Chick-fil-A and Taraska Team-Up in 2020

Staff Report | Friday, June 19th, 2020

HOWELL, NJ- Select Chick-fil-A Restaurants have partnered with 2018 ATQMRA Rookie of the Year Kyle Taraska to sponsor his #22 TQ Midget in 2020.

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When the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels opens their season at Mahoning Valley Speedway next weekend, Kyle Taraska will have a new look, new sponsor, and new number compared to years past.

The New Jersey Shore Chick-fil-A Market featuring independently owned restaurants in Edison, Howell, Brick and Monmouth, New Jersey, will be featured proudly on the #22 TQ Midget for the duration of the 2020 season. Taraska, a Chick-fil-A General Manager, is excited about the upcoming partnership. 

“I mentioned the idea to my boss over the winter about collaborating with an entire market and she was instantly intrigued,” said Taraska. “Chick-fil-A has obviously had a huge impact on my life. It’s really humbling for a group of restaurant owners to stand by me like they are and I cannot wait to see what comes from our partnership this year.”

Not only will Taraska represent an iconic company, but he will sport an iconic look this season as well. 

“I wanted to race the #22 this year to honor Lenny Boyd. The Boyd family means a lot to me and I feel if there is a car racing out of the Boyd Shop, it better have a #22 on it,” he said.

The number, along with the wrap is a nod to Bobby Allison’s 1983 #22 Buick Regal. The old school look which was designed by Timmy Solomito and Natural Design Concepts & Apparel LLC, will surely resonate with many fans throughout the season. 

Entering his third season since being rookie eligible, Taraska hopes to capitalize racing a new car and new opportunity, which began at the end of last season. 

“There are a lot of people I am thankful for that have gotten me to this point in my career. But without Russ Bailey, Lenny and Donna Boyd, this year wouldn’t be happening for me. I cannot wait to get on the track and hopefully make them proud by competing for wins and maybe even a championship.”

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels kicks off a new decade of TQ Midget racing on Saturday, June 27th, 2020 at the Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Fans will be permitted to attend the event. For ticket information, please visit mahoningvalley-speedway.com.

For all the latest news and updates surrounding the ATQMRA, including future scheduling announcements, visit atqmra.com. Furthermore, check out the ATQMRA on various social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

ATQMRA Opener June 27th at Mahoning Valley- With Fans!

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Staff Report | Saturday, June 13th, 2020

LEHIGHTON, PA- The 2020 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels will officially kick off a new decade of TQ Midget competition on Saturday, June 27th, 2020 at the Mahoning Valley Speedway. 

After a long awaited hiatus due to complications regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the fast and fierce winged TQ Midgets will be on-track for the first time this year in only two weeks time.

Fans will be permitted in the grandstand area. The following of CDC guidelines such a face coverings will be recommended but not required

An optional $25/car paid practice will be offered to all competitors beginning at 12:00 PM EST on race day, with a regular show to follow beginning at 3:30 PM EST. A full event schedule will be announced in the coming days. 

Competitors are strongly encouraged to complete their 2020 membership forms prior to race day on June 27th. However, forms will be available as needed at the speedway. 

The ATQMRA will be announcing future 2020 schedule updates in the coming weeks, once applicable. For all information regarding the latest ATQMRA news updates, follow us on our various social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram.

Bailey, Sload & Taraska to attempt RoC iRacing TQ Invitational

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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.

Sherman Set for 2020 ATQMRA Rookie Campaign

Staff Report | Monday, April 27th, 2020

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HOWELL, NJ- Veteran race car driver Tom Sherman, Mooresville, NC, is ready for a new challenge by competing for ATQMRA rookie honors once racing begins this season. 

Originally based out of Farmingdale, NY, the former Nassau County Police Officer has a storied career competing in multiple motorsports divisions over the years. 

“I started racing go karts on Long Island with my dad when I was 9 years old before moving up to full sized cars at 16,” said Sherman. 

This would then kick off a diverse career that featured Sherman behind the wheel of Pro Four Modifieds, Pro Tour Trucks, Tour Modifieds, Late Models, and Legends Cars which he has raced consistently over the last decade. 

This off-season, Tom Sherman decided to make the jump into TQ Midget Racing, purchasing the Boyd-Built Chassis Richie Davidowitz piloted the last 2 ATQMRA seasons.

“My buddy, Paul (Dodorico), was a catalyst in making this deal come together. My father and I wanted to buy this car about 3 years ago however we didn’t have the means at the time to complete the deal. Everything came together perfectly this past December to make this happen, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel this year.”

With the understanding of the fluid situation regarding COVID-19, Sherman’s original plans were to trek north for the Wall Stadium and Bethel events. However, he will wait and see what the reconfigured ATQMRA schedule looks like when applicable. 

While Sherman aims to run all the laps and gain as much experience as possible, he will also race with a heavy heart as he hopes to honor his father who unfortunately lost his long fought battle with cancer this past December. 

“This will be the first time I have ever went off to race on my own without my dad throughout my entire career. However, I know he will still be with me in spirit at every race.”

Sherman will sport the #27 this season with support from primary sponsor Oval Speed Unlimited.

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.

Tragic Loss: John John "JJ" Lane, Gone Too Soon

Yesterday afternoon, we learned of the passing of Motorsports Photographer John John “JJ” Lane.

JJ was a staple to the Wall Stadium and ATQMRA community. While he was known for his hard work ethic and state of the art photography, he will be remembered for the positive impact he made on so many racers and individuals within our racing community. There is no denying that JJ was not only a racer at heart, but most importantly a genuinely good person. 

While the pit area at Wall Stadium will never be the same without JJ’s fist bumps and presence, his legacy will be celebrated for the years to come.

On behalf of the ATQMRA, we send our sincere condolences to the Lane family, and all those affected by this tragic passing. Godspeed JJ.

COVID-19 Update

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Under normal circumstances, we would sharing our excitement about our first race of the season coming up this Saturday at Mahoning Valley Speedway. 

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately our racing program needs to be temporarily postponed while we focus on our health and safety. 

The ATQMRA will continue to work closely with our track promoters and government officials in order to provide an update regarding our 2020 schedule as soon as possible. 

Be well, stay safe, and we will see you at the racetrack soon!

Brianna Page to Embark on ATQMRA Return in 2020

Staff Report | Thursday, April 2, 2020

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HOWELL, NJ- Brianna Page intends to compete for the full duration of the 2020 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels season for the first time in her racing career.

Page, the former ATQMRA “Rising Star” Award recipient in 2013, has raced part time over the past several years, which has eventually led to the opportunity to run full time this upcoming season once it begins. 

Now as a graduate of Syracuse University, living at home has finally provided Page the foundation she needs to be able to focus on both work and racing.

“Obviously earning both my bachelors degree and a job to follow was my biggest priority over the last few years,” said Page. “Now I am back home, focused, and have a huge support system from my family and friends.”

Page will sport her familiar #76 this season, a number she won many races in during her quarter midget days at “Little” Wall Stadium. Just as he was during her daughter’s quarter midget career, father Rob Page is both the crew chief and car owner of the TQ.

Page unofficially made her debut with her current chassis for Page Motorsports at Turkey Derby this past November. However, a motor malfunction derailed her efforts early in the feature. 

“The Turkey Derby deal came together very quick. Although the race didn’t go as planned, it felt great to get some laps in a TQ again. We have worked very hard this off-season to get ready for 2020. Whenever we finally get the chance to race, we will be ready.” 

With Page running full-time in 2020, she will have the opportunity to be the first woman to win an ATQMRA championship since Alison Sload accomplished the feat in 2009.

When asked, Page was realistic about her own expectations this season.

“The biggest thing is running all the laps and gaining experience. If everything with our schedule this year goes as planned, I’ll be racing at some tracks I’ve never been to before. Of course aiming for a championship would be awesome, but right now running all the laps and shooting for top 5 finishes is the goal- and then build from there.”

Officials of The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA powered by VP Racing Fuels are closely monitoring CDC regulations regarding COVID-19. Updates pertaining to all 2020 events will be addressed as time permits when applicable. For all the latest news and updates, follow the ATQMRA on our various social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram

Sutton to Drive Championship Winning #51B

Staff Report | Monday March 16th, 2020

HOWELL, NJ- It was nearly one year ago that the 2014 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels Rookie of the Year and 2019 Turkey Derby XLVI Champion Geoffrey Sutton was announced to drive the #51 Lindblad Badger for Alan Mollot. Today, while Sutton will not only again race full-time for Mollot in 2020, he will do so in the 2019 ATQMRA Championship winning #51B Yuhas Chassis.

In a game of musical chairs that began with Joey Bailey announcing his departure from the  #51B, Ryan Tidman has since moved to Sutton’s former #51, leading Geo Sutton to the champ’s car for 2020.

“The #51 Badger is an awesome race car,” said Sutton. “Winning my first Turkey Derby and another handful at Wall Stadium last year, and remaining in the points battle all the way through Bethel was a career year for me.”

Sutton also understands the pressure when asked, about racing in championship winning equipment.

“Sure there is pressure, but it’s good pressure. But I’m ready to accept the challenge and I’m excited to get the season started and chase my first ATQMRA Championship.”

On Facebook, team owner Alan Mollot is excited to get the year started himself with both of his teams. 

“I had a great run with Joey and his dad Russ. Now it’s Geo’s turn to race the #51B. I hope we can do just as well or maybe even a little better than last year. I am also thrilled to get back together with Ryan Tidman in the #51 Badger. I also want to give a lot of credit to Mark & Matt Janisch for building a great car and motor!”

Sutton will also receive a wealth of support from his father, Greg. The pairing seem to be inseparable at the racetrack, and you can always count on Greg to be there every step of the way to support his son’s racing career.

The Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels kicks off a new decade of premier, TQ Midget racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 25th, 2020. Be sure to follow the ATQMRA across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from the pit area.

Tidman and Mollot Reunite for 2020 Tour

Staff Report | Thursday, March 5th, 2020

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HOWELL, NJ- Five Time Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Fueled by VP Racing Fuels Champion ‘Flyin’ Ryan Tidman will drive Alan Mollot’s #51 Lindblad Badger in a full-time effort for 2020.

The already successful pairing, which won over 10 races together in two seasons in the mid-2000’s, will try and pick up right where they left off after competing against each other for nearly the last decade in the premier TQ Midget racing division. 

“The #51 Badger is a consistently fast car that has presented a lot of drivers the opportunities to be successful over the years,” said Tidman. “I’m ready for the challenge and expect 2020 to be one hell of a season for our guys.”

While Tidman looks forward, it’s easy to look back as he is coming off a decade long stint racing for the Boyd family. Tidman was not one to dismiss the success he experienced piloting the #1B either.

“I learned a lot racing for Lenny and I want to thank him for how he invested into me over the years. Lenny and Donna treated me like family and I will always be grateful for both of them. I also want to thank John Cerny, Bob Emmons, Peter Duchack, Randy Goss, Frank Vogel, Gary Lewis, and everyone else who played a major role to help us earn so much success over the last decade.”

Alan Mollot and his legendary #51 Badger experienced an extremely successful campaign in 2019 with driver Geoffrey Sutton. The season, highlighted of course with Sutton earning his first career wreath by dominating at Turkey Derby XLVI this past November. Expect the reigning Turkey Derby Champion to announce his plans for 2020 soon.

For now, Tidman is rejuvenated and looks for lightening to strike twice, as he teams up with an old friend once again this season. 

The Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels kicks off a new decade of premier, TQ Midget racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 25th, 2020. Be sure to follow the ATQMRA across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from the pit area.

Bailey and Boyd Team-Up for 2020

Staff Report | Wednesday, February 26th, 2020

HOWELL, NJ- Reigning Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels Champion Joey Bailey will be driving for a new team in 2020.

Lenny Boyd and Joey Bailey will team up to in a full-time effort featuring Bailey as the pilot Boyd’s synonymous #1B home-built chassis. 

The Bailey family have always had close-ties with the Boyd family. The #02 Zuzzolo Chassis that Bailey earned four ATQMRA feature victories in has raced out of Lenny Boyd’s shop for years. This will also not be the first time Bailey has raced a Boyd built chassis, the last being at Turkey Derby XLIV resulting in a fifth place finish. 

Coming off a career year, some would call the change a shocker. However, Bailey is excited for what is to come in what he calls his biggest year yet. 

“I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the #1B this year,” stated Bailey. “Last year was a dream come true, winning six features and ultimately my first career championship. I will always appreciate the opportunity Alan Mollot gave me the last two years, and cherish what we accomplished together. But I am ready for this new challenge and honored to race for Donna and Lenny Boyd in 2020.”

The news may also come to a surprise to many, which ultimately ends a decade long relationship between Lenny Boyd and five time ATQMRA Champion Ryan Tidman. Four of Tidman’s Championships were earned under the Boyd banner.

“Ryan is a class-act and I think the world of him as a racer and person,” said Lenny Boyd. “Ryan and I had a great run earning countless wins and four championships. However, I am looking forward to having a great year with Joey and I can’t wait to see what our team accomplishes together this season.”

Expect Tidman to officially announce his 2020 plans in the coming weeks. 

Joey Bailey will also be making his debut in the NEMA LITES Midget Division this season in a part-time effort driving for Mike Scrivani. Bailey is expecting to run close to 30 races this season between multiple divisions of racing. 

With only two months remaining until the 2020 season opener in Mahoning Valley, PA, silly season is in full swing with big names in new places. To stay up to date with the latest ATQMRA news, follow us in our various social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

2020 ATQMRA SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Staff Report | Monday, February 3rd, 2020

HOWELL, NJ- The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels will kick off a new decade of TQ Midget Racing at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 25th, 2020.

Joey Bailey will look to defend his driver’s championship title this season over the course of 11 points paying events, spread across four Northeastern states.

The ATQMRA looks forward to their anticipated return to Chapel Hill, NY, in conjunction with the NYPA after a successful 2019 “TQ Madness” debut event. 

Furthermore, after a one year absence due to Speedway construction, the ATQMRA will return to the super-fast Waterford Speedbowl this September.

As in years past, the ATQMRA’s season ending points champion will be crowned at Bethel Motor Speedway in their November finale. 

Wall Stadium Speedway, the unofficial home of the ATQMRA will host five points paying events this season, prior to concluding the organization’s 65th year in competition at Turkey Derby on November 28th, 2020.

Be sure to follow the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic fueled by VP Racing Fuels on our various social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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