Staff Report | January 24th, 2019
The annual Motorsports Racecar and Trade Show hosted by Len Sammons Productions has come and gone, however the impact the weekend had on the entire ATQMRA organization will remain for a long time. The highlight of the weekend was the recently announced award for “Best Appearing Booth” in class, which was presented to the ATQMRA on behalf of the entire AARN.com staff.
ATQMRA competitor Jeff Kot, owner of Typhoon Digital Studio dedicated much of his personal time over the last month preparing what has become an award winning exhibit, for all show attendees to enjoy. ATQMRA competitor Kyle Taraska and car owner Colin Martin provided much of the framework and content for the booth, to enhance the fan experience throughout the weekend.
The 2019 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels schedule was announced this weekend as well. The tentative 17 race season is slated to begin at the Mahoning Valley Speedway on April 20th, 2019. Like 2018, the ATQMRA champion will be crowned at Bethel Motor Speedway, on Saturday November 2nd, 2019. As always, the season will officially conclude for the non-points spectacular, the Turkey Derby, at the historic Wall Stadium Speedway on Thanksgiving Weekend.
A lot of excitement was built around the recently announced ¼ Midget and ¾ Midget Development Programs. ATQMRA board members worked exclusively with many of the Quarter Midget Club board members who were accessible during the trade show weekend to raise awareness and receive sign ups from soon to be Quarter Midget graduates. A number of racers from multiple disciplines of motorsports also inquired and signed up for the ¾ Midget Development Program as well. As the summer months approach, more specific details involving scheduling and test days will become available to the general public.
Many ATQMRA regulars are set to invade the Indoor Auto Racing Championship Series this weekend for the 17thAnnual Gambler’s Classic. Reigning Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA Champion Matt Jansich, winner of the Allentown Indoor Friday Feature, is poised to have a strong outing against some of the best racers in the business. Five time Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic Champion Ryan Tidman, who is coming off a solid top-10 run in the Allentown Saturday Feature, is determined to put on a showing for his fans this weekend at Boardwalk Hall. 2018 VP Racing Fuels Checkered Flag Award recipient Joey Bailey will be making is 2019 Indoor Championship Series debut. This will be Bailey’s second career attempt to claim victory in the prestigious Gambler’s Classic.
2018 ATQMRA Feature winners Joey Payne and Cole Mullen will be running in Atlantic City this weekend as well. Payne, a two-time winner of the event will be racing wheel-to-wheel with son, Anthony Payne, another ATQMRA regular. The Gambler’s Classic will be a homecoming for Cole and father, “The Rocket” Ronnie Mullen, who both call the Jersey Shore home. ATQMRA veteran Jeff Kot is looking to make a strong comeback in Atlantic City. While showing great speed, Kot lost a front bumper during contact after working his way up into a transfer position for the A-Main. Expect car #17 to be a contender in the 17th Annual Gamblers Classic at Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk Hall.
Be sure to follow the ATQMRA on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/atqmra. Furthermore, check out the official series website, www.atqmra.comto learn everything you need to know about The Premier TQ Midget Racing Organization.