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.

TIDMAN GOES BACK-TO-BACK; ATQMRA CLIFF KRAUSE MEMORIAL WINNER

Ryan Tidman celebrates in front of a near capacity crowd at Wall Stadium Speedway; Sean Case Photo

Staff Report | Monday, August 26th, 2024
Photography Credit: Sean Case, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- For the second consecutive feature event, Ryan Tidman of Southampton, PA is your Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels feature at Wall Stadium Speedway.

The ATQMRA was honored to be invited, to the annual Cliff Krause Memorial this season, as teams competed in a special 27-lap feature.

Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) and Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) earned victories in their respective heat races, and would soon lead the field to green, earning front row starting positions for the feature event.

Steve Craig leads the field to green, with an impressing outing by him to proceed; Sean Case Photo

Steve Craig had a strong showing throughout the early portion, leading the opening laps before Ryan Tidman (#99 Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing, Fidge Factor Website Design) grabbed the top spot on lap 7. Tidman charged through the field from the 5th starting position, as Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) followed the #99 car to the front, jumping from 7th to 2nd.

Heat winner Mark Yoder leads Tyler Wagner early, prior to Wagner's mechanical issue; Eric Storch Photo

Major championship implications took place just past the halfway mark on lap-14, as a mechanical issue plagued Tyler Wagner’s (#51 Lindblad Badger), causing the team to finish shotgun on the field. The single car incident brought out the only caution of the evening.

On the single file restart, Tidman maintained control of the field, as Buddy Sload was able to remain within proximity of Tidman from 2nd. Steve Craig continued to fight hard for a podium spot, as he and Kyle Taraska battled hard for position. Taraska would eventually overtake the position but neither Taraska’s or Sload’s, efforts were not enough to chase down Tidman.

Ryan Tidman celebrates with his hand in the air, taking the checkered flag at the ATQMRA Cliff Krause Memorial; Sean Case Photo

Ryan Tidman, went on to earn the victory in the 27-lap ATQMRA Cliff Krause Memorial- Tidman’s third overall feature victory this season and fourth for Paul Dodorico Racing.

Buddy Sload battles Chris Coleman. Sload expanded his points lead on Saturday as Coleman followed up his previous victory with a strong 5th; Eric Storch Photo

Buddy Sload finished a strong second, expanding his lead in both overall and Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout championship standings. Kyle Taraska’s third place finish moves him into a tie for second in standings, with Tyler Wagner.

Steve Craig, continues to improve his racing program, having a career night from start to finish. Craig earned a very competitive fourth place finish in the feature.

Chris Coleman, the stand-out 17-year-old who earned his first career feature victory in his previous outing, returned to the ATQMRA this weekend to finish 5th. Coleman raced within the top-5 throughout the evening.

Mark Yoder raced within the top-half of the field throughout the evening to earn a 6th place finish. Josh Patterson finished 7th.

Blake Barney earned an 8th place in his second career ATQMRA start, and Jeff Kot finished 9th with engine issues.

Car owner Phil DiMario, made is long awaited return to the ATQMRA this weekend, fielding his #23 Badger, with driver Avery Stoehr, finishing 10th.

Billy Cole, reacted quickly in the heat race, to a mechanical issue and in the feature he finished 11th. Tyler Wagner rounded out the field, in 12th, after his noted mechanical issues.

Car owner Paul Dodorico, with son Chris, celebrate with driver Ryan Tidman in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane; Sean Case Photo 

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to racing on Saturday, September 7th at Mahoning Valley Speedway. The Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout will return to Wall Stadium Speedway, on Saturday, September 14th.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (27 LAPS):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #22 Kyle Taraska
4. #55 Steve Craig
5. #27 Chris Coleman
6. #75 Mark Yoder
7. #02 Josh Patterson
8. #12 Blake Barney
9. #95 Jeff Kot
10. #23 Avery Stoehr
11. #0 Billy Cole
12. #51 Tyler Wagner

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #75 Mark Yoder
2. #99 Ryan Tidman
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #27 Chris Coleman
5. #23 Avery Stoehr
6. #0 Billy Cole

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #55 Steve Craig
2. #22 Kyle Taraska
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #12 Blake Barney
5. #02 Josh Patterson
6. #95 Jeff Kot

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 10.29:444
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (21) #55 Steve Craig (6)
Cautions: 1
Fastest Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.196)
Rookie of the Race: #27 Chris Coleman (5th)

TIDMAN WINS WALL FEATURE; FIRST REPEAT WINNER OF 2024

Ryan Tidman celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Wall Stadium Victory Lane with car owner Paul Dodorico and Ryan’s parents. - Brianna Page Photo

Staff Report | Monday, August 12th, 2024
Photography Credit: Eric Storch, Kristen Cocca

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Ryan Tidman of Southampton, PA returned to ATQMRA Wall Stadium Victory Lane this weekend, as the first repeat winner on the tour in 2024.

The Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, in conjunction with the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, competed for the eighth race of the 2024 campaign this weekend, and the sixth contest of the year, at Wall Stadium Speedway.

A bold new look, continuing to represent our teams, fans and partners in a professional manner.
Logo design courtesy of Jeff Kot.

A fresh look, designed by Jeff Kot, hyped up the week of racing as the ATQMRA partnered with premier title sponsor Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic and Precise Racing Products located in Finksburg, MD, creating a new logo to represent the nearly seven decade organization. The update aligns with Hoosier Racing Tire’s recent rebranding. The ATQMRA extends their appreciation to Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, for over a decade of support!

Tyler Ferris continues to string strong runs, winning his heat race on Saturday backed by another podium feature finish. - Eric Storch Photo

Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop) and Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) won their respective heat race events, to start the evening of racing. Per the handicap qualifying system, Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) earned the pole position for the 25-lap feature.

Yoder’s lead was short lived, as Ryan Tidman (#99 CheckerWon Manufacturing, Martha Baker D.M.D, Fidge Factor Website Design) stormed to the lead entering the third turn, on the second lap. Champion points leader Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Racing) would soon follow suit, in second.

Mark Yoder leads Ryan Tidman in the early going of the 25 lap feature - Kristen Cocca Photo

A near major incident took place on lap three as Kyle Taraska got loose entering the third corner from fifth. Taraska slid through the grass but kept his car straight. The field of cars took evasive action, especially Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body, Brunswick West Land Surveyors) to avoid further incident.

The race stayed and continued green, until a caution for debris flew with five laps remaining in the event. A cone signifying the ATQMRA restart zone was kicked up onto the racing surface.

The restart gave the field one last shot at Five-Time Champion, Tidman, who held on to earn his second victory of 2024!

PDR #99 driven by Ryan Tidman - Kristen Cocca Photo

Buddy Sload, extended his championship points lead, in both overall standings and the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout standings, with a second-place finish. Sload was the evening’s biggest mover of the race, charging up through the field from seventh.

Tyler Ferris earned his second consecutive ATQMRA podium finish, with another third this past weekend. The Hamer Motorsports Group continues to put consistent runs together, as they continue to knock on the door of their first feature victory. Ferris also finished third in one of the duel modified features later Saturday evening.

Mark Yoder raced amongst the top five competitors all evening, earning a strong fourth place. Tyler Wagner (#51 Lindblad Badger) started sixth and finished fifth. Although Wagner lost small ground on championship leader Sload, the #51 team remains in striking distance with five races remaining on the points schedule.

Kyle Taraska and Kyle Herve battle for position well within the top-10 - Eric Storch Photo 

The Kyle and Kyle Show; Kyle Taraska finished sixth and Kyle Herve finished seventh. Both teams look to battle for the top-spot rather than mid-pack in the near future.

Jeff Kot continues to make gains on his #95 Behrents Performance Badger, finishing in 8th after starting 11th. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) finished 9th.

Jeff Kot battles with ATQMRA Rookie's Blake Barney and Billy Cole - Eric Storch Photo

Modified stand-out Blake Barney, made his debut in the ATQMRA this weekend, competing for MJ12 Motorsports. Barney finished 10th in the feature, kicking off the first leg of his triple header this weekend (twin-modified features), topping out in a 4th place finish in the first modified feature of the evening.

Billy Cole and Don Zrinski rounded out the field of a dozen TQ Midgets to take the green.

Ryan Tidman, continues an impressive string of dominance for Paul Dodorico Racing, dating back to-late 2022. Although Tidman is the first driver to win multiple features (both with PDR) this season, Saturday’s victory was the third victory of the season for Paul Dodorico Racing as Jeff Kot won the opener for the #99 in April.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, in conjunction with The Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout returns to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, August 24th for the 27-lap Cliff Krause Memorial.

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RACE RESULTS:
FEATURE (25 LAPS):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #7 Tyler Ferris
4. #75 Mark Yoder
5. #51 Tyler Wagner
6. #22 Kyle Taraska
7. #24 Kyle Herve
8. #95 Jeff Kot
9. #55 Steve Craig
10. #12 Blake Barney
11. #0 Billy Cole
12. #75z Don Zrinski

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #22 Kyle Taraska
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #99 Ryan Tidman
4. #12 Blake Barney
5. #55 Steve Craig
6. #0 Billy Cole

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #7 Tyler Ferris
2. #51 Tyler Wagner
3. #24 Kyle Herve
4. #75 Mark Yoder
5. #95 Jeff Kot
6. #75z Don Zrinski

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 7:27.586
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (23) #75 Mark Yoder (2)
Cautions: 1
Fastest Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.160)
Rookie of the Race: #12 Blake Barney (10th)