For the fourth time this season, the Hoosier Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuel raced at the historic Wall Stadium Speedway. Entering the event, the focus was set on Matt Janisch, Ryan Tidman, and Joey Bailey, who were all separated by 28 points prior to the drop of the green flag.
The pit area at Wall Stadium was in a rather somber mood Saturday morning due to the passing of 410 Sprint Car racer Greg Hodnett this past Thursday in Pennsylvania. To honor Greg and his family, all ATQMRA competitors sported silver and yellow ribbons on their cars. Furthermore, a “missing man” formation was performed during the pace laps, leaving the pole position empty and the feature was extended to 27 laps honoring the number Greg made famous over his career.
Mark Yoder started his evening off strong, by winning the first heat race of the evening. Kyle Taraska won the second heat of the night. Both drivers would start on the front row respectively due to their heat victories and handicapping.
At the drop of the green flag, Kyle Taraska powered by pole sitter Mark Yoder on the second lap of the event. Taraska would go on to lead much of the event prior to a caution flag for fluid on the track with 11 laps remaining.
On the restart, Joey Bailey, who is poised to remain relevant in the championship conversation, got along side Taraska off of turn two as the drivers returned to racing. Taraska would not be denied, as both Bailey and Taraska remained gridlocked, wheel to wheel, down the speedway’s backstretch entering the third corner. As Bailey cleared Taraska, Kyle crossed Joey over exiting the fourth corner, retaking the lead with a handful of laps remaining. These two drivers put on quite the show for the packed stands.
Although Joey Bailey put up a fierce fight, he was no match for Taraska as he went on to earn his first career feature victory in the ATQMRA. In front of many Berkeley College representatives, Kyle Taraska won the 27-lap feature in thrilling fashion. Taraska also earned Colin Martin’s Spitfire Racing team their second win of 2018. Kyle Taraska is now the eighth different winner in 11 events this year, making 2018 the most competitive ATQMRA season on record.
Mr. Consistency, Matt Janisch finished a strong 3rd, passing Kot in the final laps, to earn Yuhas Chassis two of the top-3 podium positions. Matt continues to lead the championship standings with only two points races remaining in the season.
Jeff Kot continues to impress, finishing fourth, running 3rd for almost the entire event. Ryan Tidman rounded out the top-5 for the Boyd Racing team, however lost 8-points to championship leader Janisch. Tidman entered Wall Stadium second in points.
Making impressive debuts were two talented racers “The Tornado,” Anthony Payne and Andrew Krause who made their 2018 ATQMRA debuts this weekend at Wall Stadium. They are sure to be a factor in the remaining races.
The Hoosier Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA will take the next weekend off prior to heading north to the Waterford Speedbowl, for the rescheduled “Wings N’ Wheels” event on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Our 2018 champion will officially be crowned at Bethel Motor Speedway on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018. For more information about upcoming events, visit ATQMRA.com.
Race Results
Heat 1
1 #75 Mark Yoder
2 #36 Buddy Sload
3 #51B Joey Bailey
4 #17 Jeff Kot
5 #1B Ryan Tidman
6 #12 Anthony Payne
Heat 2
1 #16 Kyle Taraska
2 #73X Cole Mullen
3 #48 Matt Janisch
4 #51 Joey Payne
5 #98T Tim Proctor
6 #27 Andrew Krause
7 #39 Ronnie Mullen
Feature
1 #16 Kyle Taraska
2 #51B Joey Bailey
3 #48 Matt Janisch
4 #17 Jeff Kot
5 #1B Ryan Tidman
6 #51 Joey Payne
7 #75 Mark Yoder
8 #98T Tim Proctor
9 #27 Andrew Krause
10 #39 Ronnie Mullen
11 #73X Cole Mullen
12 #36 Buddy Sload
13 #12 Anthony Payne