TIDMAN "FLYS" TO ATQMRA TURKEY DERBY XLIX CHAMPIONSHIP

November 29, 2022

Staff Report | Monday, November 28th, 2022

Photography Credit: Tommy Lane, Eric Storch, Jack Cromer and Brien Hamer

Turkey Derby XLIX Champion Ryan Tidman in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane (Tommy Lane Photo)

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- “Flyin” Ryan Tidman led 29 of the 30 laps in the Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels Turkey Derby XLIX, earning his second career feature victory in the event. This was the first career Turkey Derby Championship for car owner Paul Dodorico and the #99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing team.

A full field of ATQMRA TQ Midgets in front of a full grandstand is a beautiful sight (Tommy Lane Photo)

It was all Tidman, all day. Ryan started off the day earning the Bud Sload Memorial “Quick Time” in morning group time trials setting the fastest lap of the weekend at 13.002 seconds. Tyler Ferris (#33 Hamer Heating and Cooling) earned the second fastest lap time in group time trials with a 13.145 lap time.

#33 Tyler Ferris earned the second fastest lap in time trials before bad luck derailed their feature efforts (Hamer Photo)

After the redraw, both drivers started 4th and 6th respectively in the feature. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bull Carriers), who was the seventh fastest qualifier, redrew for the pole.

Steve Craig (55) and Buddy Sload (36) lead a tight pack of TQ's in the early stages of Turkey Derby XLIX (Jack Kromer Photo)

A full field of 24 cars honored a capacity crowd of fans with the always popular “4-Wide-Salute” prior to taking the green flag and kicking off the biggest day in racing at Wall Stadium Speedway.

Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) started second and jumped to the lead early, passing Craig on the outside for the lead. However, it did not take long for Tidman to pass Sload on the second lap for the lead.

This would soon lead to a series of cautions within the first 8 laps of the feature. A mechanical issue by Rich Barlow (#09) brought out the first yellow of the day and unfortunately ended his weekend prematurely. Mike Turton (#723) and Brianna Page (#76 Stavola/ A&A Trucking) also went for their respective spins, but both continued in the race.

Two of the pre-race favorites who unfortunately didn't have favorable days, Tyler Wagner (#51) and Brianna Page (#76) go to battle (Eric Storch Photo)

A big moment occurred on the lap 8 restart when two of the pre-race favorites Ferris and Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) tangled. A clutch issue essentially stalled the #33 machine of Ferris, and Taraska was trapped behind with nowhere to go. The field jumbled with 3 and 4 wide racing mid-pack. The issue ended Ferris’ afternoon early while the incident pushed Taraska back to the 13th position.

Tensions flared as Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Chassis) and Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) battled hard for the podium position in the laps to follow. Both drivers banged nerf bars on multiple occasions, but each driver kept it clean and kept their cars straight. Bailey would continue his charge forward from starting 8th as Kot settled into 5th.

While there were many great battles amongst the 24-car field, no one was a match for Ryan Tidman. Tidman dominated the event from start to finish in an impressive performance. The win capped off a strong ending to Tidman’s and Paul Dodorico Racing’s season, winning two of the three features in the RYNO Triple Crown.

#99 Ryan Tidman takes the checkered flag in Turkey Derby XLIX (Tommy Lane Photo)

Buddy Sload started 2nd and finished 2nd, capping off the season with a strong run for his Spitfire Chassis team. Joey rounded out the podium in 3rd.

Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) is another driver to end the year on a strong note, earning a fourth. Jeff Kot rounded out the top-5.

#1B Joey Bailey passed #51J Matt Janisch; both drivers battled hard all race (Eric Storch Photo)

Kyle Taraska recovered from the noted earlier race incident to finish 6th. Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) ran inside the top-10 all afternoon to finish seventh. And Cole Mullen (#73 Toms River Heating and AC, Mullen Garage Services) continued his string of strong runs this year to finish 8th.

Zack Bealer (#12 Dent Zones LLC) in the MJ12 Motorsports Entry finished 9th after a solid but quiet afternoon.

#27c Craig Pellegrini on his way to earn an impressive top-10 finish in his first career ATQMRA start (Eric Storch Photo)

Craig Pellegrini (#27c RaceQuip) impressed many this weekend, finishing 10th in his first career ATQMRA start. Pellegrini is expected to race full-time for championship points and rookie honors in 2023.

Tyler Wagner (11th), Avery Stoehr (12th), and Steve Craig (13th) rounded out the lead lap finishers.

Thank you all for an incredible year! (Tommy Lane Photo)

The Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels thanks all competitors, fans, speedways and partners for their support of another incredible season.

The ATQMRA will celebrate the 2022 season on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 during an awards ceremony at The Motorsports Trade Show in Oaks, PA. The organization will prepare for the 2023 season with the annual rules meeting taking place at the venue on the same day. More details to come at a future date. Happy Holidays to all!

FEATURE RESULTS:
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #1B Joey Bailey
4. #51J Matt Janisch
5. #95 Jeff Kot
6. #22 Kyle Taraska
7. #75 Mark Yoder
8. #73 Cole Mullen
9. #12 Zack Bealer
10. #27c Craig Pellegrini
11. #51 Tyler Wagner
12. #23 Avery Stoehr
13. #55 Steve Craig
14. #76 Brianna Page
15. #39 Ronnie Mullen
16. #24 Kyle Herve
17. #723 Mike Turton
18. #2 Mike Glaser
19. #44P Chris Pelcher
20. #9c Sean Case
21. #2F Bill Force Jr.
22. #19M Chris Allen
23. #33 Tyler Ferris
24. #09 Rich Barlow

TIME TRIAL RESULTS (Redraw):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman 13.002 (4th)
2. #33 Tyler Ferris 13.145 (6th)
3. #1B Joey Bailey 13.159 (8th)
4. #22 Kyle Taraska 13.242 (9th)
5. #51 Tyler Wagner 13.248 (12th)
6. #73 Cole Mullen 13.312 (11th)
7. #55 Steve Craig 13.349 (1st)
8. #95 Jeff Kot 13.371 (5th)
9. #75 Mark Yoder 13.382 (10th)
10. #12 Zack Bealer 13.392 (7th)
11. #23 Avery Stoehr 13.399 (3rd)
12. #36 Buddy Sload 13.438 (2nd)
13. #51J Matt Janisch 13.533
14. #39 Ronnie Mullen 13.605
15. #27c Craig Pellegrini 13.638
16. #76 Brianna Page 13.662
17. #723 Mike Turton 13.853
18. #24 Kyle Herve 13.888
19. #19M Chris Allen 13.892
20. #9c Sean Case 13.999
21. #44P Chris Pelcher 14.378
22. #2F Bill Force Jr. 14.494
23. #2 Mike Glaser 14.509
24. #09 Rich Barlow No Time

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 14:36.255
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (29), #36 Buddy Sload (1)
Cautions: 3
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #12 Zack Bealer (9th)
Hoosier Hot Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.052)
VP Hard Charger: #1B Joey Bailey & #27c Craig Pellegrini (+5)
Next Event: 2022 Championship Awards Ceremony and Annual Rules Meeting, Saturday, January 21st, 2023

Comment

TARASKA 2022 ATQMRA CHAMPION: JANISCH RETURNS TO VICTORY LANE AT WATERFORD

October 17, 2022

Kyle Taraska and the #22 Personal Comfort, Boyd Speed Shop Team celebrate their 2022 championship; EJ O'Rourke Photo

Matt Janisch celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane with his #51J Yuhas Chassis owned by Alan Mollot at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl; EJ O'Rouke Photo

Staff Report | Monday, October 17th, 2022

WATERFORD, CT- Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) did everything he had to do to clinch his first career Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels title. Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) made his long awaited return to victory lane by dominating the 25 lap RYNO Triple Crown feature at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl.

The ATQMRA on the grid at The New London-Waterford Speedbowl; Sean Case Photo

Twelve of the ATQMRA’s finest made the long trip to Connecticut to tackle the division’s fastest track for the 2022 championship points finale.

Tyler Ferris (#33 Hamer Heating and Cooling) kicked off what was almost a career day by winning the first heat race of the day. Ferris spent much of the feature battling amongst the podium finishers prior to his engine expiring in the closing laps of the race. Ferris will bounce back and be a strong contender at Turkey Derby XLIX this November.

#33 Tyler Ferris leads the field at "The Speedbowl"; EJ O'Rourke Photo

Brianna Page (#76 A&A Truck Parts, Stavola) earned her first career heat race victory at “The Speedbowl” as well in the second qualifier of the day. Like Ferris, bad fortune found the #76 team in the feature when Brianna was involved in a lap one incident sending her upside down, down the backstretch. Thankfully, the safety enhancements put in place by the ATQMRA, including her wing, sent Page on a short slide rather than a tumble. Page would walk away fine from the incident although her car was retired for the remainder of the race.

Under the same caution, Tyler Wagner (#51 Lindblad Badger) experienced a mechanical issue retiring him from the feature prematurely. Wagner showed a lot of promise finishing second in his heat, but another round of bad luck would force Wagner’s hand this weekend.

Feature Winner Matt Janisch (#51J) and Jeff Kot (#95) battle for position; Sean Case Photo

Matt Janisch jumped to the point early in the feature from the third position and would never look back. While Janisch set sail on the field, Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) battled to keep his championship hopes alive while battling (the noted) Ferris and defending ATQMRA champion Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Chassis). Bailey performed double duty between the ATQMRA and NEMA Lites, finishing on the podium in both features.

3 Wide! Tyler Wagner (#51), Mark Yoder (#75), Joey Bailey (#1B); EJ O'Rourke Photo

While many battled, no one had anything for Janisch. With his family in attendance for some extra motivation, Matt Janisch returned to victory lane after leading wire to wire. This was Janisch’s first ATQMRA feature victory since his championship winning 2018 season. The victory also ended a long drought for car owner Alan Mollot, earning his first victory since 2019.

Buddy Sload and Matt Janisch discuss a grueling feature prior to on-track interviews; Sean Case Photo

Buddy Sload and Joey Bailey rounded out the podium. Kyle Taraska finished 4th and Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) earned a solid run in 5th.

Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) finished sixth. Kyle Herve (#24 Herve Motorsports) made his outdoor TQ Midget debut this weekend. Herve did a phenomenal job getting acclimated with his Lafler Chassis and will look to compete for RYNO Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.

#24 Kyle Herve competes in his first career ATQMRA feature; EJ O'Rourke Photo

Tyler Ferris would officially finish 8th.

Avery Stoehr (#23 DiMario Racing) made his ATQMRA debut for ‘22 this weekend putting a top-5 run together prior to oil pressure issues that neglected him to a ninth place finish. It wasn’t all bad for Stoehr, who would clinch the NEMA Midget division championship later in the evening.

Tyler Wagner and Brianna Page would respectively round out the feature field with Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) being credited with 12th place points after experiencing an engine failure in morning practice.

While the race was run, a championship was earned and a dream was realized for Kyle Taraska and the #22 Personal Comfort Team. With Taraska’s 4th place finish, he clinched his first career championship in his second full-time season as a competitor in the ATQMRA.

Over the course of the 2022 season, driver #22 led the ATQMRA with 3 feature points paying victories and averaged a 2.9 finishing position over 11 events. Taraska was one of seven winners across a very competitive season for the division.

Kyle Taraska’s championship season was backed by his Boyd Speed Shop crew. Those members include 2022 Championship Car Owner Russ Bailey, Lenny and Donna Boyd, Frank Vogel, John Cerny, wife Megan, and teammate Joey Bailey.

The #22 team will be formally recognized for their accomplishments at the annual ATQMRA Awards Ceremony this January.

#22 Kyle Taraska races towards his first career ATQMRA Championship; EJ O'Rourke Photo

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels Champion, Kyle Taraska, will lead a stout field of competition to the prestigious Turkey Derby XLIX on Saturday, November 26th, 2022 for a $500 to win 30 lap feature presented by RYNO Classifieds. Turkey Derby scheduling and general information will be published in the coming weeks.

The ATQMRA thanks all teams, members, sponsors and fans for supporting this storied division after formally completing our 67th championship points season.

RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):
1. #51J Matt Janisch
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #1B Joey Bailey
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #75 Mark Yoder
6. #95 Jeff Kot
7. #24 Kyle Herve
8. #33 Tyler Ferris
9. #23 Avery Stoehr
10. #51 Tyler Wagner
11. #76 Brianna Page
12. #55 Steve Craig DNS

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #33 Tyler Ferris
2. #51 Tyler Wagner
3. #51J Matt Janisch
4. #1B Joey Bailey
5. #24 Kyle Herve
6. #75 Mark Yoder

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #76 Brianna Page
2. #95 Jeff Kot
3. #22 Kyle Taraska
4. #23 Avery Stoehr
5. #36 Buddy Sload
6. #55 Steve Craig DNS

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 8:55.346
Leader(s): 1
Lap Leader(s): #51J Matt Janisch (25)
Cautions: 2
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #24 Kyle Herve (7th)
Hoosier Hot Lap: #51J Matt Janisch 13.877
VP Hard Charger: #24 Kyle Herve (+5)
Next Race: Turkey Derby XLIX at Wall Stadium Speedway, Saturday 11/26/22

*LINK* Feature Race Replay Courtesy of Sid’s View and Speedbowlhistory.com: https://youtu.be/TZvlOhuy5Ws

Comment

TIDMAN RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS AT WALL: $500 TO WIN PRESENTED BY RYNO

September 26, 2022

Staff Report | Monday, September 26th, 2022

Photography Credit: Eric Storch Photos, Ed Malik Photos

Ryan Tidman crosses the line to take the checkered flag- Eric Storch photo

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- For the first time since 2019, Ryan Tidman ends his drought and returns to victory lane in dominating fashion winning The Hoosier Tire-Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels feature at Wall Stadium Speedway this Saturday. Tidman and Paul Dodorico’s #99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing team earned a $500 payday courtesy of RYNO Classifieds in race one of the 2022 “RYNO” Triple Crown!

Long time sponsor of Brianna Page, Stavola Companies, had nearly 500 people in attendance for “Stavola Night,” adding to the near capacity crowd this weekend. Brianna gave the crowd a lot to cheer for all night, but started her evening off the best way possible, winning the opening heat race of the evening. Matt Janisch (#51J, Yuhas Chassis) won an exciting heat two.

While the weather was cool, the action on the track was hot as the stars of the ATQMRA competed under the lights in ideal racing conditions.

2022 Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) led the field to green. Yoder had his hands full early, as Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) made an early charge for the top spot to lead the opening lap. The lead would soon swap into Ryan Tidman’s favor, diving to the lead on the second lap.

Tidman wasn’t able to expand his lead as the caution came out soon after when Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bull Carriers) and Ronnie Mullen (#39 Geese Patrol, Mullen Garage Door Services) cars collided in the fourth turn. While Craig continued, R. Mullen’s evening ended earlier than anticipated.

On the restart, Tidman dropped the hammer and pulled away to a comfortable lead while the racing remained intense throughout the top-10.

Brianna Page (#76 Stavola, A&A Truck Parts, Hamer Heat & Cool) and Jeff Kot put on a thrilling battle for second racing nerf bar to nerf bar for multiple laps. Page eventually edged out Kot and began her quest to hunt down Tidman to earn her second feature victory of the season.

3 wide battle #76 Brianna Page, #2 Buddy Sload, #73 Cole Mullen- Eric Storch

Two drivers entered Wall Stadium with a realistic opportunity to win the ATQMRA Championship. Those being points leader Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) and Buddy Sload (#2 Aqua Solutions). The drama started early when Sload’s #36 Spitfire team experienced a mechanical issue ending the day early for the car, but not the driver. Sload was able to borrow a ride from Mike Glaser’s #2 Lafler team and Buddy made the opportunity worth every bit the price of admission.

With a championship on the line Sload made an incredible save entering turn 1. After making contact on the straightaway that sent his car up the banking, Sload never lifted and not only kept control of the #2 machine, but never lost a position either.

Taraska and Sload both put on a championship style performance, battling hard and clean throughout various stages of the race. Taraska was able to edge Sload out in the closing laps of the feature.

While the racing remained competitive throughout the field, no one was able to match the performance of Ryan Tidman and the Paul Dodorico Racing team as they went onto win the feature. Tidman was the seventh driver to earn an ATQMRA feature victory this season and it was his first since 2019. Ryan also earned the Hoosier Hot Lap of the race with a blistering lap time of 13.026 seconds; nearly two tenths faster than his competition.

Ryan Tidman in Wall Stadium Victory Lane- Ed Malik Photo

Crowd favorite Brianna Page drove a phenomenal race to earn second place finish. Jeff Kot also drove a great race to round out the podium.

Kyle Taraska was this week’s VP Racing Fuel’s Hard Charger after earning a hard fought fourth. Buddy Sload had a remarkable day of racing that ended with a fifth place finish.

#22 Kyle Taraska and #51J Matt Janisch swap positions- Eric Storch Photo

After earning a heat race victory, Matt Janisch fought in and around the top-5 all day to finish 6th.

Tyler Ferris (#33 Hamer Heating and Cooling) experienced a heart break on the grid for the feature. Ferris experienced a leak causing him to return to the pit area prior to the green. Ferris recovered to finish a respectable 7th.

Mark Yoder held on for 8th and Tyler Wagner (#51 Badger) earned a top-10 finish in 9th. Steve Craig recovered from his early race incident to round out the top-10.

Zack Burd, Cole Mullen and Ronnie Mullen respectably rounded out the field of cars.

While it was a tough afternoon for the team, Zack Burd (#5z Burlington Chevrolet, ACDT) clinched the 2022 RYNO Classifieds ATQMRA Rookie of the Year.

This weekend, Russ Bailey and the #22 Team has also clinched the Owner’s Championship for 2022 as well after the #36 car experienced their mechanical issues.

Kyle Taraska will lead Buddy Sload and the rest of the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels field to The New London-Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday, October 15th, for the 2022 season championship event.

RACE RESULTS:

25 LAP FEATURE:
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #76 Brianna Page
3. #95 Jeff Kot
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #36 Buddy Sload
6. #51J Matt Janisch
7. #33 Tyler Ferris
8. #75 Mark Yoder
9. #51 Tyler Wagner
10. #55 Steve Craig
11. #5z Zack Burd
12. #73 Cole Mullen
13. #39 Ronnie Mullen

HEAT RACE 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #76 Brianna Page
2. #2 Buddy Sload
3. #75 Mark Yoder
4. #73 Cole Mullen
5. #22 Kyle Taraska
6. #5z Zack Burd
7. #39 Ronnie Mullen

HEAT RACE 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #51J Matt Janisch
2. #99 Ryan Tidman
3. #33 Tyler Ferris
4. #95 Jeff Kot
5. #51 Tyler Wagner
6. #55 Steve Craig

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 10:31.865
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (24) #95 Jeff Kot (1)
Cautions: 1
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #51 Tyler Wagner (9th)
Hoosier Hot Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman 13.026
VP Hard Charger: #22 Kyle Taraska (+6) #33 Tyler Ferris (+6)
Next Race: The New London-Waterford Speedbowl (10/15/22) *2022 ATQMRA Championship Event*

Comment

TARASKA EARNS THIRD WIN OF SEASON; CLIFF KRAUSE MEMORIAL

August 29, 2022

Kyle Taraska hoists the VP Checkered Flag in Wall Stadium Victory Lane for the third time this season; Sean Case Photo

Staff Report | Monday, August 29th, 2022
Photography Credit: Sean Case & Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) earned his third feature victory of the season this weekend at the prestigious Cliff Krause Memorial at Wall Stadium Speedway.

Fifteen of the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuel’s finest supported Wall Stadium Speedway as they honored the man who is often credited for “saving” the facility, Cliff Krause. While Cliff may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on. Wall Stadium continues to thrive to this day thanks to Cliff’s wife Diane and children Emily and Andrew.

A strong crowd on hand during opening ceremonies for the Cliff Krause Memorial on 8/27/22; Sean Case Photo

Cliff’s dream once again came to fruition this weekend as fans packed the facility and strong car counts were seen across all divisions.

Both the speedway and ATQMRA also celebrated the life of long-time victory lane photographer Pat McKee, who passed away last weekend. Many members of the McKee family were in attendance for the event.

Zack Burd leads 14 of his closest friends into turn 3 at Wall Stadium Speedway; Sean Case Photo

Zack Burd (#5z Burlington Chevrolet/ ACDT Dog Training) continued his recent momentum as he has been showing consistent competitive speed since the series’ return from the summer break. Zack won the first heat of the evening in dominating fashion and drew lucky number one earning the pole for the 27-lap feature. Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) sliced and diced his way up through the field to win the second heat race of the evening. Sload was considered an “invert driver” based on his Mahoning Valley feature results last week. Sload started 10th on the grid.

At the drop of the green, Burd jumped out to the lead, but the competition stayed tight on his tail. For much of the opening stages, a blanket could be thrown over leader Burd, second place Cole Mullen (#73 Geese Patrol, BGF) and Brianna Page (#76 A&A Truck Parts, Stavola, Hamer Heating & Cooling). The tension could be felt throughout the packed grandstand as Burd was on the hunt for his first career Feature victory.

Joey Payne finding grip in the top groove in the #99 Paul Dodorico Racing entry; Sean Case Photo

While the top-3 stayed tight in a pack, a storm was brewing in the “second” pack. Championship points leader Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) led “The Jerzy Jet” Joey Payne (#99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D) methodically through the field in an effort to chase down the leaders.

Lap after lap and one by one, Taraska picked off positions three, two and one as Payne remained right on his rear bumper. Taraska and Payne battled amongst each other as well as the rest of the competition throughout the race.

Race winning move! Taraska steals the lead from Burd in the closing laps; Eric Storch Photo

On lap 22, driver 22 made his move on leader Burd entering turn 1. Taraska and Burd would drag race nerf bar to nerf bar down the backstretch. Taraska cleared Burd off turn four to take the lead in the closing stages. Payne would clear Burd soon after. While Payne was able to close the gap on Taraska, he ran out of laps as Kyle Taraska went on to win an action-packed ATQMRA Cliff Krause Memorial!

Joey Payne earned second. Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Chassis) made his first ATQMRA start since June this weekend. Bailey gave it a great run for the Boyd Family to be able to round out the podium after starting ninth on the grid.

Joey Bailey and Mark Yoder race hard for position; Eric Storch Photo

Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) had a quiet but strong fourth place finish for Mollot Racing. Zack Burd faded late after leading 21 laps. However, the RYNO Rookie of the Race was able to hang onto a top-5 finish (5th).

After running much of the race within the top-3, Cole Mullen and Brianna Page finished 6th and 7th respectively.

Jeff Kot chasing after Buddy Sload; Sean Case Photo

Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) finished 8th. Last week’s Mahoning Valley winner Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) finished 9th. Tyler Ferris (#33 Hamer Heating and Cooling) recovered from a pre-race grid mechanical issue to finish in 10th.

The remaining feature finishers include Mark Yoder (11th), Steve Craig (12th), Ronnie Mullen (13th), Mike Glaser (14th) and Mike Turton (15th).

A new look for Mike Glaser Aqua Solutions/Gutter Master Lafler Chassis this weekend; Sean Case Photo

Kyle Taraska is the second driver in ATQMRA history to win all three Crown Jewel Wall Stadium Speedway events. Those events being Turkey Derby, the JJ Lane Memorial and this weekend’s Cliff Krause Memorial. The only other driver to accomplish this feat is Buddy Sload.

Checkered flag in the air; Eric Storch Photo

Taraska and Sload will continue their championship duel at Evergreen Raceway Park in Drums, PA on Sunday, September 11th, 2022. Only three Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels championship points races remain this season.

RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (27 LAPS):
1. #22 Kyle Taraska
2. #99 Joey Payne
3. #1B Joey Bailey
4. #51J Matt Janisch
5. #5z Zack Burd
6. #73 Cole Mullen
7. #76 Brianna Page
8. #36 Buddy Sload
9. #95 Jeff Kot
10. #33 Tyler Ferris
11. #75 Mark Yoder
12. #55 Steve Craig
13. #39 Ronnie Mullen
14. #2 Mike Glaser
15. #723 Mike Turton

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #5z Zack Burd
2. #99 Joey Payne
3. #73 Cole Mullen
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #76 Brianna Page
6. #55 Steve Craig
7. #2 Mike Glaser
8. #723 Mike Turton

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #36 Buddy Sload
2. #33 Tyler Ferris
3. #51J Matt Janisch
4. #1B Joey Bailey
5. #95 Jeff Kot
6. #75 Mark Yoder
7. #39 Ronnie Mullen

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 6:45.808
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #5z Zack Burd (21) #22 Kyle Taraska (6)
Cautions: 0
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #5z Zack Burd (5th)
Hoosier Hot Lap: #99 Joey Payne 13.232
VP Hard Charger: #1B Joey Bailey (+6)
#22 Kyle Taraska (+6)
Next Race: Evergreen Raceway Park (9/11/22)

Comment

KOT SCHOOLS THE FIELD IN MAHONING VICTORY

August 22, 2022

(Jeff Kot Celebrates in Victory Lane with the VP Racing Fuels Checkered Flag at Mahoning Valley Speedway- Sean Case Photo)

Staff Report | Monday, August 22, 2022

Photo Credit: Sean Case

LEHIGHTON, PA- Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) earned his first feature victory of the season this weekend in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic fueled by VP Racing Fuel’s return to Mahoning Valley Speedway! The ATQMRA competed during the venue’s “Back to School Night” promotion.

The ATQMRA’s annual stop to Mahoning Valley provides a unique experience for the fans in attendance at Mahoning Valley, with average speeds of 100MPH on the 1/4 mile bullring. Many teams took advantage of an early practice during the midday to earn extra track time to dial in their set-ups prior to the evening of racing.

Geoffrey Sutton (#51 Lindblad Badger) returned to the ATQMRA this weekend racing for Alan Mollot and won the first heat race of the evening. It was a Mollot Racing sweep of the early afternoon with Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) winning heat number two. Jeff Kot drew the pole and led the field to green for the 25-lap feature.

The competition was tight and treacherous right out of the gate, with many cars battling three wide throughout the field before settling into position. While many battled for position, Jeff Kot showed no mercy on the field as he pulled away to a big lead.

Heat race winners Janisch and Sutton battled hard for position, racing wheel to wheel with Cole Mullen (#73 BGF, Geese Patrol) who continues to put impressive runs together this year.

(#73 Cole Mullen and #51J Matt Janisch battle for position: Sean Case Photo)

The tight racing throughout the field brought out the sole caution of the evening. Cole Mullen and Geoffrey Sutton rubbed nerf bars in turn two, sending Sutton into the infield. Neither vehicle experienced any damage from the incident, and both teams would go on to finish top-5 in the feature.

("One to go, single file restart" said Race Director Alex Greenzweig- Sean Case Photo)

The caution set up a late race single file restart with just under 10 laps to go. Kot got a great jump out of the box giving him some edge on the field. However, Matt Janisch stayed close to Kot’s bumper through the finish as he tried to reel the #95 car back in, as they gapped themselves from the cars behind! Both Kot and Janisch established themselves as the class of the field early in the race and it continued until the checkered flag was waved. Janisch gave it everything he had, but he was not a match for Jeff Kot in a thrilling finish!

(The "Class" of the field, #95 Jeff Kot holding off #51J Matt Janisch with #36 Buddy Sload in tow in the final laps- Sean Case Photo)

Jeff Kot dominated the race leading wire to wire to earn the feature victory of the season. Kot is the sixth feature winner of the 2022 ATQMRA season.

Kot thanked Hyper Racing, Behrents Performance Warehouse, Tom Frashetta, John Smith, The Case Family (Bill & Sean), Bud Tidman, and “Indoor” Don for all their efforts and support of the #95 Team.

Matt Janisch led the charge for Mollot Racing in second after putting his best run of the season together to-date.

Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) was this week’s VP Hard Charger methodically moving up from 9th to 3rd over the duration of the 25 lap feature. Sload put a great run together as he closed the gap on the championship points lead.

Geoffrey Sutton had a great showing and recovered from his earlier spin, to finish 4th in his return to the ATQMRA. Cole Mullen was a late-entry for the event and made the most of it earning a competitive top-5 finish.

Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) earned a 6th place finish, rounding out the lead lap finishers of the feature.

Previous race winner Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) finished 7th. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) finished in 8th.

(The newest ATQMRA First-Time Feature Winner Mark Yoder battling "The Veteran" Steve Craig- Sean Case Photo)

Zack Burd (#5z Burlington Chevrolet/ ACDT Dog Training) was this week’s RYNO Rookie of the Race finishing in 9th. Chris Pelcher (#44p) rounded out the top-10 finishers after making the long haul from Pittsburgh, PA.

Brianna Page (#76 A&A Truck Parts/ Stavola/ Hamer Heating & Cooling) experienced oil pressure issues throughout the afternoon. The Page Racing Team was credited with an 11th place finish.

(The #95 Behrents Performance Machine sits in victory lane after a hard fought victory at Mahoning- Sean Case Photo)

Jeff Kot will look to earn back-to-back feature victories in The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to Wall Stadium Speedway this Saturday, August 27th, 2022. The ATQMRA will take part in a special 27-lap feature to honor the-late Cliff Krause.

In a late breaking story, the ATQMRA recognizes the passing of Wall Stadium Speedway photographer Pat McKee. Pat was another familiar face at the speedway, taking victory lane photos for all teams each weekend. Pat passed away this weekend. He will be missed, and may he rest in peace.

RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE:
1. #95 Jeff Kot
2. #51J Matt Janisch
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #51 Geoffrey Sutton
5. #73 Cole Mullen
6. #22 Kyle Taraska
7. #75 Mark Yoder
8. #55 Steve Craig
9. #5z Zack Burd
10. #44P Chris Pelcher
11. #76 Brianna Page

HEAT 1:
1. #51 Geoffrey Sutton
2. #95 Jeff Kot
3. #22 Kyle Taraska
4. #55 Steve Craig
5. #5z Zack Burd
6. #76 Brianna Page

HEAT 2:
1. #51J Matt Janisch
2. #73 Cole Mullen
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #75 Mark Yoder
5. #44P Chris Pelcher

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 6:07.768
Leader(s): 1
Lap Leader(s): #95 Jeff Kot (25)
Cautions: 1
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #5z Zack Burd (9th)
Hoosier Hot Lap: #95 Jeff Kot (9.392)
VP Hard Charger: #36 Buddy Sload (+6)
Next Race: The Cliff Krause Memorial @ Wall Stadium Speedway (8/27/22)

Comment