July 12, 2025

📸: Scott Racz, Brien Hamer, Erica Tidman, Kristen Cocca

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Hoosier Mid-Atlantic ATQMRA Midget Series Fueled by VP paid tribute to Doug Craig’s accomplishments as a four-time ATQMRA champion, Indoor Champion, and legendary driver who raced at more than 100 tracks across the country.

Aqua Solutions Heat Race’s were packed with action. Side by side racing and multiple lead changes, battling for the bonus money win. Taking home victories in the heats were Joey Payne and Ryan Tidman.

Prior to the start of the feature, teams and fans observed an emotional missing man formation to honor Craig’s memory and impact on the sport.

From the drop of the green flag, Tidman (#99) quickly established an aggressive pace, including the fastest lap of the race at 13.177 seconds, earning the $100 Finish Line Bookkeeping Fast Time Award. The 5 time ATQMRA Champion, driving the Paul Dodorico Racing (PDR) #99, started in the 8th position, after a redraw, among the qualified cars.

Tidman with Kimmie Payne Receiving Finish Line Bookkeeping Fast Time Award

Outside pole starter, Tyler Ferris (#7) led the majority of laps, but Tidman kept the pressure on, waiting for the right moment to set up a pass for the lead. As the field came back to the start-finish line on lap 20, Tidman timed his run perfectly, diving low into turn three to complete the move and he never looked back.

It was the first win of the season for PDR. Tidman also won the race $100 Doug Craig Hard Charger Award. Paul Dodorico Racing is sponsored by Dr. Martha C. Baker, The Fidge Factor Web Designs and Checkerwon Motorsports.

Blake Barney (#12) worked his way through the field, running some of his quickest laps late in the race, to earn the third spot with a 13.401 best time. This was Barney’s second podium in a row.

Kot and Payne battle for the lead in heat #1

Joey Payne (#51) ran strong in fourth, nearly matching Barney’s pace, while Steve Craig (#55) had a great run in 5th.

Jeff Kot (#95) finished sixth, posting the 3rd fastest time. Buddy Sload (#36) was 7th, and Avery Stoehr (#23) 8th, Billy Cole (#0) 9th, received the #55 Doug Craig Random Bonus, and Sean Case (#95C) 10th, picked up the $100 #55 Doug Craig Hard Luck Award, completed the top ten.

Cole and Ferris launch to start the race side by side

Tidman takes the checkers after later race pass

The feature event ran caution-free, the random draw $100 No Caution Bonus went to Joey Payne.

Following the event, Tidman credited his team’s hard work for preparing a fast car that handled great all night.

Podium drivers, crew & owners all assemble in victory lane

The ATQMRA will return to Wall Stadium Speedway on Saturday, July 26, for the Lane Memorial Race honoring JJ Lane and Ace Lane. This event is a 30 lap feature, with group time trials. Driver autograph session prior to the feature event. Lap sponsorships remain available for this special event.

For more information, visit atqmra.com or follow the series on Facebook: atqmra tq midgets and Instagram: @atqmra_midgets.

25 Lap Feature:

1. Ryan Tidman

2. Tyler Ferris

3. Blake Barney

4. Joey Payne

5. Steve Craig

6. Jeff Kot

7. Buddy Sload

8. Avery Stoehr

9. Billy Cole

10. Sean Case

LAP SPONSOR LEADERS

#7 Tyler Ferris $380

#99 Ryan Tidman $120

Aqua Solutions Heat Race #1 $100

#51 Joey Payne

Aqua Solutions Heat Race #2 $100

#99 Ryan Tidman

Finish Line Bookkeeping Fast Time Award $100

#99 Ryan Tidman

No Caution Bonus $100

#51 Joey Payne

#55 Doug Craig Hard Charger Award $100

#99 Ryan Tidman

#55 Doug Craig Hard Luck Award $100

#95c Sean Case

#55 Doug Craig Random Draw $50

#0 Billy Cole

Tidman Wins Exciting Doug Craig Memorial at Wall Stadium Speedway