KOT CONTINUES PDR DOMINANCE; WINS ATQMRA WALL OPENER

PDR Team and friends celebrate in victory lane.

Staff Report | Monday, April 22nd, 2024

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - Jeff Kot drove through the field from last to first to earn the season opening ATQMRA feature victory at Wall Stadium Speedway.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels kicked off their 69th annual season this weekend. Simultaneously, Wall Stadium Speedway opened for their 74th annual season as well.

Kyle Taraska (#22) and Jeff Kot (#99) won the opening heat races of the year.

For the first three events of the season, pill pick redraw will establish the starting lineup for qualified heat race finishers. For the pill pick, heat winners Taraska and Kot redrew 6th and 8th respectively. Tyler Wagner (#51) redrew the pole.

Three wide racing between Kyle Taraska (22), Tyler Ferris (7) and Chris Coleman (27) - Eric Storch

Wagner led rookie contender Christopher Coleman (#27) of East Islip, NY, and Buddy Sload (#36), the defending ATQMRA champion in the early going.

Contact between Zack Burd (#5z) and Jeff Kot initiated the first caution of the evening. Both drivers continued.

Sload jumped to the lead over Wagner on the restart and looked to set pace on the field. Wagner settled into second, while intense three-wide racing between Tyler Ferris (#7), Josh Patterson (#02) and Chris Coleman continued for the final podium position.

Kot, first time driving the Spitfire #99, raced his way back into the picture, while Kyle Taraska also looked to enter the top-5. Patterson and Taraska tangled soon after, causing the second yellow of the evening. Taraska continued from this incident, and Patterson was penalized to the rear of the field for initiating the contact.

Another restart led to another lead change. Jeff Kot made an exciting three wide move for the lead entering turn one, and made it work! Sload went from first to third as Kot and Wagner split the Spitfire Chassis machine one lap after retaking the green flag. From this point forward, it looked to be Kot’s race to lose.

Jeff Kot (99), Steve Craig (55), Zack Burd (5z) race hard for position - Eric Storch Photo 

After attempting to recover from the earlier race contact, Taraska’s luck turned for the worst just after the halfway mark. While Brianna Page (#76), Steve Craig (#55) battled for position, Page’s car got loose in the gravel in front of Taraska. As Page spun to the infield and Taraska jumped wheels with Page. This caused the #22 machine to flip end over end in a breathtaking tumble. Taraska was checked and released by speedway EMT’s and the race continued after a brief red flag period.

Steve Craig (55) and Brianna Page (76) battle for position near the halfway mark - Eric Storch Photo

The final restart of the evening was single file as are all restarts past halfway per the ATQMRA rulebook. Jeff Kot pulled away from the field, but it was Tyler Wagner who stole the show making a late race charge to the checkered. Wagner appeared to be the only contender to keep the Kot honest Saturday evening, as he closed down a five car length gap down to inches in the closing stages.

Although Tyler Wagner made a valiant effort to the checkered flag, Jeff Kot earned the first victory of the year for himself and Paul Dodorico Racing.

Tyler Wagner was second. Kot and Wagner tied for the fastest lap of the feature to the one one-thousandth of a second at 13.332 seconds.

After leading much of the early going, Buddy Sload settled into third, rounding out the podium finishers.

Buddy Sload led early and came home with a strong third place finish - Eric Storch Photo

Veteran Steve Craig had a strong showing with a fourth place finish, and Chris Coleman earned his first career ATQMRA top-5 finish with his fifth place finish.

Zack Burd returned to TQ Midget racing as a driver for the first time since 2022 with a respectable sixth place finish. Josh Patterson rounded out those who finished an eventful feature, in seventh.

Jeff Kot (99) and Josh Patterson (02) battle for position - Eric Storch Photo

Brianna Page’s efforts in the ATQMRA did not go as planned, as she finished 8th after the noted on-track incident. However, Brianna earned a highly respectable seventh place finish in her Wall Stadium Speedway Sportsman Division debut, later in the same evening.

Kyle Taraska was officially scored in ninth after the noted incident, and Mike Glaser (#2) was scored in tenth.

A wing malfunction hindered Tyler Ferris’ (#7) efforts, as he finished 11th. Furthermore, mechanical woes hindered Mark Yoder’s (#75) efforts, as he rounded out the field of twelve.

Jeff Kot and Paul Dodorico Racing earned their second career victory together this weekend, and now with two unique chassis. PDR thanks sponsors Dr. Martha Baker, Fidge Factor Web Designs and CheckerWon Manufacturing and all crew members for their support each weekend.

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels returns to Wall Stadium Speedway for the second race of the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):

1. #99 Jeff Kot

2. #51 Tyler Wagner

3. #36 Buddy Sload

4. #55 Steve Craig

5. #27 Chris Coleman

6. Zack Burd

7. #02 Josh Patterson

8. #76 Brianna Page

9. #22 Kyle Taraska

10. #2 Mike Glaser

11. #7 Tyler Ferris

12. #75 Mark Yoder

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):

1. #22 Kyle Taraska

2. #27 Chris Coleman

3. #36 Buddy Sload

4. #51 Tyler Wagner

5. Zack Burd

6. #2 Mike Glaser

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):

1. #99 Jeff Kot

2. #7 Tyler Ferris

3. #02 Josh Patterson

4. #75 Mark Yoder

5. #76 Brianna Page

6. #55 Steve Craig

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FEATURE FAST FACTS:

Time of Race: 18:27.27

Leader(s): 3

Lap Leader(s): #99 Jeff Kot (18), #36 Buddy Sload (6) Tyler Wagner (1)

Cautions: 3

Fastest Lap: #51 Tyler Wagner & #99 Jeff Kot 13.332

Rookie of the Race: #27 Chris Coleman (5th)

Tidman Reigns Over ATQMRA Turkey Derby 50 Field

Paul Dodorico Racing celebrates in victory lane at Turkey Derby 50; EJ O'Rourke PhotoStaff Report | Monday, November 27th, 2023
Photo Credit: EJ O’Rourke Photography, Eric Storch Photography

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Ryan Tidman and Paul Dodorico’s Racing domination continued at Wall Stadium Speedway earning this year’s Turkey Derby 50 ATQMRA feature victory.

A competitive field of TQ's coming to green led by Cole Mullen; EJ O'Rourke Photo

Many looked to Tidman to be this weekend’s favorite after placing the fastest time of all teams in practice one week prior. Tidman earned the pole and the Bud Sload Memorial Fast Time Award $100 bonus with a lap time of 13.233 seconds. With the invert, Tidman would start 8th and Cole Mullen of Brick, NJ earned the pole for the 30 lap feature.

At the drop of the green flag Kyle Taraska went for a slide in front of the field from the 4th position, entering turn 1. Taraska would spin across the nose of “invader” Billy Pauch Jr. in the Burd Racing entry, as Pauch made contact with Taraska’s left front wheel, “straightening” the 22 machine and as the field scattered, the race remained green.

Buddy Sload "dirt tracking" around dirt star Billy Pauch Jr. in a wild opening lap; Eric Storch Photo

Cole Mullen went on to lead the opening lap but could not hold off the early race charge from Tidman, going from 8th to 1st within the first 2 laps of the feature. It was Buddy Sload who initiated the charge, before Tidman made a daring three-wide move in turn 1 underneath both Sload and C. Mullen. Sload would follow Tidman and settle into 2nd remaining in close pursuit of the lead.

Tight racing amongst the field came to a halt near the lap 10 mark when Jeff Kot went for a spin off of turn 4. Kot did not retain damage from the incident, and would regroup and recover for a top-10 finish.

A few laps after the restart, the final caution of the afternoon flew as Josh Patterson made contact with Kyle Taraska entering turn 1. A hard fought battle between Taraska, Patterson and Pauch Jr. led to the contact as Taraska was spun around. Like Kot, Taraska would also comeback to recover for a top-10 finish.

By the final restart of the race, the cream had risen to the top as Tidman remained in the lead. However it was Matt Janisch of Nazareth, PA now in second. Janisch muscled his way up to the leaders after starting 10th.

Ultimately, Tidman would set sail and run away from the field. Tidman’s domination did not stop the intense battle for second between Janisch, Sload and Joey Bailey.

Joey Bailey battling amongst the Alan Mollot Racing cars (51J- Janisch) (51- Wagner); EJ O'Rourke Photo

Bailey, racing Lenny and Donna Boyd’s LBII Chassis, would be the star of the show in the second half of the feature, making a late race charge to the 2nd finishing position.

Sload would pick off Janisch prior to Bailey, prior to Bailey passing Sload on the final lap of the feature.

While the action remained fierce throughout the top-5, half a track ahead was Ryan Tidman driving off into the sunset to earn his second consecutive Turkey Derby victory and third overall. None more honorable than earning a wreath on the 50th anniversary of this historic event.

Joey Bailey made the noted charge to finish second and Buddy Sload capped off his championship season with a podium finish in 3rd.

Like Bailey, Tyler Wagner finally earned the breakthrough run he was looking for in the ATQMRA. Wagner snookered teammate Janisch for 4th, as the Alan Mollot Racing team rounded out the top 5.

Jeff Kot earned a 6th place finish and Tyler Ferris would hang tough all day to earn 7th for the Hamer Motorsports Group.

Kyle Taraska finished 8th and Billy Pauch Jr. had a successful campaign in 9th. After starting on the pole, Cole Mullen showed a lot of grit to battle for a hard earned 10th place finish.

The ATQMRA showcased in front of a near capacity crowd braving the cold at Turkey Derby 50; EJ O'Rourke Photo

The Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels would like to thank our competitors, sponsors and fans for their incredible support throughout this season. Further, the ATQMRA extends their appreciation to the Krause Family and the Wall Stadium Speedway team for keeping the tradition of Turkey Derby alive.

We wish you all a happy holiday season and we will see you in 2024 for our 69th Annual Season.

Ryan Tidman, 3X ATQMRA Turkey Derby Champion | 5X ATQMRA Series Champion; Eric Storch Photo

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (30 LAPS):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman
2. #1B Joey Bailey
3. #36 Buddy Sload
4. #51 Tyler Wagner
5. #51J Matt Janisch
6. #95 Jeff Kot
7. #7 Tyler Ferris
8. #22 Kyle Taraska
9. #5z Billy Pauch Jr.
10. #73 Cole Mullen
11. #02 Josh Patterson
12. #24 Kyle Herve
13. #27 Chris Coleman
14. #711 Joe Toth
15. #76 Brianna Page
16. #2 Mike Glaser
17. #39 Ronnie Mullen
18. #55 Steve Craig, DNS

TIME TRIAL (Top-8 invert):
1. #99 Ryan Tidman 13.233 (8th)
2. #1B Joey Bailey 13.367 (7th)
3. #51 Tyler Wagner 13.422 (6th)
4. #36 Buddy Sload 13.492 (5th)
5. #22 Kyle Taraska 13.517 (4th)
6. #5z Billy Pauch Jr. 13.519 (3rd)
7. #7 Tyler Ferris 13.659 (2nd)
8. #73 Cole Mullen 13.682 (1st)
9. #02 Josh Patterson 13.717
10. #51J Matt Janisch 13.761
11. #95 Jeff Kot 13.830
12. #76 Brianna Page 13.865
13. #39 Ronnie Mullen 13.956
14. #27 Chris Coleman 13.964
15. #24 Kyle Herve 14.033
16. #711 Joe Toth 14.187
17. #2 Mike Glaser 14.334
18. #55 Steve Craig, DNS


FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 13:03.574
Leader(s): 2
Hoosier Lap Leader(s): #99 Ryan Tidman (28), #73 Cole Mullen (2)
Cautions: 3
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #5z Billy Pauch Jr. (9th)


CONTINGENCY AWARD WINNERS:

$100 Bud Sload Fast Time Award (PDR): Ryan Tidman (13.233)

$100 First Time Winner (or highest non-ATQMRA Feature Winner) (BELFOR):
Tyler Wagner (4th)

$50 Hard Luck Award (most positions lost) (Finish Line Bookeeping LLC):
Cole Mullen (-9)

$50 Lap Hard Charger (most positions gained) (Brice & Van Wickle NAPA):
Ryan Tidman (+7)

$50 Fastest Lap of Feature (Brice & Van Wickle NAPA):
Ryan Tidman (12.961)

$50 last feature finisher on the lead lap (Brice and Van Wickle NAPA):
Josh Patterson (11th)

$20 Lap Leaders (Sponsor):
Lap 1- Cole Mullen (Boyd Speed Shop)
Lap 5- Ryan Tidman (The Fidge Factor Website Design)
Lap 8- Ryan Tidman (In memory of Bob Emmons)
Lap 9- Ryan Tidman (Dr. Martha Baker DMD)
Lap 22- Ryan Tidman (Boyd Speed Shop)

SLOAD 2023 ATQMRA CHAMP; TIDMAN 3X FEATURE WINNER

STAFF REPORT | MONDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Eric Storch

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- Buddy Sload and Colin Martin’s #36 Spitfire Chassis Racing Team have been crowned 2023 Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels Champions. Ryan Tidman dominated to win his third Wall Stadium Speedway feature of the season for Paul Dodorico Racing.

Once overnight rains settled, the ATQMRA finally returned to the track this weekend for the first time since August 26th. The tour endured an unprecedented number of cancellations due to weather with a total of nine on the year.

Mother Nature would still look to make one last impact throughout the evening. While the Wall Stadium Speedway track crew did a phenomenal job drying all racing surfaces,to no fault of anyone; teams were forced to manage standing water in the grass area just below the groove in the second turn. ATQMRA competitors tend to naturally hit the dirt (pond this weekend) when exiting too low, making it a dynamic storyline of the weekend.

Joey Bailey (#1B Boyd Speed Shop) looked to end 2023 on a high note, and he started his evening off right evening by winning the opening heat race. Ryan Tidman won the second heat race as both drivers would remain in the headlines for the duration of the 25 lap feature.

Tidman redrew the pole for the feature while Bailey redrew fifth. The ATQMRA experienced one caution during the 25-lap championship feature, with Mike Turton of East Windsor, NJ spun exiting the fourth turn on lap 2. Unfortunately, Turton sustained left front damage from the incident and was unable to finish the race.

On the ensuing restart, Tidman once again got the jump ahead as the leader, with Bailey, Sload and Taraska all within reach. By taking the green flag, Buddy Sload earned the championship in both overall series standings and in the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout standings as well. With that, the only thing on Sload’s (and everyone’s) mind was to earn the feature winning trophy.

Sload and Bailey wouldn’t hold back as an intense battle materialized between the two competitors. For multiple laps, Sload and Bailey swapped positions and rubbed nerf bars. Meanwhile, the treacherous standing water inside of turn 2 reappeared across the racing surface from a competitor dipping their tire into the pool of water as the field approached the halfway mark.

Drivers were in for a surprise as competitors found themselves in a 4-wheel drift, or more commonly known as “dirt tracking” in asphalt racing, for over 10 laps. Through the slick track conditions, Sload and Bailey continued to battle and there were no additional incidents caused by competitors from the conditions.

Bailey prevailed over Sload, setting his sights on Tidman. While Bailey closed a big lead, he ran out of laps as Ryan Tidman went on to dominate, leading wire to wire for this third feature victory of the season. With the victory, Tidman secures the 2023 VP Checkered Flag Award for earning the most feature victories of any driver. Paul Dodorico and the Dr. Martha Baker D.M.D, CheckWon Manufacturing Team earned a series leading 4 victories (Jeff Kot, Wall 8/26 being the other) on the tour this year.

Joey Bailey finished in second, with champion Buddy Sload rounding out the podium.

Kyle Taraska (#22 Personal Comfort) finished in 4th, earning him second in overall championship standings. Steve Craig (#55 Craig Bulk Carriers) had a fantastic run and earned a hard fought 5th. Craig has really turned things around putting together consistent strong runs the second half of this season.

The feel good story of the evening was Josh Patterson (#02 BELFOR Property Restoration, United Rentals). Currently leading the championship in the East Coast Wingless TQ Midget division, the Jx3 Racing Team made their Winged TQ Midget debut with the ATQMRA. Patterson started shotgun on the field in 13th and finished 6th, and was this weekend’s VP Racing Fuels Hard Charger, and RYNO Classifieds Rookie of the Race.

Cole Mullen (#73 Tom’s River Heating and Cooling) raced comfortably within the top-10 all evening to finish 7th. Tyler Ferris (#7 Hamer Heating and Cooling) debuting a brand new Kluth Chassis in preparation for the Indoor Auto Racing Championship this winter. Ferris experienced the best season of his career in the ATQMRA, earning 2nd in overall standings in the Hamer Heating and Cooling Hometrack Shootout, and 3rd in overall championship standings.

Mark Yoder (#75 Ames Construction) finished just inside the top-10 to earn a 9th. Recent NEMA Midget Champion Avery Stoehr returned to the ATQMRA this weekend with car owner Phil DiMario to round out the top-10.

Kyle Herve (#24 CARS Auto Body), Mike Glaser (#2 Aqua Solutions) and Mike Turton (#723 Sayreville PBA) rounded out the field respectively in positions 11 through 13.

Buddy Sload capped off his championship season earning one feature victory and earned a top-5 finish in every feature this season. With that, Sload never finished outside of the podium at Wall Stadium Speedway this year. The ATQMRA congratulates the Sload Family and Colin Martin on their 2023 accomplishments. Furthermore, we acknowledge and recognize their years of continued support of the ATQMRA. The ATQMRA would not be what it is today without the support of Buddy, Colin, Karen and team. The team honor’s the late-Bud Sload by earning this accomplishment.

Congratulations, 2X.

The Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic ATQMRA fueled by VP Racing Fuels would like to thank all members, fans, all officials, particularly Erik Graham, Nick Ballard, Dave Michel and John Cerny for their assistance this season. Thank you to our promoters Emily Krause (Wall Stadium Speedway), Jason Makarewicz (Evergreen Raceway) and Todd Baer (Mahoning Valley Speedway) for their continued support of this storied division of racing.

2023 series sponsors include title sponsor Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic and Precise Racing Products, presenting sponsor VP Racing Fuels, Hamer Heating and Cooling supporting a Wall Stadium Speedway specific points fund, and RYNO Classifieds for the third consecutive year supporting the ATQMRA’s Rookie of the Year Campaign.

The ATQMRA also extends their appreciation to the Brice Family for sponsoring NAPA Championship Night, providing various awards to drivers in all divisions. Furthermore, we thank Racing with Jesus Ministries, M.N.O., Green Flag Pitstop Media, and series photographers Sean Case, Tommy Lane, Eric Storch, Kristen Cocca, Scott Racz, Pete MacDonald and Bill Elkins of Edge of Traction Media. Last but not least, we thank AARN journalists Earl Krause, Dino Oberto and Robin Ervin for their support and coverage of the ATQMRA this year.

The ATQMRA will formally close our 68th season of competition, celebrating the golden anniversary, in the 50th running of Turkey Derby at Wall Stadium Speedway, on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. The ATQMRA will be providing event details on a future date.

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RACE RESULTS:

FEATURE (25 LAPS):

1. #99 Ryan Tidman

2. #1B Joey Bailey

3. #36 Buddy Sload

4. #22 Kyle Taraska

5. #55 Steve Craig

6. #02 Josh Patterson

7. #73 Cole Mullen

8. #7 Tyler Ferris

9. #75 Mark Yoder

10. #23 Avery Stoehr

11. #24 Kyle Herve

12. #2 Mike Glaser

13. #723 Mike Turton

HEAT 1 (8 LAPS):

1. #1B Joey Bailey

2. #36 Buddy Sload

3. #73 Cole Mullen

4. #02 Josh Patterson

5. #55 Steve Craig

6. #723 Mike Turton

7. #2 Mike Glaser

HEAT 2 (8 LAPS):

1. #99 Ryan Tidman

2. #23 Avery Stoehr

3. #7 Tyler Ferris

4. #75 Mark Yoder

5. #22 Kyle Taraska

6. #24 Kyle Herve
   
   

FEATURE FAST FACTS:
Time of Race: 9:38.063
Leader: 1
Hoosier Lap Leader: #99 Ryan Tidman (25)
Cautions: 1
RYNO Rookie of the Race: #02 Josh Patterson (6th)
Hamer Heating Hot Lap: #99 Ryan Tidman (13.304)
VP Hard Charger: #02 Josh Patterson (+7)

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)