SLOAD WINNER OF JJ LANE MEMORIAL FOR 3RD TIME!

Buddy Sload celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane with Tommy and Michelle Lane, Brother and Mother of the-late JJ Lane (Sean Case Photo)

STAFF REPORT | Monday, July 29th, 2024

Photography Credit: Sean Case, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Buddy Sload returned to victory lane this weekend, at Wall Stadium Speedway, winning the prestigious, JJ Lane Memorial for the third time in his career!

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, in conjunction with the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, returned to Wall Stadium Speedway this past weekend for the 5th Annual JJ Lane Memorial. A special night, with a special qualifying format, capped off with a popular pre-race autograph session, makes this a continued can’t-miss event for ATQMRA fans and competitors.

Nearly a dozen of the seventeen starters pose with the JJ Lane banner prior to the start of the 30 lap JJ Lane Memorial feature (Sean Case Photo)

Ryan Tidman (#99x Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing) found himself in a familiar spot, on top of the board after time trials, posting a lap of 13.099 seconds, winning the $100 bonus courtesy of AC’s Lawn Service LLC. To the delight of the fans in attendance, an invert of 8 was drawn by pole sitter Tidman, ensuring an exciting feature. By the pick of a pill, Tidman moved back four rows at the start and Josh Patterson (#02 Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Belfor Property restoration) inherited the pole for the 30-lap feature.

Matt Janisch (#51J), who led early, battles teammate Tyler Wagner (#51) for position (Eric Storch Photo)

Matt Janisch (#51J Yuhas Chassis) made his first start of the year at Wall Stadium Speedway, and third overall on the tour, this weekend. Janisch made the most of his effort in the early going, jumping to the lead over Patterson. By the second lap, Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis), methodically wrestled his way from fifth to second, while Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) settled into third.

A blown brake caliper ruined Mark Yoder's (#75) evening prematurely. Josh Patterson recovered from this incident to finish 9th (Eric Storch Photo)

The first and only caution of the evening occurred on lap five, when Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) got together with Josh Patterson for eighth. Yoder unfortunately experienced a brake issue, ending his race early. Yoder earned a $100 bonus courtesy of Motor Cars International, as the Hard Luck award of the race recipient. Patterson continued to race, restarting at the tail end of the field.

Sload wasted no time on the restart, pulling the crossover on Janisch for the lead. As Sload earned the top position, pole sitter and pre-race favorite Ryan Tidman, entered the picture for the lead as well. Tidman worked Ferris on the outside, and Janisch on the inside, as he soon had his eyes set on Sload for the lead.

Buddy Sload (#36) and Ryan Tidman (#99x) battled intently for much of the 30-lap JJ Lane Memorial (Eric Storch Photo)

It was a tight battle to the end, as lapped traffic became a factor in the 17-car field. Relatively speaking, you could have nearly thrown a blanket over the top-5, who all ran their fastest times of the race within less than a tenth of a second of each other.

It was ultimately Buddy Sload, who was able to hang on, scoring the victory in the JJ Lane Memorial! Sload earned a cool $600 to win, which was an increased winner's share, thanks to AC’s Lawn Service LLC.

Ryan Tidman put on a fantastic drive from eighth to second, earning the $100 Hard Charger Award Bonus courtesy of Motor Cars International.

Tyler Ferris earned a strong podium finish for the Hamer Motorsports Group, finishing in third. This was Ferris’ second top-5 finish in consecutive ATQMRA events.

Tyler Ferris (#7) continues to put strong runs together for the Hamer Motorsports Group. Ferris battles eventual winner, Sload (#36), of Spitfire Racing for position. (Eric Storch Photo) 

Tyler Wagner (#51 Lindblad Badger) finished 4th. Wagner, who entered the race as the series points leader, now finds himself eight points behind Sload in overall touring standings after Saturday’s event. Furthermore, for the second occurrence this year, Sload and Wagner enter the next race tied in Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout standings.

Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop), finished in fifth. Taraska was also the recipient of the $100 bonus for being scored fifth on lap-28, honoring the-late Wall Stadium Sportsman Bill Brice Jr. The award was sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts - Brice Auto Supply.

As a note, a private donor sponsored bonus awards to the top-5 finishers as well.

After leading early, Matt Janisch settled into a sixth-place finish. Jeff Kot (#95 Behrents Performance Warehouse) made his return to the ATQMRA this weekend, and back in his own Badger 750cc TQ. Kot gave his freshened build a strong season debut in seventh.

 Jeff Kot (#95) and Kyle Herve (#24) battle for position in the closing stages (Eric Storch Photo)

Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body, Brunswick West Land Surveyors) continues to make gains on his Lafler Chassis, finishing in a competitive eighth. Herve earned a $100 bonus for being the top finisher of all retired quarter midget club racers, courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts - Brice Auto Supply.

Josh Patterson, recovered from his earlier on-track incident, to finish 9th. For the second week in a row, Billy Cole put on another respectable showing, finishing in tenth.

 A strong field of 17 TQs in attendance on the grid at Wall Stadium Speedway (Eric Storch Photo)

Anthony Payne and Steve Craig were the last two cars to finish on the lead lap, earning the eleventh and twelfth place finishing positions respectively. For finishing as the last car on the lead lap, Craig earned a $50 bonus courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts - Brice’s Auto Supply.

Don Zrinski, Mike Glaser, Avery Stoehr, Mark Yoder and Robert Burd respectively completed the field of seventeen.

Buddy Sload is now the seventh winner in seven features this season, for the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels. The defending series champion has his sights set on another, in what has been one of the most competitive ATQMRA seasons on record.

 Buddy Sload waves the JJ Lane Memorial Flag to the fans in attendance, celebrating his victory for the third time in five runnings of the event (Eric Storch Photos)

The ATQMRA extends their sincere appreciation to the Lane family, including mother Michelle, Father Ace, and brother Tommy, for providing the blessing to the series and Wall Stadium Speedway. May a heartfelt note be sent out to Ace Lane Jr., who was not able to attend this weekend’s event as he is recovering from a fall that occurred earlier in the week. Please keep Ace in your thoughts.

We continue to honor and remember our friend JJ, and all those who we have recently lost, within our racing community.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, in conjunction with the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, returns to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, August 10th, 2024.

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RACE RESULTS:
FEATURE (30 LAPS):
1. #36 Buddy Sload
2. #99x Ryan Tidman
3. #7 Tyler Ferris
4. #51 Tyler Wagner
5. #22 Kyle Taraska
6. #51J Matt Janisch
7. #95 Jeff Kot
8. #24 Kyle Herve
9. #02 Josh Patterson
10. #0 Billy Cole
11. #45 Anthony Payne
12. #55 Steve Craig
13. #75 Don Zrinski
14. #2 Mike Glaser
15. #12 Avery Stoehr
16. #75 Mark Yoder
17. #5z Robert Burd

TIME TRIALS (TOP-8 INVERT):
1. #99x Ryan Tidman 13.099 (8)
2. #22 Kyle Taraska 13.148 (7)
3. #51 Tyler Wagner 13.299 (6)
4. #36 Buddy Sload 13.308 (5)
5. #7 Tyler Ferris 13.322 (4)
6. #95 Jeff Kot 13.330 (3)
7. #51J Matt Janisch 13.413 (2)
8. #02 Josh Patterson 13.420 (1)
9. #55 Steve Craig 13.500
10. #75 Mark Yoder 13.548
11. #24 Kyle Herve 13.557
12. #45 Anthony Payne 13.661
13. #12 Avery Stoehr 13.721
14. #0 Billy Cole 13.839
15. #75z Don Zrinski 14.168
16. #2 Mike Glaser 14.429
17. #5z Robert Burd 16.060

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 11:34.335
Leader(s): 2
Lap Leader(s): #36 Buddy Sload (24) #51J Matt Janisch (6)
Cautions: 1
Fastest Lap: #99x Ryan Tidman (13.236)
Rookie of the Race: #02 Josh Patterson (9th)

CONTINGENCY AWARDS:
$100 Fast Time: Ryan Tidman
$100 Hard Charger: Ryan Tidman
$100 Hard Luck: Mark Yoder
$100 5th Lap 28: Kyle Taraska
$100 1/4 Midget: Kyle Herve
$50 Last Car Lead Lap: Steve Craig

17-YEAR-OLD CHRIS COLEMAN EARNS FIRST FEATURE WIN

Chris Coleman poses in Wall Stadium Victory Lane on 7-13-24 for his first career feature win -Kristen Cocca Photo

Staff Report | Monday, July 15th, 2024

Photography Credit: Eric Storch, Kristen Cocca 

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Chris Coleman of East Islip, NY held off the field on a late-race restart to earn his first career victory at Wall Stadium Speedway this weekend.

This past Saturday, the tour competed in their sixth race of the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels season. This event was also the fourth race held for the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout TQ Midget Championship at Wall Stadium Speedway.

Heat Race Winners Tyler Wagner (#51) and Josh Patterson (#02) battled well within the top-5 in Saturday's feature - Kristen Cocca Photo 

Josh Patterson (#02 Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Belfor Property Restoration) and co-points leader Tyler Wagner (#51 Linblad Badger) won their respective heat races. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) led the field to the green for the 25-lap feature.

Coleman jumped to the lead early from the outside pole and set a fast pace from the start. While Coleman was putting together a career run with consistent fast laps, the veteran Steve Craig was putting a career run together himself.

For much of the feature, Chris Coleman (#27) and Steve Craig (#55) commanded the top-2 positions. -Eric Storch Photo

Craig ran much of the feature in the second position, holding off championship leaders Tyler Wagner and Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis).

Sload benefited greatly from an aggressive three wide move on the start, which paid dividends moving Sload from eighth to fifth after the first lap. Sload battled intently with co-points leader Wagner and Josh Patterson throughout the early going.

Buddy Sload (#36) made a spectacular 3 wide move to position himself well in the early stages. Mark Yoder (#75) and Zack Burd (#5z) also pictured. - Kristen Cocca Photo 

A late race caution caused by the spinning Zack Burd (#5z Burlington Chevrolet, ACDT Dog Training), bunched the field up for one last run to the checkered.

Zack Burd's late race spin set up a dramatic finish to the checkered. - Eric Storch Photo

It was the young Coleman who showed perseverance in a high pressure situation to run through his gears clean, getting a jump on the field entering the first turn.

A wild restart followed behind Coleman, with second place Craig experiencing a brake issue entering the first corner. Coleman tried to gap the field as Craig fell back.

As Craig moved high, the sea’s parted for Wagner and Sload who were not only in pursuit of the championship, but now Coleman for the victory.

Kyle Taraska (#22) and Josh Patterson (#02) battled side by side for multiple laps on the final stretch to the finish - Erich Storch Photo

A daring late race charge from Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop) saw him take advantage of the restart, making an outside (and even three wide middle) move to jump from sixth to fourth, closing in on Sload for third as he looked to remain relevant in the championship fight himself.

As the field shuffled, the focus remained on Coleman and Wagner as they battled for the win over the final three laps. Wagner was able to get to the bumper of Coleman, but ran out of time to be able to complete the pass.

Chris Coleman went on to score his first career ATQMRA feature victory!

Tyler Wagner, Buddy Sload and Kyle Taraska completed positions second through fourth respectively.

Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) put a strong run together starting near the rear of the field to round out the top-5. Ferris would finish fourth in the modified feature later that evening- a strong night for the Hamer Motorsports Group.

Josh Patterson and the Jx3 Racing Team continue to make improvements as they get a handle on Wall Stadium’s inner oval. After spending much of the evening running in the top-5, Patterson finished 6th in the feature.

Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) battled to a seventh place finish, and Steve Craig ultimately fell back to eighth after one of the strongest showings of his career.

Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body) made gains on their program this weekend as well, even if the box score doesn’t show it in the results. Herve finished 9th. ATQMRA rookie and racing veteran Billy Cole (#0 Lafler) earned a respectable 10th place finish as they continue to build their TQ Midget program as well.

The ATQMRA welcomed back members Don Zrinski (#75z) and Anthony Payne (#45) this weekend after their respective absences. - Eric Storch Photo 

After an almost three-year absence, the ATQMRA welcomed back Anthony Payne (#45 Payne Motorsports). While the team was looking for more, the team learned a lot to come back stronger for the JJ Lane Memorial, after their 11th place finish.

Zack Burd continued running after his noted spin and finished 12th. Don Zrinski (#75z) also returned to the ATQMRA this weekend after a long absence. Zrinski finished 13th.

Brianna Page (#76 A&A Truck Parts) rounded up the field in 14th. After high optimism from the team after practice and their heat race, an unfortunate clutch issue derailed the team’s efforts early. Page, who like the noted Tyler Ferris, ran double duty Saturday as well. Page finished 8th in her sportsman modified soon after the checkered flag fell on the ATQMRA feature.

Chris Coleman takes the checkered flag for his first career victory - Kristen Cocca Photo

Long Island, NY native Chris Coleman stole the show Saturday night. Ironically, due to the early morning forecasts, the Coleman Racing Team almost didn’t make the trip to Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday.

Their gamble on the weather was a gamble that was well-paid off. Coleman (age 17) has been racing INEX Legends cars since he was 11 at Bethel Motor Speedway and Riverhead Raceway in New York. Coleman pursued competing in the TQ Midget division over the last two seasons. Saturday’s victory was the first feature win for Chris Coleman across all divisions in his racing career.

Chris is supported at the track each week by his father Ed, brother Stephen (who is a sportsman modified racer himself). Chris also receives support from Paul Dodorico and the PDR team.

The ATQMRA extends their appreciation to the Wall Stadium Speedway staff and safety crew for their commitment to getting Saturday’s program completed in its entirety, after severe weather passed through the area early Saturday.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels, in conjunction with the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, returns to Wall Stadium on Saturday, July 27th for the 5th Annual JJ Lane Memorial.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):
1. #27 Chris Coleman
2. #51 Tyler Wagner
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #7 Tyler Ferris
6. #02 Josh Patterson
7. #75 Mark Yoder
8. #55 Steve Craig
9. #24 Kyle Herve
10. #0 Billy Cole
11. #45 Anthony Payne
12. #5z Zack Burd
13. #75z Don Zrinski
14. #76 Brianna Page

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #02 Josh Patterson
2. #75 Mark Yoder
3. #55 Steve Craig
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #7 Tyler Ferris
6. #76 Brianna Page
7. #45 Anthony Payne

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #51 Tyler Wagner
2. #27 Chris Coleman
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #5z Zack Burd
5. #24 Kyle Herve
6. #0 Billy Cole
7. #75 Don Zrinski

TIDMAN ATQMRA WINNER OF GARDEN STATE CLASSIC NIGHT AT WALL

Ryan Tidman celebrates in VP Racing Fuels Victory Lane at Wall Stadium Speedway on The Garden State Classic Night -Eric Storch Photo

STAFF REPORT | Monday, July 1st, 2024
Photography Credit: Kristen Cocca, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Ryan Tidman, won his first feature of the 2024 season this weekend, kicking off the summer at the shore, for the Hoosier Tire Mid ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels.

The Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout at Wall Stadium Speedway hosted its third event of the ATQMRA season this weekend, and the tour’s fifth race overall for the year.

Heat race winners Tyler Wagner (#51 Linblad Badger) and Ryan Tidman (#99 Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckerWon Manufacturing) initiated the evening of racing in front of a large crowd, in the Wall Stadium Speedway grandstand. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) started the 25-lap feature from the pole.

Steve Craig leads the field down to the green for the first heat race. Craig also started the feature from the pole - Kristen Cocca Photo

As has been the story of late, Ryan Tidman and Paul Dodorico Racing entered the event with a fully equipped rocket ship, and Tidman drove a perfect race from the outside pole starting position. Tidman powered to the lead while exiting the second turn on the opening lap and never looked back.

While Tidman put consecutive fast laps together at the front, strong battles continued throughout the field.

Kyle Taraska charged from 6th to 2nd in Saturday's feature, and battled Tyler Wagner for position here. - Kristen Cocca Photo 

The evening’s hard charger was Kyle Taraska (#22 Boyd Speed Shop), who put on another phenomenal drive, from sixth to second, throughout the first half of the feature event. Taraska, who went on to finish second to Tidman, when the checkered flag flew, battled with Zack Burd (#5z AC/DT Dog Training, Burlington Chevrolet) to earn the spot.

Burd, who held on to finish third, drove a remarkable race himself, as his group continued to enhance their Burd Racing Team program. Burd will look to carry his momentum, to string together another strong run at Wall Stadium, when the tour returns on July 13th.

Zack Burd rounded out the podium this weekend, his best finish of the year - Kristen Cocca Photo

Tyler Wagner and Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) battled intently throughout the feature for the fourth and fifth finishing positions. Wagner, who entered the race two positions behind championship leader Buddy Sload, earned enough points to be tied for the points lead, entering the next event. Wagner was also able to regain control of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout Wall Stadium championship as well.

Tyler Wagner finished 4th, battling Steve Craig here, to stay strong in his championship fight. - Eric Storch Photo

Yoder put together another great race carrying his momentum from his win at Evergreen Raceway two weeks prior.

While the ATQMRA feature was relatively straight forward, the drama of the day occurred before the grandstand gates opened. Championship implications were on the line when Buddy Sload (#36 Spitfire Chassis), experienced an engine failure, in the second round of practice. The Coleman Racing Team graciously allowed Sload to enter the feature with their #27 TQ Midget, to keep Buddy in the championship fight. Sload was able to overcome the early afternoon adversity and earn a sixth-place finish.

Buddy Sload had an eventful afternoon, finishing sixth in the Coleman Racing #27 - Kristen Cocca Photo

Kyle Herve (#24 Herve Motorsports) fought brake issues for much of the day, ultimately resulting in a seventh-place feature finish. Steve Craig spent much of the evening running in the top-5 prior to a mechanical issue in the closing stages. Craig finished 8th.

Billy Cole (#0 Cole Motorsports) continues to learn more about his new TQ with every lap. Unfortunately, Cole was forced to pull off early after a timing and scoring issue in the early stages.

Short Track Super Series Champion Joe Toth (#711 Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck), attempted to make this weekend’s feature as well. Unfortunately, like Sload, Toth also experienced an engine failure during practice rounds. The ATQMRA is excited to welcome the Toth Racing Team back in the future!

Ryan Tidman captures the checkered flag in front of a great crowd at Wall Stadium Speedway - Kristen Cocca Photo

Ryan Tidman is the fifth unique winner through five feature events, in the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels this season. Paul Dodorico Racing is the first team to win multiple races this year, after winning the opening round of the season with driver Jeff Kot. Tidman and Kot have teamed up for multiple wins in the 99 and the 99X for PDR, as the team continues to lead the ATQMRA in wins over the past two seasons.

The ATQMRA returns to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, July 13th, 2024! We wish our fans and competitors a safe and happy Independence Day weekend!

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FEATURE RESULTS (25 LAPS):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #22 Kyle Taraska
3. #5z Zack Burd
4. #51 Tyler Wagner
5. #75 Mark Yoder
6. #27 Buddy Sload
7. #24 Kyle Herve
8. #55 Steve Craig
9. #0 Billy Cole
10. #711 Joe Toth - DNS

HEAT RACE 1 RESULTS (8 LAPS):
1. #51 Tyler Wagner
2. #55 Steve Craig
3. #5z Zack Burd
4. #27 Buddy Sload

HEAT RACE 2 RESULTS (8 LAPS):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #22 Kyle Taraska
3. #75 Mark Yoder
4. #24 Kyle Herve

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 5:34.791
Leader(s): 1
Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (25)
Cautions: 0
Fastest Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.158)
Hard Charger: #22 Kyle Taraska (+4)
Rookie of the Race: #0 Billy Cole (9th)

MARK YODER HOLDS OFF HARD CHARGING EVERGREEN FIELD

Mark and Sam Yoder celebrate in victory lane at Evergreen Raceway - Dino Oberto Photo

Staff Report | Monday, June 10th, 2024

Photography Credit: Dino Oberto & Dawson Hess

ST JOHNS, PA- Mark Yoder of Ephrata, PA, led wire to wire and held off the field on multiple restarts, to earn the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels at Evergreen Raceway.

Yoder’s day started off strong by winning the opening heat race of the afternoon. Buddy Sload earned the second heat win of the day.

Buddy Sload hasn't finished worse than 3rd all season, earning him the championship points lead - Dino Oberto Photo 

At the drop of the green flag for the 25-lap feature, Yoder jumped to a big lead over Steve Craig. The inside lane was on the move as Ryan Tidman and Buddy Sload followed Yoder to the front of the field.

Matt Janisch of Nazareth, PA, made a hard charge from 7th to 3rd in the opening laps, as Yoder continued to set his pace on the field.

A pair of cautions stacked the field up, with the first yellow falling just after the halfway point. Previous week’s ATQMRA winner Kyle Taraska self-spun entering the 3rd corner, battling Ryan Tidman for fourth.

Mark Yoder leads the field - Dawson Hess Photo 

On the restart, although Yoder continued to set his pace, the field remained tight as the drivers did all they could to pass the #75 Ames Construction team. Matt Janisch continued his charge through the field by passing Sload for second with six laps remaining.

As Janisch set his sights on the lead, a caution with two laps remaining flew for yet again, Kyle Taraska spinning off the second corner.

The green-white-checkered finish set up one last chance for Matt Janisch to grab the lead, but his efforts were no match for Mark Yoder. Mark Yoder would go on to earn the hard-fought victory to earn his first ATQMRA feature win of the season!

Mark Yoder holds off Matt Janisch on a GWC finish to win his second career feature and first career victory at Evergreen Raceway - Dawson Hess Photo 

Matt Janisch and Buddy Sload rounded out the podium. Sload’s consistent strong runs have earned the defending champion (2X total) the points lead heading into the next event.

Ryan Tidman put together another great run in the Burd Racing entry, finishing 4th.

Steve Craig ran one of his strongest features of late, earning a fifth-place finish. Craig started the race on the front row and ran within the top-5 for the duration of the event.

Kyle Taraska recovered from his multiple spins to earn a 6th place finish. Taraska finished side by side in a tight battle with Tyler Wagner, who finished 7th. Josh Patterson finished in 8th.

Billy Cole of Forked River, NJ made his ATQMRA debut and had a respectable showing at Evergreen. Cole finished on the lead lap in ninth, in what was a day of learning. Cole is expected to be a regular on the tour, especially at his home track of Wall Stadium Speedway.

Kyle Herve made his anticipated return to the ATQMRA this weekend after missing the first three events of the year. Herve showed competitive speed throughout the afternoon but did not complete the full feature due to overheating issues.

The Yoder family racing team have been committed members of the ATQMRA for years and their victory this weekend was celebrated by many within the community. Mark, and his father Sam, earned their second career series win this weekend and simultaneously punched their way into the top-5 in championship standings. Yoder seeks his first career ATQMRA championship this season. Yoder is now the fourth feature winner through four ATQMRA events this season.

On a final somber note, the ATQMRA extends their condolences to the family and friends of dirt racer Joe Kay, who tragically lost his life last weekend in a non-racing incident. While Joe was not an ATQMRA competitor, he was a racer at heart like all of us within our community. Kay was honored by the ATQMRA during the opening pace lap with a missing man formation. Godspeed Joe Kay.

The ATQMRA honor's Joe Kay with a missing man formation during the pace laps of Sunday's feature. The organization extends their condolences to the family and friends impacted by Joe's sudden passing. - Dawson Hess Photo 

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to racing in three weeks, for the Garden State Classic and the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout at Wall Stadium Speedway.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):
1. #75 Mark Yoder
2. #51J Matt Janisch
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #5z Ryan Tidman
5. #55 Steve Craig
6. #22 Kyle Taraska
7. #51 Tyler Wagner
8. #02 Josh Patterson
9. #0 Billy Cole
10. #24 Kyle Herve

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):
1. #75 Mark Yoder
2. #5z Ryan Tidman
3. #51 Tyler Wagner
4. #22 Kyle Taraska
5. #0 Billy Cole

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):
1. #36 Buddy Sload
2. #51J Matt Janisch
3. #55 Steve Craig
4. #24 Kyle Herve
5. #02 Josh Patterson

FEATURE FAST FACTS:

Time of Race: 11:37.456

Leader: 1

Lap Leader: #75 Mark Yoder (25)

Caution(s): 2

Fastest Lap: #36 Buddy Sload (13.217)

Rookie of the Race: #02 Josh Patterson (8th)

Taraska Battles to Victory in Intense Wall Feature

Kyle Taraska celebrates with the main grandstand at Wall Stadium Speedway; Sean Case Photo

Robin Ervin, AARN & ATQMRA Staff Report | Monday, June 3rd, 2024

Photography Credit: Sean Case, Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Kyle Taraska earned a thrilling victory, in arguably one of the most competitive ATQMRA features on record this past weekend at Wall Stadium Speedway.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returned to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday for its third race of the 2024 season. This weekend’s event was the second race of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout as well.

Ryan Tidman in the Burd Racing #5z entry won the opening heat race of the evening while Buddy Sload earned the victory in the second heat race. Buddy Sload would draw the feature pole while Tidman redrew the 8th starting position.

While Buddy Sload fired off from the pole for the 25 lap showdown, it was everything but a Saturday night drive into the sunset for car 36.

The ATQMRA feature was one for the ages. The race was exciting from the start with Buddy Sload fighting off Tyler Wagner for the lead. Wagner entered the event as the series points leader coming off his first career victory with the ATQMRA at Mahoning two weeks prior.

Jeff Kot (99), Steve Craig (55) and Kyle Taraska (22) battle 3 wide on the opening lap of the feature; Eric Storch Photo

Jeff Kot, with the fastest lap of the day, immediately raced his way to battling for the lead until he suddenly slowed on the backstretch two laps into the race. The caution waved as the rest of the field scattered to avoid him. Kot was done for the night with a broken driveshaft. The incident ended an impressive streak for Paul Dodorico Racing, who prior to this weekend, had not lost a Wall Stadium ATQMRA feature since July of 2023.

Buddy Sload (36), Tyler Wagner (51) and Kyle Taraska (22) battle intently for the lead. Even with the close battling, Sload still led 20 feature laps; Eric Storch Photo

On the restart, Sload and Wagner resumed their intense side by side battle for the lead. Kyle Taraska moved into third place and began closing the gap on the leaders.

By lap five, Taraska was close to the leaders, but staying a car length behind, biding his time to make his move. 

Up front it was a real barnburner, as Wagner repeatedly looked both inside and outside of Sload for an opening to take the top spot. Lap after lap, Wagner relentlessly challenged Sload for the lead.

Buddy Sload (36) and Tyler Wagner (51) battle for the lead near the halfway mark; Sean Case Photo

As the race approached the halfway mark, the lead swapped back and forth between Sload and Wagner. Wagner would take the top spot down the backstretch and Sload would regain the lead, back down the frontstretch.

As the lead continued to switch back and forth, Taraska lurked in third. Taraska entered the battle more intently in the closing laps, leaning on Wagner, in a side by side battle with the 51 car.

Kyle Taraska (22) dives under Buddy Sload (36) for the lead in turn 3, in the closing stages of the feature; Eric Storch Photo

As the race came down to the closing stages, Taraska made his move. It was a three-way battle for the lead. Taraska took second from Wagner with eight laps remaining. Four laps later, Taraska dove his #22 Boyd Speed Shop machine low into turn three and stole the lead from Sload.

Sload then raced door to door with Wagner (as they did all race) for second place as Taraska set pace on the field. Taraska went on to lead the final four laps to earn the thrilling feature victory.

Kyle Taraska (22) takes the checkered flag, his eighth career feature victory; Eric Storch Photo

Buddy Sload, a close second and Tyler Wagner rounded out the podium.

Josh Patterson (02) and Ryan Tidman (5z) put on strong top-5 battles together; Eric Storch Photo

Ryan Tidman charged from 8th to 4th and Josh Patterson continued his strong rookie campaign with his second consecutive fifth place finish.

Multi-time NEMA Midget Champion, Avery Stoehr, made the trek from Massachusetts to wheel the #12 MJ Motorsports machine to a sixth place, and Mark Yoder finished seventh. Steve Craig rounded out the field of lead lap finishers in eighth.

Brianna Page (76) and Steve Craig (55) raced hard throughout the early stages of the feature. Contact between both drivers occurred prior to Page’s mechanical retirement; Eric Storch Photo

Attrition impacted multiple drivers this weekend, as mechanical issues plagued Tyler Ferris (9th), Brianna Page (10th) and the noted incident with Jeff Kot (11th).

Afterwards Taraska said “I gave it everything I had. What a phenomenal race. When I took second place from the #51 (Wagner) I knew I had one chance at Buddy (Sload), so I just went for it. I nailed the brakes going into three, dove low and hoped it would stick. It did and I got the win.” Taraska extend his sincere appreciation to the Boyd Speed Shop race team, for their continued support both at the track and in the shop.

Kyle Taraska (22) celebrates with the VP Racing Fuels Checkered flag during his post race victory lap; Eric Storch Photo

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing fuels returns to racing action this Sunday, June 9th at Evergreen Raceway in Drums, PA.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):

1. #22 Kyle Taraska

2. #36 Buddy Sload

3. #51 Tyler Wagner

4. #5z Ryan Tidman

5. #02 Josh Patterson

6. #12 Avery Stoehr

7. #75 Mark Yoder

8. #55 Steve Craig

9. #7 Tyler Ferris

10. #76 Brianna Page

11. #99 Jeff Kot

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):

1. #5z Ryan Tidman

2. #51 Tyler Wagner

3. #02 Josh Patterson

4. #55 Steve Craig

5. #12 Avery Stoehr

6. #76 Brianna Page

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):

1. #36 Buddy Sload

2. #99 Jeff Kot

3. #7 Tyler Ferris

4. #22 Kyle Taraska

5. #75 Mark Yoder

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FEATURE FAST FACTS:

Time of Race: 13:41.495

Leader(s): 3

Lap Leader(s): #36 Buddy Sload (20) #22 Kyle Taraska (4) #51 Tyler Wagner (1)

Cautions: 2

Fastest Lap: #22 Kyle Taraska (13.330)

Rookie of the Race: #02 Josh Patterson (5th)