Staff Report | Wednesday, May 13th, 2020
AURORA, NY- Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels drivers Joey Bailey, Buddy Sload and Kyle Taraska are set to compete in an eSport TQ Midget iRacing Invitational.
While race fans across the globe seek to fill the void of minimal live motorsports competition, the Race of Champions has worked in conjunction with Speed51.com to present the “Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Festival,” beginning on Thursday May 14th, 2020.
The eSport event will be hosted on the iRacing platform, using the simulation’s “Asphalt Sprint Car,” based on no asphalt midgets being available in the sim to-date. The 39 lap feature will be raced at the virtual Las Vegas Bullring.
“Modeled after “Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions” Weekend, which is held at Lake Erie Speedway each September, competitors from across all divisions will have an opportunity to compete. Four Cylinders, Midgets, Street Stocks, Super Stocks, Late Models and Sportsman (SK) Modifieds will have their turn at virtual glory,” stated the Race of Champions press release.
While iRacing may be new phenomena to many due to recent events involving COVID-19, 2018 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year Kyle Taraska continues to be an advocate for the simulation.
“While iRacing, or any sim will never replicate real racing to a “T,” it is a great platform to keep drivers in shape from a mental standpoint,” stated Taraska. “iRacing is a lot of fun and while we all want to get back on the real track as soon as possible, I am really excited to help represent the ATQMRA on Speed51.com and appreciate everyone involved at RoC for making this event happen.”
The event will be broadcasted for free on Speed51.com’s eSport Network beginning at 7:30 PM EST. The TQ Midget program will begin after the conclusion of the 4 cylinder action which is set to kick off the event. The TQ Midget format will consist of single car qualifying and heat races to set the field for the 28 car feature.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels patiently awaits the beginning of a new decade of TQ Midget Racing. ATQMRA Officials will continue to work with track promoters and local government officials in order to provide a revised 2020 schedule once applicable. For all information regarding the latest ATQMRA news updates, follow us on our various social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram.