the more he thought about it, he was flattered.

"Overwhelming is the best way to say it," said Query of the support he and Schultz have received.

And, he added, he plans to respond to every message he's gotten. "I've got time," he said, laughing. "I'm not doing anything else."

At least for now.

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via e-mail: dbenbow@indystar.com.