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.