Staff Report | Wednesday, June 19th, 2019
It was not until 10:00 AM race day morning until father Jon Nelke received a call from #02 Bruce/Boyd Chassis car owner Russ Bailey, inquiring to have his son, Jake, race the car up at Bethel Motor Speedway later that afternoon.
Jon, who at the time was working for a client of his South Jersey Roofing Business, had to scramble to put a plan in place.
“While we certainly wish it were under better circumstances, this was a dream opportunity for Jake and I knew we had no choice but to take advantage,” said Jon.
The unfortunate circumstances he is referring to, is Mike Glaser. Glaser, the 2016 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year, was set to get behind the wheel for the first time in a long time after taking a leave of absence as a driver due to health complications. Unfortunately, those complications sparked up again early Saturday morning, not permitting him to drive.
“We were certainly hoping to get Mike in a car this weekend,” stated Russ Bailey. “Mike is a great person, and a great ambassador for the ATQMRA. The unfortunate circumstances that did not allow Mike to race this weekend were out of everyone’s control.”
With the car in the trailer and race ready, Russ put his best foot forward to get the car to the track. He just needed a driver, and someone to get the car to Bethel. The Nelke family was the first family he called.
Jake Nelke, currently a full-time sportsman modified driver at Wall Stadium Speedway, grew up racing .25 midgets with current ATQMRA points leader, and Russ’s son, Joey Bailey.
With an already great relationship between the families and Jake’s established racing resume, the Bailey’s knew Jake was a great candidate to put behind the wheel of the #02 in this unique, last minute scenario.
Due to the timing, the Nelke’s would arrive at Bethel after the conclusion of practice. Speedway officials allowed Jake five warm-up laps to get settled in prior to the heat races. These were not only Jake’s first five laps of the afternoon, they were Jake’s first five laps in a TQ Midget ever.
After starting last in both events due to ATQMRA rules requiring any driver within their first three starts, to start at the rear of the field, it would set the stage for Jake to raise eyebrows for all of those in attendance. A fourth place finish in the heat, and a sixth place finish in the feature, all while not putting a scratch on the car. With two opportunities to drive up through the field, Nelke executed that perfectly with competitive lap times and clean passes, earning the respect of many within the organization.
“Today every lap was such a cool learning experience,” said of Jake post-race. “I really started to feel like I got comfortable by the time the caution (lap 12) came out in the feature.... these cars are a blast to drive! I can’t thank my dad and the Bailey’s for helping put this deal together.”
While there is currently no set time-line for Jake Nelke to get behind the wheel of a TQ Midget again, one would think a plan will be set in place soon to see his return to the organization. For now, Jake will continue to focus on his sportsman modified career at Wall Stadium.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels returns to the track this Saturday, June 22nd, at the Mahoning Valley Speedway for Round 5 of the 2019 championship campaign.
Photo Credit: Sean Case
Staff Report | June 11th, 2019
Mike Glaser is set to compete in his first Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels feature in years this weekend at Bethel Motor Speedway.
Glaser, the 2016 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year, will be turning laps in Russ Bailey’s #02 Zuzzolo Chassis.
“This weekend is all about turning laps and getting comfortable again,” stated Glaser.
After battling two bouts with cancer and surgeries, it is understandable why Glaser has taken a hiatus. Nonetheless, Glaser has still been actively involved in the ATQMRA specifically as a crew member of the Spitfire Racing #16 driven by Kyle Taraska.
“Kyle will still be my priority focus this weekend. My goal as a driver is to run safe laps until I get back to 100%.”
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels will be celebrating the history of the organization at Bethel Motor Speedway’s second Annual Pine Brook Reunion, on Saturday June 15th, 2019.
Staff Report | Tuesday, April 9th, 2019
Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic and VP Racing Fuels are proud to present the “Fast Start” Award to all ATQMRA competitors at the organization’s season opening event on April 20th, 2019.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA presented by VP Racing Fuels is set to embark on a new season. In doing so, a strong buzz is in the air as the anticipation for drivers to hit the track continues to build.
Both the series’ title and presenting sponsor understand the importance of drivers getting a fast start to a brand new season. Due to this, the ATQMRA is proud to formally announce the 2019 “Fast Start” Award to all Mahoning Valley Speedway opening night entrants.
Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic will be donating a RR Tire (LC5, USAC) while VP Racing Fuels will donate one, 5 gallon container of fuel to each entrant for the first race of the 2019 ATQMRA Season.
“We are very proud to have the opportunity to continue to represent everyone involved with Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic and VP Racing Fuels,” stated ATQMRA President Buddy Sload. “We appreciate the commitment level the folks at Hoosier and VP have for our organization and it is nice to be able to reward our teams for their commitment to our organization.”
Any competitor with a full-time, 2019 ATQMRA season membership, who enters their car to compete in the season opening event at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 20th will be eligible to take advantage of this opportunity from sponsors Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic and VP Racing Fuels.
For more information about Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic and VP Racing Fuels, visit the “sponsors” tab. For more information specifically about the ‘Fast Start’ Award, contact our Public Relations team directly at pr@atqmra.com.
Staff Report | Tuesday, March 26th, 2019
Geoffrey Sutton is set to compete for legendary car owner Alan Mollot in his famed #51 Lindblad Chassis during the 2019 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels season.
Sutton, a four time ATQMRA feature winner and 2014 Rookie of the Year award recipient, brings a wealth of experience to the already stout Alan Mollot Racing Team. Sutton will join teammate Joey Bailey, who led the ATQMRA in total feature wins in 2018.
“I am really excited to get behind the wheel of the #51 this season,” stated Sutton. “Alan is an incredible guy with a lot of history in this organization, and I hope to be able to leave my own mark on that this year.”
Sutton is expected to compete in select races in the #51 in 2019, with a full schedule to be announced on a future date.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels kicks off their 64th season at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 20th, 2019. For more information on the Premier TQ Midget Racing Organization, visit our facebook or instagram.
Staff Report | Thursday March 14th, 2019
While Mark Yoder did not compete in the Indoor Auto Racing Championship Series this winter, the cold weathered months were anything but relaxing for the driver of the #75 Ames Construction/ Neshaminy Electrical Contractors Hyper Chassis.
“We spent a good bit of the off-season rebuilding the our car and adding some updates to it which will help us out with speed and handling on race day,” stated Yoder.
The team’s hard work will surely pay off and for good reason. Yoder is preparing for a full season, championship run in the 2019 Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels season.
“I’ve had a lot of help this winter to get us to a point where we feel confident about competing for top 5s and wins this season. Tom Frachetta did a lot of the updates. My dad, with help from Ted Schmidt and as well as Larry and Jason Hentrich put a lot of work into this car. I can’t thank them enough for all the help.”
On the ATQMRA off-weekends, don’t be surprised to see Mark and his team sling some dirt in his micro-600 as well.
“While our TQ remains our top priority, the goal this summer is to get as many laps as possible and be competitive in doing so. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Catch Mark and the rest of the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels storm into the Lehighton Pennsylvania’s Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 20th 2019 to kick off a brand new season.
Staff Report | March 8th, 2019
This week the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels made a pair of announcements regarding media coverage for the series beginning in 2019.
Alan Piquette, head contributor for TheRacingTimes.net will be bringing ATQMRA content to race fans on not only a regional level, but a national level as well.
“At The Racing Times, we perfectly understand that auto racing fans have a never ending thirst for information, stories, and written material,” as stated on the websites bio page.
Alan and his team will be reporting the stories you want to hear about the ATQMRA. Driver interviews, scheduling information, podcasts and more will be available around the clock for fans to have unlimited access to throughout the 2019 campaign.
A second announcement this week was made to introduce Matthew Weirnasz, who is the contributing Motorsports writer for WWLP-22 News, based out of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Matt will be seen at multiple tour events this year, bringing extensive coverage to race fans particularly within the New England market.
The Area Auto Racing News (AARN) will continue to feature multiple stories and post-race press releases throughout the 2019 ATQMRA season.
The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels will kick their season off on Saturday, April 20th2019 at the Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Be sure to check out the series on Facebook at facebook.com/atqmra for more information.
Staff Report | Wednesday, March 6th, 2019
When the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels hits the track at Mahoning Valley on April 20th, 2019, many eyes will be set on Joey Bailey and the #51B team.
Bailey, who was the recipient of the 2018 VP Racing Fuels Checkered Flag Award for earning a season high five feature victories, is expected to continue his momentum well into the 2019 as he is one of the pre-season favorites to be crowned champion by seasons end.
“We had a few minor set backs towards the first half of last season, particularly at the first Waterford race,” said Bailey. “We were really fortunate to put some solid runs together winning 3 of the last 4 races and making a late charge at (Matt) Janisch for the championship.”
Janisch, who Bailey mentions of, is an unofficial teammate of sorts as Matt and his father Mark co-built Bailey’s Yuhas Chassis prior to the 2018 season.
“We know our equipment is championship material, and with the knowledge of Alan Mollot and my father Russ supporting me the way they do, there is no question we will be a contender in this season and for the years to come.”
The Hoosier Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels is the premier TQ Midget Racing Organization in the Northeastern United States. Hosting sixteen points paying events spanning four tracks in four different states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the ATQMRA is one of the most thrilling touring divisions in the country. For more information about the ATQMRA, add us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ATQMRA.