Staff Report | Wednesday, July, 29th, 2020
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Former Wall Stadium and Northeastern Motorsports Photographer “JJ Lane” will be honored in the ATQMRA “JJ Lane Memorial” on Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at Wall Stadium Speedway.
John Gregory Lane, nicknamed “John John” or “JJ,” unexpectedly lost his life this past spring.
Famously known for his fist pumps, warm greetings, and award winning shots from behind the camera, JJ was well-respected amongst his peers. Not only was Lane a fixture of the Wall Stadium Speedway community, but a fixture in the racing community as a whole. Lane’s legacy leaves a void that will be impossible to fill for the decades to come.
While the ATQMRA will honor “JJ” with commemorative decals and a missing-man formation during the pace laps, no honor will be more special than having “JJ’s” brother, Tommy Lane, entered in the race.
Tommy, the 2000 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year, has a vast range of racing experience from Karting, to Late Models, and of course TQ Midgets. Lane will pilot the #67 Red White and Blue Badger owned by Joey Payne III.
In this unique opportunity, Payne III has elected to take a step out of the driver’s seat and put his owner’s hat on in an effort to honor the Lane Family.
“I greatly appreciate my buddy Joey and everyone at the ATQMRA to come together and honor my brother,” said Tommy Lane. “This means a lot to my entire family and I can’t wait to see what I can do behind the wheel in my return to TQ Midgets.”
Not only is Tommy excited to honor his brother, he is excited to honor his idol Joey Payne as well.
“The Payne‘s and the Lane’s have always been one big family. Growing up watching that #67 car win at Pine Brook Speedway was a huge part of my childhood. To be able to run the #67 in a race titled in my brother’s name really brings things full circle.”
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels returns to action on Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at Wall Stadium Speedway. This is the first of three events scheduled at Wall Stadium Speedway including the coveted season ending Turkey Derby XLVI in November.
In an effort to follow CDC Social Distancing Guidelines, approximately 1000 personnel split between the pit and spectator areas will be permitted on the property during the evening of racing at Wall Stadium Speedway. Masks and facial coverings must be worn as they are mandatory at Wall Stadium Speedway. Tickets will be sold the day of the event, with the box office opening at 4:30 PM. For more information, please visit wallspeedwayracing.com.
For all the latest news and updates revolving around the Premier TQ Midget Racing Division, please visit atqmra.com or our various social media sites including Facebook and Instagram.