Staff Report | Thursday, August 6th, 2020
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- When the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels came together with the staff at Wall Stadium Speedway to create the JJ Lane Memorial, Tommy Lane knew this was a race he had to be apart of.
While it has been quite some time since the 2000 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year raced competitively, Lane expects to be able to hold his own this Saturday at Wall Stadium Speedway.
Lane’s racing career began with karting at multiple venues such as Oakland Valley and Great Meadows in the late 1980’s. Lane would eventually become a fixture at the Sunday Series at Flemington Speedway, where his father Ace and track owner Paul Kuhl collaborated on designing a kart-track at the facility in the mid-1990’s. After winning 5 championships across multiple classes over a 4 year period, Lane knew it was time to progress his career.
Lane would soon race for Carl Storero and his #01 TQ Midget for the 2000 and 2001 seasons, highlighted with Rookie of the Year honors and a career high 8th place points finishing position in 2000.
After a brief stint in TQ’s, Lane moved south, entering NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program . While enrolled in the program, Lane would work directly with Hermie Sadler on his NASCAR Cup Series pit crew, and raced late models for Ray Evernham at Hickory Motor Speedway. Unfortunately, the team shut down their late model program at the conclusion of 2005 season. Lane’s career as a driver came to a standstill.
While Tommy pursued his career behind the wheel, his brother JJ pursued a career behind the camera.
“Our dad always told me I had a knack for driving and JJ had the eye for photography,” said Tommy. “Racing has always been in our family’s blood, and we each found our own way to make an impact in the community.”
Tommy is excited to continue to make his impact, and continue the Lane Legacy in motorsports, thanks to some help his longtime friend.
When the JJ Lane Memorial was announced weeks ago, Joey Payne III couldn’t think of a better to honor JJ than by allowing his brother to race his car in the race in the event. The admirable act surely wasn’t an easy decision for Payne III. However, after making the announcement last week on Facebook that he will be putting his owner’s cap on and his driver’s helmet off for this one time, the positive feedback Payne and Lane have received has been overwhelming.
“When my brother passed away this spring, we were limited to only allowing 10 people to attend. I asked JP3 to attend because not only do I consider him a brother, I chose him to represent the racing community at the services.”
Not often are we reminded that racing is not only about trophies and driving fast, but it is also about the relationships we build in the pits every Saturday night. This Payne and Lane duo has surely brought this concept to light, which will be welcoming in the Wall Stadium Speedway pit area this weekend.
Lane acknowledges he will have some rust to kick off his shoulders during Saturday afternoon practice, but remains humbled to have the opportunity to honor his brother in a very special way.
“Saturday will be all about making laps. The ATQMRA has always meant a lot to me going all the way back to the Pine Brook days. These guys are some of the best in their business and I won’t be looking to get in their way. The goal is to run all the laps and honor my brother- this will be very special for myself and my family.”
Check out Tommy Lane in Joey Payne III’s #67 Badger and the rest of the ATQMRA on Saturday, August 8th 2020 at Wall Stadium Speedway for the JJ Lane Memorial.
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.
