Ferris Dominates Flag-to-Flag for ATQMRA Victory at Wall Stadium

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — June 28, 2025 

📸Photo Credits: Ed Malik, Eric Storch, Kristen Cocca & Kimmie Payne

Tyler Ferris delivered a commanding performance Saturday night at Wall Stadium Speedway, leading all 25 laps to capture the Hoosier Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA Midget Series Fueled by VP feature event. 

Earlier in the day Aqua Solutions Heat Race #1 was won by Tyler Ferris and Aqua Solutions Heat Race #2 was won by Joey Payne.

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Drivers that qualified for the pill redraw, set the top eight starting spots prior to the feature, with Ferris pulling a front row starting position.

From the start of the highly anticipated 2025 season opener, Ferris (#7) quickly established control of the race, pulling away from the field in the early going. While Ferris maintained a consistent pace out front, the battle behind him intensified. Joey Payne (#51) held firm in second and recorded the fastest lap of the night in the closing stages, picking up the Finish Line Bookkeeping Fast Time Award (13.197).

Blake Barney (#12) was picking off positions quickly, before entering a heated battle with Brianna Page (#76), for the third spot. Running wheel-to-wheel for several laps, before Barney secured the position on lap 23. 

Ryan Tidman (#99) methodically advanced through the field, however, spun coming to the checkers but was able to drive through the spin, to finish fourth. 

Brianna Page drove a great race, taking home a Top 5 finish, after some action packed racing. Steve Craig (#55), was up on the wheel in his #55 machine coming home 6th. Making the trip from NY, was Chris Coleman (#27), in 7th. Billy Cole also showed improvement in the #0, finishing in the 8th spot.

Sean Case drove a clean race, showing speed in his debut in the #95C, he was the highest finishing micro in 9th. Followed by Bill Force in the #6, credited in 10th, after experiencing brake issues.

Jeff Kot (#95) experienced mechanical failure on lap 2, and rounding out the field in 11th was rookie Dave DiSalvo (DNS). 

The TQ event ran green to checkered, without a caution, which was rewarded, with the Caution Free $100 Bonus, that went to #55 Steve Craig, which was also selected by draw after the feature.

Following the race, Ferris credited his team’s constant hard work and for preparing such a good car, for the win.

The ATQMRA debuted their new Command Tent, produced by Area Auto Racing News, a branded central location for race day activities. Teams enjoyed a cookout and refreshments together under sunny skies. We would also like to thank Wall Stadium Speedway for the victory lane check!

Next up for the ATQMRA, is the Doug Craig Memorial Race on July 12, 2005. Join us to celebrate Doug’s career with a special race and lap sponsorship program. His accomplishments as a legendary driver, will be highlighted at the event, as we honor Doug and the Craig family, with the emotional missing man formation at the start of the 25 lap feature.

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Top Ten Results – ATQMRA at Wall Stadium (June 28, 2025)

1. Tyler Ferris (#7)

2. Joey Payne (#51)

3. Blake Barney (#12)

4. Ryan Tidman (#99)

5. Brianna Page (#76)

6. Steve Craig (#55)

7. Chris Coleman (#27)

8. Billy Cole (#0)

9. Sean Case (#95C)

10. Bill Force Jr. (#6) DNF Mechanical

11. Jeff Kot (#95) DNF Mechanical

12. Dave DiSalvo (#22) DNS

TYLER FERRIS EARNS FIRST CAREER ATQMRA VICTORY; TURKEY DERBY 51

The Hamer Motorsports Group celebrates in Wall Stadium Speedway Victory Lane as ATQMRA Turkey Derby 51 Champions - EJ O'Rourke Photo

Staff Report | Monday, December 2nd, 2024
Photography Credit: EJ O’Rourke, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) fended off ATQMRA Champion Buddy Sload in an epic finish, earning his first career Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels victory.

Steve Craig showed a lot of speed over the last week, dating back to Turkey Derby 51 practice. Craig earned the pole and battled for the lead early before earning a top-10 finish. -EJ O'Rourke Photo

Steve Craig earned the pole after a top-4 invert, leading the field of 21 cars, to the green flag. A caution flew on the initial start, due to a spin, caused by incidental contact with Tanner VanDoren (#12 Dent Zones, Bruce’s Speed Shop). The race officially started under single-file formation moments later.

The focus remained on 2024 Champion Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis), who earned the lead after battling with pole sitter Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers), on the second lap. Sload was pursued by pre-race favorite Ryan Tidman (99x Martha Baker D.M.D., CheckerWon Manufacturing). Tidman earned the $50 bonus courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts, setting quick-time during time trials. Tidman entered Turkey Derby 51 winning the previous two renditions of the event.

Ryan Tidman (99x) and Don Zrinksi (75z) made contact near the halfway point of the race. This incident ultimately ended Tidman's chances at a Turkey Derby 3-peat. -Eric Storch Photo

As the leaders battled lapped traffic, the event reached a climax just prior to halfway on lap 13. Ryan Tidman was involved in the second caution of the event involving an incident with Don Zrinski (75z). Tidman received the worst end of the incident, as the damage caused was too great to continue, retiring his Paul Dodorico Racing machine prematurely.

Sload maintained the lead from the restart, with Ferris now in second, and Tyler Wagner (#51 Linblad Badger) in third. The final caution flew on lap 20, when Wagner’s Alan Mollot Racing teammate Matt Janisch (#51J Yuma’s Chassis) and Steve Craig made contact, on lap 20. Both drivers would restart at the tail end of the field but rallying to finish within the top-10.

Matt Janisch's spin created a cool photo but not a cool result, although he still managed a 10th place on the lead lap - Eric Storch Photo

The caution set the stage for a spectacular duel, as Ferris had to race the 3X Champ, Sload, to earn his first career feature win. Over the course of two laps, Ferris and Sload swapped the lead position three times, in a hard-fought clean battle. The best of the best of what makes the ATQMRA special, was showcased in front of a capacity crowd and to thousands of fans across the country on Racing America TV.

One of the best battles of the season, #7 Tyler Ferris and #36 Buddy Sload battling for the win in front of a capacity crowd -EJ O'Rourke Photo

Ferris would ultimately take the lead for good on lap 22, never looking back, to lead the final 8 laps, earning a coveted wreath, by winning ATQMRA Turkey Derby 51 at Wall Stadium Speedway.

Buddy Sload finished second, and Tyler Wagner rounded out the podium after racing in the top-5 for the entire feature.

Ryan Flores (#1B Boyd Speed Shop) made a surprise appearance in the ATQMRA this weekend for Donna and Lenny Boyd. The Indoor Auto Racing Series (driver) and NASCAR Cup Series champion (crew member) earned a fourth-place finish. Flores also earned a $50 bonus from NAPA Auto Parts for being the highest placed former quarter midget club driver.

#1B Ryan Flores and #22 Kyle Taraska earned a pair of top-5 finishes for the Boyd Speed Shop. Taraska gained 14 on-track positions during the race. - EJ O'Rourke Photo

Kyle Taraska (#22 Jersey Mike’s Subs, AC’s Lawn Service LLC) rounded out the top-5 in fifth. Taraska earned the NAPA Auto Parts Hard Charger Award, after starting 19th. An electrical failure prevented Taraska from posting a time in qualifying, earlier in the afternoon.

A career run for Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body, Nordot Adhesives), who had an equally impressive charge to the front from the 20th starting position. Herve ran top-5 lap times throughout the event and dialed in his Lafler Chassis ahead of the upcoming Indoor Auto Racing Series Championship season.

Section 8 Motorsports was well-represented with Briggs Danner and Kyle Herve battling in the top-10. Herve also gained 14 on-track positions during the race. -EJ O'Rourke 

USAC Sprint Car racer Briggs Danner (#78 E. Schneider & Sons, Ironton Telephone) entered his first outdoor TQ Midget event since winning Turkey Derby 48 in 2021. Danner earned a seventh-place finish.

Multi-time NEMA Midget Champion Avery Stoehr (#23 Linblad Badger) gave Phil and Laurie DiMario’s machine a respectable eighth place finish. As noted, Steve Craig and Matt Janisch recovered from their lap-20 incident to round out the top-10 respectively.

Zack Burd (#5z AC/DT Dog Training, Burlington Chevrolet) and Josh Patterson (#02 BELFOR Property Restoration, Bob Hilbert Sportswear) rounded out the field of lead lap finishers in 11th and 12th.

Tyler Ferris began his career in WKA Karting at the age of 5, earning multiple victories and a National Championship in 2017. The Ferris’ partnered with long-time family friend Brien Hamer in late-2019, catapulting Tyler’s oval track career in TQ Midgets, 602 Sportsman’s, and Modifieds. After years of supporting the ATQMRA and Wall Stadium Speedway, we send kudos to The Hamer Motorsports Group, after earning their first career feature victory.

Tyler Ferris, Turkey Derby 51 Champion and officially an ATQMRA Feature Winner. What a way to win your first. - Eric Storch Photo

The Hoosier Tire ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels thanks our sponsors, competitors, promoters and fans on an incredible 2024 season. We thank additional Wall Stadium Series sponsors Hamer Heating and Cooling, and Brice’s & Van Wickle NAPA Auto Supply for their continued support.

The tour’s 69th annual season was a competitive one, capped off by a year that celebrated four first-time winners.

The ATQMRA will celebrate Driver Champion Buddy Sload, and Owners Champion Colin Martin at a public awards ceremony, at the Motorsports Racecar and Trade Show in Oaks, PA on Saturday, January 25th, 2025.

Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season to all.

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TURKEY DERBY 51 ATQMRA FEATURE RESULTS (30-LAPS):
1. #7 Tyler Ferris
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #1B Ryan Flores
5. #22 Kyle Taraska
6. #24 Kyle Herve
7. #78 Briggs Danner
8. #23 Avery Stoehr
9. #55 Steve Craig
10. #51J Matt Janisch
11. #5z Zack Burd
12. #02 Josh Patterson
13. #73 Cole Mullen
14. #2 Mike Glaser
15. #711 Joe Toth
16. #18 Patrick Force
17. #75z Don Zrinski
18. #95 Jeff Kot
19. #99 Ryan Tidman
20. #12 Tanner VanDoren
21. #0 Billy Cole

TIME TRIAL RESULTS (TOP-4 INVERT):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman 13.201 (4)
2. #36 Buddy Sload 13.225 (3)
3. #51 Tyler Wagner 13.276 (2)
4. #55 Steve Craig 13.302 (1)
5. #02 Josh Patterson 13.320
6. #7 Tyler Ferris 13.355
7. #1B Ryan Flores 13.429
8. #51J Matt Janisch 13.518
9. #12 Tanner VanDoren 13.582
10. #0 Billy Cole 13.613
11. #78 Briggs Danner 13.753
12. #75z Don Zrinski 13.778
13. #23 Avery Stoehr 13.860
14. #95 Jeff Kot 13.884
15. #73 Cole Mullen 13.895
16. #5z Zack Burd 13.922
17. #2 Mike Glaser 13.961
18. #711 Joe Toth 13.962
19. #22 Kyle Taraska NO TIME
20. #24 Kyle Herve NO TIME
21. #18 Pat Force NO TIME

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 13:59.265
Leader(s): 3
Lap Leader(s): #36 Buddy Sload (20), #7 Tyler Ferris (9), #55 Steve Craig (1)
Cautions: 3
Fastest Lap: #7 Tyler Ferris (13.037)
Rookie of the Race: #1B Ryan Flores (4th)

NAPA Brice Auto Supply & Van Wickle Auto Supply $50 Bonuses:
Time Trial Quick Time: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.201)
Hard Charger: #22 Kyle Taraska (+14)
Highest Fin. 1/4 Midget: #1B Ryan Flores (4th)

TARASKA WINS HIS FIRST AT WATERFORD; SLOAD 2024 (3X) ATQMRA CHAMPION

Kyle Taraska celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl - EJ O'Rourke Photo

Staff Report | Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

Photography Credit: EJ O’Rourke, TK Race Photos

WATERFORD, CT- Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop) earned his first career victory (second overall of the year) at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl this weekend. Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) clinched the 2024 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA Championship fueled by VP Racing Fuels; the third of his career.

After a one year absence, the ATQMRA returned to the crown jewel facility of The New London-Waterford Speedbowl to close out the 2024 championship season. Unofficial teammates Josh Patterson (#02X Bob Hilbert Sportswear, BELFOR Property Restoration) and Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) won their respective heat races to start the evening of racing. In his heat, Patterson laid down a blistering 13.477 second lap. Not only was this the fastest lap of the day, but Patterson miraculously broke the 100MPH barrier on average speed (100.394 MPH).

Josh Patterson (#02) set the fastest lap of the day, battling champion Buddy Sload (#36) -EJ O'Rouke Photo

Billy Cole (#0 Lafler Chassis) made his first career start at Waterford this weekend and earned the pole for the 25-lap feature. As Cole launched at the drop of the green flag, the field scattered into three and four wide formations entering the first turn.

Taraska led the charge on the outside, from the fourth starting position. Taraska jumped to second around Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) and Tyler Wagner (#51 Lindblad Badger) in a three wide move through the first set of corners. Taraska maintained his outside momentum around Billy Cole for the lead, exiting the fourth turn.

Billy Cole (#0) leads a fast pack of racers into turn 1 on the initial start. - TK Race Photos

As Taraska set the pace, pre-race favorites Janisch, series champion Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) and Patterson battled within the top-5. Patterson would later work outside around Sload, in a daring high-speed battle. Janisch continued to keep Taraska honest, who closed in on Taraska throughout the early stages of the race.

As the leader’s lap times fell off, Taraska remained consistent throughout the second half of the race. Kyle Taraska was able to hold off the Yuhas Chassis teams of Matt Janisch (2nd) and Josh Patterson (3rd), earning an elusive victory at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Patterson also earned 2024 Rookie of the Year honors.

Buddy Sload earned a 4th place finish, and Tyler Wagner rounded out the top-5.

Joey Bailey (#1B LBII Chassis) made his first official start with the ATQMRA this season at Waterford, racing for Donna and Lenny Boyd. Bailey finished 6th, and won the NEMA Lite Feature earlier in the same evening.

Steve Craig ran a competitive seventh. The Hirt family made their first starts of the ATQMRA season at their home track this weekend. Chris Hirt (#78 Colonial Carpentry) of Newington, CT and Ken Hirt (#97 Staxx Construction) of Danbury, CT finished 8th and 9th respectively. After a promising start to the day, Billy Cole rounded out the top-10 with an engine issue.

The #22 Boyd Speed Shop Team celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane. (Left to Right) John Cerny, Russ Bailey, Kyle Taraska, Frank Vogel, Joe Zuzzolo, Brian Miller -TK Race Photos 

Kyle Taraska dominated Saturday’s feature leading all 25-laps. The humbled driver extended his appreciation to his Boyd Speed Shop team including Russ Bailey, Lenny Boyd, Donna Boyd, Frank Vogel, John Cerny, Brian Miller and wife Megan. Taraska was honored to have Joe Zuzzolo in attendance for the victory as well.

Buddy Sload clinched his third career ATQMRA Driver Championship this weekend at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl by taking the green flag. Sload capped off his championship campaign with 1 victory (Wall Stadium -JJ Lane Memorial 7/27) and an average finishing position of 2.83. Sload only finished outside of the top-5 on one occasion, which was a 6th place finish at Wall Stadium earlier this spring.

Sload’s efforts on the track would not be accomplished without the support of his Spitfire Racing Team. This includes Car Owner Colin Martin, who earned his fourth career Owner’s Championship this year, Sean Moyer, mother Karen and wife Alison. The team also remembers Buddy’s father, the-late Bud Sload Sr. The ATQMRA congratulates the #36 team on their accomplishments and extends their appreciation to the team for their continued contributions to the organization.

Buddy Sload and the Spitfire Racing Team led by Colin Martin, 2024 ATQMRA Champions -EJ O'Rourke Photo 

Josh Patterson and the JX3 Racing Team secured the ATQMRA Rookie of the Year Award.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMffRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels will officially conclude the 2024 season at Turkey Derby 51, at Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, November 30th.

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FEATURE RESULTS (25 LAPS):
1. #22 Kyle Taraska
2. #51J Matt Janisch
3. #02X Josh Patterson
4. #36 Buddy Sload
5. #51 Tyler Wagner
6. #1B Joey Bailey
7. #55 Steve Craig
8. #78 Chris Hirt
9. #97 Ken Hirt
10. #0 Billy Cole Jr.

HEAT 1 RESULTS (8 LAPS):
1. #02X Josh Patterson
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #0 Billy Cole Jr.
5. #78 Chris Hirt

HEAT 2 RESULTS (8 LAPS):
1. #51J Matt Janisch
2. #1B Joey Bailey
3. #22 Kyle Taraska
4. #55 Steve Craig
5. #97 Ken Hirt

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 5.56:437
Leader(s): 1
Lap Leader(s): #22 Kyle Taraska (25)
Cautions: 0
Fastest Lap: #02X Josh Patterson (13.918)
Rookie of the Race: #02X Josh Patterson (2nd)

TOP-5 POINTS RESULTS (DRIVERS):

1.    #36 Buddy Sload (1112)
2.    #51 Tyler Wagner (1044)
3.    #22 Kyle Taraska (964)
4.    #55 Steve Craig (884)
5.    #75 Mark Yoder (824)

WAGNER WINS FIRST CAREER ATQMRA FEATURE AT WALL

Tyler Wagner celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane at Wall Stadium Speedway - Eric Storch Photo

Robin Ervin, AARN | Monday, September 16th, 2024
Photography Credit: Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Tyler Wagner earned his first career ATQMRA feature victory at Wall Stadium Speedway this weekend, and second overall of his career.

Tyler Wagner, who came into the night second in season points at Wall Stadium, had the dominant car of the evening. Although Wagner started in 6th, he sliced through the field and was challenging for the lead by lap three.

Don Zrinski held the early lead with Josh Patterson a close second but a couple laps later Wagner passed them both on the same lap to take the lead and was never contested again.

Behind Wagner the battles for position were animated. On lap five Buddy Sload took second from Zrinski and stayed close to Wagner.

Buddy Sload had a fast HOT rod Saturday Night at Wall Stadium Speedway - Eric Storch Photo

A caution near halfway for a multicar incident between Mark Yoder and Steve Craig bunched the field back together, giving Sload another shot at the lead. On the restart, Sload battled on the outside of Wagner, but Wagner won the drag race and kept the lead.

At this point Tyler Ferris began challenging Sload for second. As they came to the checkered flag Wagner took a comfortable win with Sload second and Tyler Ferris in third.

Anthony Sesely leads the field into turn 1, with 4-wide action behind him - Eric Storch Photo

The remaining finishers in order, include Josh Patterson, Anthony Sesely (racing for series regular Billy Cole), Don Zrinski, Mark Yoder and Steve Craig.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, September 28th to crown the champion of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout.

PATTERSON NEWEST FIRST TIME ATQMRA WINNER AT MAHONING

Josh Patterson celebrates in victory lane at Mahoning Valley Speedway; his first career ATQMRA feature win - Dennis Takacs Photo 

Staff Report | Monday, September 9th, 2024
Photo Credit: Dennis Takacs

LEHIGHTON, PA - Josh Patterson, of East Greenville, PA earned his first career Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, feature win this weekend at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Patterson (#02 Bob Hilbert Sportswear, BELFOR Property Restoration, United Rental) jumped to the lead early, methodically working his way around front row starters Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction and Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers).

As Patterson earned the early race lead, championship points leader Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) made an inside charge to second. Early race contact with Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop) and Craig made for a tense and exciting three-wide moment on the opening lap.

As the dust settled, it was a Patterson-Sload 1-2 with Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) of Nazareth, PA, making a hard charge forward from 6th to 3rd in the running order.

As Patterson maintained a commanding lead, the racing remained tight, for second between Sload and Janisch.

After losing ground early, Taraska made a late race charge on those ahead battling for the podium. Although Taraska ran out of laps to enter the battle, Janisch was able to snooker Sload, entering turn 1 in the closing stages to take over second.

Patterson, ultimately went on to earn the victory, the first of his career with the ATQMRA. Matt Janisch finished 2nd, making it a Yuhas Chassis, 1-2 finish.

Buddy Sload, held on for third, with Kyle Taraska finishing fourth and Tyler Wagner rounding out the top five.

Avery Stoehr, Steve Craig and Mark Yoder, rounded out the field.

In a career that began in 2007, in quarter midgets, Patterson has continued to pursue his dreams and ambitions of a race car driver, moving up the ranks into TQ Midget racing, in 2022. Already a champion in the wingless division, Patterson has earned a commanding lead in 2024 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year honors this weekend. The JX3 BELFOR Property Restoration, Bob Hilbert Sportswear Racing Team, is led by Jeff Horvath and Josh’s grandfather, Jeff (Pappy). Patterson has a strong support system from the remainder of his family and friends as well.

Patterson, is the 8th unique winning driver, in 10 ATQMRA features this year. Furthermore, Patterson is the 3rd first time winner this season!

In an evening with a 80% chance of rain, the ATQMRA extends their appreciation to the Carlino Family and the staff at Mahoning Valley Speedway for their commitment to completing a racing program. Furthermore, series officials extends their appreciation to those who took the gamble to compete at Mahoning Valley Speedway, under a dismal forecast. The show went on, and those in attendance witnessed another exciting ATQMRA event.

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels feature winner, Josh Patterson, championship points leader Buddy Sload, and the remainder of the strong list of competitors, will return to Wall Stadium Speedway, this Saturday September 14th for the 7th event of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout and 11th feature event of the 2024 season.