SPIN AND WIN; KOT EARNS 2ND ATQMRA FEATURE VICTORY THIS SEASON

Jeff Kot in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane with the Wall Stadium Speedway "Hype Girls"; Eric Storch Photo 

Staff Report | Monday, August 28th, 2023
Photography Credit: Eric Storch, Scott Racz, Brien Hamer, Ed Malik 

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Jeff Kot earned his second feature victory of the season and his first career win under the Paul Dodorico Racing banner at Wall Stadium Speedway this weekend. Kot recovered from an early race incident and came from last to first to score the victory.

This weekend’s event was the sixth race of the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels season, and the fifth race of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout at Wall Stadium Speedway.

The field of TQ's coming to the green flag; Eric Storch Photo

Jeff Kot (#99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing, Behrents Performance Warehouse) set the stage early for a dominating day after earning the victory in the first heat race of the evening. Cole Mullen (#73 Tom’s River Heating and Cooling) earned the second heat race victory of the evening.

Cole Mullen put together a great day of racing highlighted by his heat race win; Ed Malik Photo

Unfortunately, C. Mullen’s good fortune did not last as he was spun by Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body) in the first turn of the second lap. Both drivers recovered to finish the feature after the incidental contact.

On the restart, an anomaly of an event happened as Jeff Kot’s car lost power at speed exiting the 4th corner and the leaders scattered to avoid. Kot’s car regained power just past the start finish line and the field came back together again in the first corner.

A big wreck in turn 1 in the opening stages of the feature, all drivers continued from the incident; Scott Racz Photo 

Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) attempted to complete the pass underneath Kot and made contact with his left rear tire on corner entry. The first corner became a calamity corner as the contact between Taraska and Kot caused issues for Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) and Ronnie Mullen (#39 Mullen Garage Door Services). After an extended caution period, all cars involved returned to the pit area and made repairs and continued in the race.

At the time of the caution, it appeared the stage was set for Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling). As noted in previous releases, Ferris has been knocking on the door of his first career win in recent weeks.

Buddy Sload and Tyler Ferris dueled for the lead for much of the first half of the feature; Eric Storch Photo 

Ferris had to hold off and duel series championship leader Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) on the ensuing restart, and did so with confidence. Ferris pulled away from Sload and the field under green.

The race appeared to belong to Ferris until a lap 10 incident between rookie Chris Coleman and veteran Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) in turn 4. Like the prior race incidents, although frustrations boiled, all drivers continued to finish the feature.

Ferris led Sload back down to the green on the restart, setting up a 15 lap green flag shootout to the finish. Throughout all the excitement, Kot worked his way back up to the leaders in third.

Just past the halfway point, Kot made his move on Ferris to regain the lead and he never looked back.

Kot went from first, to last, to first in a span of a dozen laps to earn his second feature victory of the season in thrilling fashion.

Jeff Kot crosses the start finish line to win his second feature of the season; Eric Storch Photo

Tyler Ferris earned a career high second place finish after leading 10 laps in the feature. Ferris now moves up to second in standings of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout and is tied for second in overall championship standings.

Tyler Ferris was one the top-3 finishers to clear post-race inspection after Saturday's feature; Brien Hamer Photo

Buddy Sload remained clean and consistent and put together a third place finish after starting eighth. Sload has not finished outside the top-5 this season.

After an eventful evening, Kyle Taraska recovered for a fourth place feature finish and Mark Yoder rounded out the top-5 of feature finishers.

Cole Mullen was another driver to have a strong recovery after his early race incident to finish sixth and Kyle Herve finished seventh. Herve was this week’s RYNO (RYNO.co/tour) Rookie of the Race and extends his Rookie of the Year points lead.

Chris Coleman, Mike Glaser, Steve Craig and Ronnie Mullen rounded out the field of drivers. Mullen ran double duty as he returned to the Wall Stadium Speedway’s Factory Stock division after a long hiatus this weekend.

The Paul Dodorico Racing Team celebrates in Victory Lane at Wall Stadium Speedway; Brien Hamer Photo 

Paul Dodorico Racing continues to dominate the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels at Wall Stadium Speedway. In 2023, the team has won three features with two unique chassis, and two unique drivers- Ryan Tidman and Jeff Kot.

In victory lane, Jeff Kot gave an emotional shoutout to crew chief Bill Case, who continues to recover in rehabilitation from a brain trauma injury. Kot also gave recognition to Paul Dodorico for the opportunity to race his car and long-time crew member “Indoor” Don.

Jeff Kot celebrates in Wall Stadium Victory Lane; Brien Hamer Photo 

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels will enjoy the Labor Day weekend with friends and family, before returning for a special double header weekend.

The ATQMRA will make its final stop in Pennsylvania in 2023 at Mahoning Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 9th and Evergreen Raceway on Sunday, September 10th.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE- 25 LAPS
1. #99 JEFF KOT
2. #7 Tyler Ferris
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #75 Mark Yoder
6. #73 Cole Mullen
7. #24 Kyle Herve
8. #00 Chris Coleman
9. #2 Mike Glaser
10. #55 Steve Craig
11. #39 Ronnie Mullen

HEAT 1- 8 LAPS
1. #99 JEFF KOT
2. #24 Kyle Herve
3. #7 Tyler Ferris
4. #75 Mark Yoder
5. #36 Buddy Sload
6. #2 Mike Glaser

HEAT 2- 8 LAPS
1. #73 COLE MULLEN
2. #55 Steve Craig
3. #39 Ronnie Mullen
4. #00 Chris Coleman
5. #22 Kyle Taraska

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 18:07.441
Leader: 2
Hoosier Lap Leader: #99 Jeff Kot (13), #7 Tyler Ferris (12)
Cautions: 3
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #24 Kyle Herve (7th)
Hamer Heating Hot Lap: #99 Jeff Kot (13.135)
VP Hard Charger: #22 Kyle Taraska (+6)

TARASKA COMES BACK TO EARN FIRST EVERGREEN VICTORY

Kyle Taraska waves the checkered flag, after pulling into victory lane at Evergreen Raceway; Sean Case Photo

Staff Report | Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

Photography Credit: Sean Case and Bill Elkins

DRUMS, PA- Kyle Taraska and the #22 Personal Comfort Number Bed team returned to Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic fueled by VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane at Evergreen Raceway this weekend.

On the ATQMRA’s third attempt since May 2022 to return to Evergreen Raceway, the weather finally cooperated and a competitive field of 750cc TQ Midgets put on a great show for the fans in attendance.

Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Speed Shop) and Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) earned heat race victories. Bailey redrew for the pole position and Janisch started the feature in 9th.

The field of TQ Midgets coming to the green, preparing to run laps averaging over 90 MPH; Sean Case Photo

As the green flag waved on the feature, Bailey got the early jump on teammate Taraska in the early going, as both the Boyd Speed Shop drivers pulled away from field and looked to settle the race among themselves.

Meanwhile, many drivers charged from the back half of the grid, including Janisch, Mollot Racing teammate Tyler Wagner, and RYNO Rookie Chris Coleman (#00 Spitfire Chassis) who started shotgun on the field in his second career start.

Leaders Bailey and Taraska continued to battle, as Taraska finally built enough momentum to get alongside him in the fourth turn. The teammates raced nerf bar to nerf bar into the first corner. Taraska overtook Bailey for the position and set sail on the field.

Kyle Taraska passes Joey Bailey for the lead near the halfway point of the feature; Bill Elkins Photo

The sole caution of the afternoon came out on lap 22 when Matt Janisch and Tanner VanDoren made contact in turns three and four. VanDoren, the young dirt modified superstar made his first start of the season with MJ12 Motorsports.

Both Janisch and VanDoren had promising days ruined by the incident. After Janisch showed great speed and VanDoren, who was running third at the time of contact, would both settle for finishes on the back half of the top-10.

On the restart, Joey Bailey had one more shot to regain the lead from Kyle Taraska, but it wasn’t enough as Taraska held off Bailey and the field to earn the checkered flag.

One week removed from late-race wreck at Wall Stadium Speedway, Kyle Taraska came back to Evergreen in style to earn his first career victory at Evergreen Raceway. Joey Bailey finished second earning the Boyd Speed Shop a 1-2 finish.

There was great racing throughout the entire field on Sunday; Sean Case Photo

Multi-time East Coast TQ Midget Champion Tyler Wagner made his first ATQMRA start of the season for Alan Mollot Racing and finished 3rd after spending much of the day in the top-5.

Series veteran Steve Craig earned a strong 4th place finish. After starting third, Craig spent much of the afternoon racing within the top-5 and ran his best race of the season to-date.

Championship points leader had a quiet day for the #36 Spitfire Racing team’s standards. Nonetheless, the team had a great points day and rounded out the top-5.

To add to the list of impressive runs, Chris Coleman was again this week’s RYNO Rookie of the Race and also the VP Hard Charger moving up 7 positions from the start.

RYNO Rookie Contenders Chris Coleman and Kyle Herve battle for position; Sean Case Photo

Tyler Ferris and the #7 Hamer Heating and Cooling team made their maiden voyage to Evergreen Raceway to finish 7th.

As noted, Tanner VanDoren and Matt Janisch finished 8th and 9th respectively, and Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) rounded out the top-10.

Kyle Herve finished the last car on the lead lap in 11th, and Brianna Page finished 12th in her first career ATQMRA Evergreen start. Rookie contender Craig Pellegrini rounded out the field of 13 in his second start of the season.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic fueled by VP Racing Fuels will enjoy the next weekend off. With four unique feature winners in five events, the competitive series returns to Wall Stadium Speedway and the Hamer Heating Hometrack Shootout on Saturday, August 26th.

Kyle Taraska poses with his Personal Comfort #22 TQ Midget in victory lane at Evergreen Raceway; Bill Elkins Photo

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE - 25 LAPS
1. #22 KYLE TARASKA
2. #1B Joey Bailey
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #55 Steve Craig
5. #36 Buddy Sload
6. #00 Chris Coleman
7. #7 Tyler Ferris
8. #12 Tanner VanDoren
9. #51J Matt Janisch
10. #75 Mark Yoder
11. #24 Kyle Herve
12. #76 Brianna Page
13. #27c Craig Pellegrini

HEAT 1 - 8 LAPS
1. #1B JOEY BAILEY
2. #22 Kyle Taraska
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #12 Tanner VanDoren
5. #24 Kyle Herve
6. #27c Craig Pellegrini
7. #76 Brianna Page

HEAT 2 - 8 LAPS
1. #51J MATT JANISCH
2. #7 Tyler Ferris
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #55 Steve Craig
5. #75 Mark Yoder
6. #00 Chris Coleman

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 9:36.633
Leader: 2
Hoosier Lap Leader: #1B Joey Bailey (13), #22 Kyle Taraska (12)
Cautions: 1
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #00 Chris Coleman (6th)
Hamer Heating Hot Lap: #51J Matt Janisch (13.188)
VP Hard Charger: #00 Chris Coleman (+7)

TIDMAN WRESTLES TO JJ LANE MEMORIAL VICTORY

Ryan Tidman celebrates in victory lane; Kristen Cocca Photo

Staff Report | Monday, August 7th, 2023

Photography Credit: Kristen Cocca, Eric Storch, Tommy Lane 

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Ryan Tidman and Paul Dodorico Racing earned their 2nd feature victory of the season, capturing the checkered flag in the 4th Annual JJ Lane Memorial honoring Bruce Kindberg.

It was Ryan Tidman (#99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing) earning the Bud Sload Quick Time award in time trials, in what was a special 30 lap feature, “Turkey Derby” style format. Tidman would redraw 6th for the feature as Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) redrew the pole.

Kyle Taraska led much of the early going in the JJ Lane Memorial; Tommy Lane Photo

Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort), starting from the 2nd position, jumped to the early lead, clearing Yoder on the opening lap. Taraska would set sail on the field for much of the early going, as driver 22 led the opening 22 laps.

While there was intense racing throughout the field, the storylines of the race hit a climax after the noted 22 laps.

A close three way battle for 8th saw Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers), RYNO.co Rookie #00 Chris Coleman, and sporting a brand new paint scheme, Cole Mullen (#73 Toms River Heating & Cooling) led to the first caution of the evening when Craig spun battling for position.

On the restart, Tidman jumped to the lead heading into turn one, but Taraska rubbed with Tidman to regain the top-position. The intense racing action for the lead set the stage on the ensuing restart, after another caution flew for Joey Bailey spinning in turn three due to a flat left rear tire.

On this restart, Taraska got the early jump entering turn one, but Tidman carried momentum down the backstretch and rubbed Taraska in turn three. Taraska and Tidman jumped wheels and Taraska ended up landing on his wing, causing the car to tip rather than tumble.

Taraska tried to re-enter the race but was black flagged for not having his wing properly secured.

On the restart, Tidman was able to jump to the lead and hold off championship points leader Buddy Sload to earn his second feature victory of the season.

Ryan Tidman crosses the line to earn the victory in the 4th Annual JJ Lane Memorial honoring Bruce Kindberg; Eric Storch Photo

Tidman is the first repeat winner of the season, with Sload and Matt Janisch putting a great run together for Alan Mollot Racing rounding out the podium.

Tyler Ferris continues to run consistently in the top-5, putting together another strong 4th place finish in his Hamer Heating & Cooling TQ Midget. Ferris is sitting 3rd in championship standings in his junior year with the organization.

Tyler Ferris continues to put strong runs together this season for his Hamer Heating and Cooling Team; Tommy Lane Photo

Mark Yoder and the Ames Construction team rounded out the top-5, another great run for the Yoder family team.

Cole Mullen fought fuel pump issues all afternoon. After spending hours under the hood on the pits on a hot afternoon, Mullen’s grit earned him a 6th place finish for his hometown fans.

Cole Mullen, sporting brand new colors representing Toms River Heating and Cooling, worked hard all day to make the feature and salvaged a strong run; Kristen Cocca Photo 

Steve Craig recovered nicely from his late race spin to finish 7th, earning one of two right rear tires given away courtesy of Bruce’s Speed Shop.

Christoper Coleman made his first career ATQMRA start this weekend, after recently receiving approval to race at Wall Stadium Speedway. The 16 year old did everything right, running competitive times and keeping his nose clean. Coleman earned a competitive 8th place finish in his debut.

16 year old Chris Coleman had a strong ATQMRA debut this weekend at Wall Stadium Speedway; Kristen Cocca Photo 

Boyd Speed Shop teammates Kyle Taraska and Joey Bailey respectively rounded out the top-10, a disappointing end to their early race efforts.

Mike Glaser and the Aqua Solutions team finished 11th with Kyle Herve rounding out the “IROC” type field of a dozen racers.

The ATQMRA would like to send a special thank you to Wall Stadium Speedway for their support of our memorial race, along with the Lane family, Kindberg family, our sponsors and participants of the event.

Many of the field of competitors with Michelle Lane, Margaret Kindberg and Patty Ventre; Tommy Lane Photo 

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns this Sunday, August 13th at Evergreen Raceway.

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Feature Results:
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #36 Buddy Sload
3. #51J Matt Janisch
4. #7 Tyler Ferris
5. #75 Mark Yoder
6. #73 Cole Mullen
7. #55 Steve Craig
8. #00 Chris Coleman
9. #22 Kyle Taraska
10. #1B Joey Bailey
11. #2 Mike Glaser
12. #24 Kyle Herve

SLOAD RETURNS TO VICTORY LANE AT WALL STADIUM

Buddy Sload salutes the fans from victory lane after a dominating performance; Eric Storch Photography

Staff Report | Monday, July 10th, 2023

Photography Credit: Pete MacDonald, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Buddy Sload and the #36 Spitfire Chassis Team led wire to wire to earn their first feature victory of the season at Wall Stadium Speedway!

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels was invited to open a marquee night at Wall Stadium Speedway, which was headlined by the NASCAR Modified Tour. In front of an electric, near capacity crowd, the ATQMRA delivered a fast, clean, and competitive race.

RYNO Rookie Contender, Kyle Herve earns his first career ATQMRA Heat Race victory; Eric Storch Photography

RYNO Rookie of the Year championship points leader Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body) earned his first career heat race victory, while Buddy Sload earned a heat race win in the second qualifier. Buddy Sload redrew the pole for the feature with Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) starting to his outside. 

1B Joey Bailey and 99 Ryan Tidman battled closely throughout the duration of the ATQMRA Feature; Pete MacDonald, AARN

When the feature began, the top two remained in order right out of the gate until Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Speed Shop) worked his way up from sixth, passing Yoder for second on the third lap. Ryan Tidman (#99 Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing) followed Bailey into third. Tidman looked to continue his streak of four consecutive Wall Stadium Speedway feature victories in equal attempted starts for Dodorico Motorsports.

75 Mark Yoder leads 7 Tyler Ferris and some of his closest friends in the early going, all chasing down leader 36 Buddy Sload; Pete MacDonald, AARN

Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating) continued his string of strong runs competing in an intense battle with Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) and Geoffrey Sutton (#51 Linblad Badger). The three cars battled for fourth for multiple laps with Taraska eventually settling into the position.

3 WIDE ACTION! 22 Kyle Taraska, 75 Mark Yoder & ATQMRA Sophomore 723 Mike Turton; Eric Storch Photography

While Taraska charged forward towards the leaders, Brianna Page (#76 Stavola Co, A&A Truck Parts) charged through the field towards the top five. Page finished second in her heat but unfortunately redrew 11th for her feature starting position. Page had close battles throughout the race with Kyle Herve and Cole Mullen (#73 Toms River Heating) in the mid-pack.  

2 Mike Glaser and Co-VP Racing Fuels Hard Charger 76 Brianna Page drag race down the frontstretch; Eric Storch Photography

In the closing stages as the leaders caught lapped traffic, the battle for the lead intensified as Bailey closed within car lengths of Sload. Tidman remained equal to Bailey looking to take advantage of the leaders battling. Taraska closed in on Tidman to join the party with a handful of laps remaining. 

36 Buddy Sload takes the checkered flag after leading all 25 laps at Wall Stadium Speedway; Eric Storch Photography 

While you could throw a blanket over the top four finishers, Buddy Sload would not be denied winning the 25-lap feature.

Joey Bailey, Ryan Tidman, Kyle Taraska and Tyler Ferris completed the top five finishing order respectively.

TIGHT racing between 1B Bailey, 75 Yoder, 99 Tidman, 7 Ferris, 51 Sutton and 22 Taraska; Pete MacDonald, AARN

Geoffrey Sutton earned a 6th place finish and Brianna Page, one of the multi-hard chargers of the race finished 7th.

Coming off his heat race victory, Kyle Herve earned 8th in the feature while Mark Yoder finished 9th. Cole Mullen finished 10th and rounded out the lead lap finishers. 

51 Geoffrey Sutton gave Alan Mollot Racing a nice run (passing 75 Mark Yoder); Eric Storch Photography 

Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers), Mike Glaser (#2 Aqua Solutions), Ronnie Mullen (#39 Mullen Garage Door Services) and Mike Turton (#723 Sayreville P.B.A, PA Racing) rounded out the field of competitors. Turton made his second start of the year and continues to make gains on their racing program over the last season. 

Two competitors performed a “double duty” Saturday night with Tyler Ferris competing in his sportsman modified and Ronnie Mullen returning to the factory stocks division to end the evening’s racing program. 

Buddy Sload earned his first feature victory of the season ending a winless drought dating back to June of 2022. Buddy extended his points lead over the field in his quest for a second series championship. Sload leads both the overall and the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout standings.

As announced in the drivers meeting early afternoon, engine tech was conducted at the conclusion of the feature based on predetermined finishing positions by officials and the Race Director. Winner Buddy Sload and sixth place finisher Geoffrey Sutton were selected for further inspection based on their final finishing positions. Both cars met motor specifications per the ATQMRA rulebook. 

Some of TQ Midget racing's finest on the grid at Wall Stadium Speedway; Pete MacDonald, AARN

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to action this weekend for the first of three trips this summer to Evergreen Raceway in Drums, PA on Sunday, July 16th. 

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):

1. #36 Buddy Sload 

2. #1B Joey Bailey 

3. #99 Ryan Tidman 

4. #22 Kyle Taraska 

5. #7 Tyler Ferris 

6. #51 Geoffrey Sutton 

7. #76 Brianna Page 

8. #24 Kyle Herve 

9. #75 Mark Yoder 

10. #73 Cole Mullen 

11. #55 Steve Craig 

12. #2 Mike Glaser 

13. #39 Ronnie Mullen 

14. #723 Mike Turton 

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):

1. #24 Kyle Herve 

2. #55 Steve Craig 

3. #73 Cole Mullen 

4. #7 Tyler Ferris 

5. #51 Geoffrey Sutton 

6. #2 Mike Glaser 

7. #39 Ronnie Mullen 

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):

1. #36 Buddy Sload 

2. #76 Brianna Page 

3. #1B Joey Bailey 

4. #22 Kyle Taraska 

5. #99 Ryan Tidman 

6. #75 Mark Yoder 

7. #723 Mike Turton

FEATURE FAST FACTS:

Time of Race: 5:37.039

Leader: 1

Hoosier Lap Leader: #36 Buddy Sload (25)

Cautions: 0

RYNO Rookie of the Race: #24 Kyle Herve (8th)

Hamer Heating Hot Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.156)

VP Hard Charger(s): #1B Joey Bailey, #76 Brianna Page (+4)

JEFF KOT VICTORIOUS AT WALL STADIUM GARDEN STATE CLASSIC NIGHT

Jeff Kot celebrates in victory lane at Wall Stadium Speedway on June 24th, 2023, Sean Case Photo

Staff Report | Monday, June 26th, 2023

Photography Credit: Sean Case

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Jeff Kot and the Behrents Performance Warehouse Racing Team earned the victory at Wall Stadium Speedway this weekend for The Garden State Classic.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels competed for the second time this season under threatening weather conditions. On a night where nearly every racetrack in the area cancelled, Wall Stadium Speedway took the gamble to race; the gamble paid off! A full feature program was completed prior to 10:00 PM after the track crew worked restlessly through two weather delays during the afternoon and evening.

Due to weather delays and track drying efforts, the ATQMRA did not complete qualifying heat races. ATQMRA officials elected for a pill draw to set the field for the 11-car feature, which earned Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) the pole position.

Slick track conditions provided some intense action for the duration 25 lap feature as we saw many “comers and goers” throughout the race.

 Matt Janisch jumped to the early lead but was challenged by Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Speed Shop) in a side-by-side battle. Bailey would hang tough on the outside of Janisch for multiple laps before briefly settling into second. The slick conditions caught Bailey off guard and a rare spin from the multi-time ATQMRA champion brought out the first yellow of the evening.

In a judgement call from the tower, it initially appeared Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis) got into the back of Bailey causing him to spin. Unfortunately, Sload was sent to the rear under this caution. However, Sload would recover well (as would Bailey).

A scary moment under caution occurred for Ronnie Mullen (#39 Mullen Garage Door Services) as a fuel pump issue caused VP-C12 racing fuel to pour out of his car. Thankfully, the Wall Stadium Speedway Track Safety Crew attended to Mullen right away before a potential fire could occur.

Tight 3-wide racing between Cole Mullen (#73), Kyle Herve (#24) and Kyle Taraska (#22), Sean Case Photo 

On the restart, Janisch led the field to the green top spot and Kot would restart in the 3rd position. Intense racing was found all throughout the pack. Three, and yes, even four wide racing was found in the back half of the top-10 while Kot and Janisch put on a thrilling battle for the lead. 

Kot and Janisch swapped the lead four times in four laps, as they crossed each other over multiple times. Kot would ultimately prevail to earn the lead.

Matt Janisch (#51J), Tyler Ferris (#7) and eventual winner, Jeff Kot (#95) have an intense battle for the lead near the halfway mark, Sean Case Photo 

As Kot and Janisch battled, it allowed Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) to sneak into the picture and move his way up to second, after a hard battle with Janisch.

As Ferris looked to enter the battle for the lead, the second caution of the evening was displayed near the halfway point. Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) self-spun off turn 4 while running in the fourth position.

A pack of TQ's coming to the green for the final restart of the evening, Sean Case Photo

On the ensuing restart, Jeff Kot would lead the pack to the green and set sail on the field! 

Intense racing throughout the top-5 put on a great show for the fans in the closing stages, but the top-spot couldn’t be touched in the closing stages.

Jeff Kot went on to earn the victory with Buddy Sload recovering from the early race “penalty” to earn another second-place finish. With back-to-back second place finishes, Sload has established himself as the early-season championship favorite in both overall and the Hamer Heating and Cooling “Hometrack” Shootout standings.

Coming off his 125-lap modified feature, Ferris put together 25 strong laps in his TQ, giving the Hamer Motorsports Group one of their strongest career runs in the ATQMRA. Ferris rounded out the podium in third.

After leading early and contending for the victory, Matt Janisch earned a fourth-place finish.

Joey Bailey woke up Saturday morning in Wiscassett, ME, with the intention of racing in the NEMA Lites Midget division. The NEMA program was canceled due to the pending weather forecast for the area. Bailey made the seven-hour trek back to New Jersey in time to race in Saturday night’s ATQMRA feature. Bailey recovered from an early spin to earn a fifth-place finish.

Multiple side by side battles in the closing stages of the ATQMRA's portion of The Garden State Classic, Sean Case Photo

Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) had a strong 6th place run, as their program continues to improve race after race. Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) earned a 7th place finish and Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body) was this week’s RYNO Rookie of the Race in 8th.

Kyle Taraska finished in 9th with Cole Mullen (#73 Toms River Heating & Cooling) rounded out the top-10. Cole’s father, Ronnie, scored in 11th.

Jeff Kot with his Behrents Performance Warehouse Hyper 600 and feature winning trophy in the pit area at Wall Stadium Speedway, Sean Case Photo 

In a dominant evening for Jeff Kot, he would like to thank Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Mike Dicely at Hyper Racing, Bill and Sean Case, Bud Tidman, Matt, Don and Tom Fraschetta. 

In consideration of the noted unfavorable forecast, ATQMRA appreciates the effort and commitment of the Krause Family and the Wall Stadium Speedway staff to run The Garden State Classic this past weekend.

The ATQMRA also extends their sincere appreciation for those who committed to running our feature this weekend and we look forward to welcoming many back (with a hopeful better forecast) at our next event.

TQ's gridded on pit road getting ready for the second round of practice, Sean Case Photo 

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to action on Saturday, July 8th at Wall Stadium Speedway. The ATQMRA is scheduled to be the opening feature for the NASCAR Wheelen Modified Tour night.

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FEATURE RESULTS (25 laps):

1.     #95 Jeff Kot 

2.     #36 Buddy Sload 

3.     #7 Tyler Ferris 

4.     #51J Matt Janisch 

5.     #1B Joey Bailey 

6.     #55 Steve Craig 

7.     #75 Mark Yoder 

8.     #24 Kyle Herve 

9.     #22 Kyle Taraska 

10.   #73 Cole Mullen 

11.   #39 Ronnie Mullen 

FEATURE FAST FACTS:

Time of Race: 11:41.678

Leader(s): 2

Hoosier Lap Leader(s): #95 Jeff Kot (16), #51J Matt Janisch (9)

Cautions: 2

RYNO Rookie of the Race: #24 Kyle Herve (8th)

Hamer Heating Hot Lap: #95 Jeff Kot (13.196)

VP Hard Charger: #36 Buddy Sload & #55 Steve Craig (+3)