Staff Report | Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
BETHEL, NY- Joey Payne Jr. and Joey Payne III will make their 2021 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels debuts this weekend at Bethel Motor Speedway.
Joe Payne Sr. Memorial will have a special meaning to everyone in the ATQMRA this weekend, especially those within the Payne family.
Joey Payne will compete in the #55 Spitfire Chassis owned by Paul Dodorico. Dodorico will take a step out of the drivers seat and put on his owner’s hat as he looks at the big picture.
“I never knew the Payne family personally, but talked to them at the track multiple times and race against them well,” said Paul Dodorico. “It occurred to me Joey (Payne Jr.) would be at Bethel without a ride. I thought what greater way to honor his dad than by having him race; this is very exciting and looking forward to the Payne Memorial at Bethel.”
Joey Payne certainly shares Dodorico’s excitement.
“It means a lot to me to be able to compete in my father’s memorial race with an awesome car! Paul and I had a great phone conversation and we definitely have a real shot to win this weekend. I really appreciate him stepping out of his car and giving me an opportunity to win the most important race of my life.”
Joey Payne III will also make his first start of 2021 in his #67 Badger. Payne III, who races the #67 regularly in honor of his grandfather, will definitely have some extra motivation to compete and run well at Bethel.
“When I first got back into racing I chose the number 67 because it was always Grandpa’s number. He was not only my sidekick, but my crew chief and best friend. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him (running #67). Losing him has been extremely difficult for me. To be able to race in his honor, with my car wearing his number in his memorial race- it doesn’t get any better than that!”
Many members of the Payne Family will be in attendance this weekend, including ATQMRA competitor Anthony Payne. Unfortunately, Anthony will be sidelined from his car due to a non-racing related injury.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels Joe Payne Sr. Memorial will be ran at Bethel Motor Speedway, this Saturday June 26th for race six of the 2021 season.