Inaugural Providence Winner Mike Iles Files Coffee Cup Entry
Providence, RI — Mike Iles wouldn’t mind it if he could race indoors 52 weeks a year.
One of those places he likes to visit is the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., which will host the three-quarter-size Midget Cars on December 4-5 in search of success at the Coffee Cup event.
“It is one of the more exciting racing events race fans will ever see,” said Iles. “As a driver, I can say it’s the most intense race I have driven. Lap-after-lap, you’re racing less than inch from other cars.”
Iles should know what it’s like as he won the inaugural indoor race held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in March. The Medford, N.J., driver captured the opening night of action, while defending and current NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Ted Christopher won the Saturday night race.
Action takes place on a concrete oval on the arena floor, with the cars reaching speeds of close to 70 mph. The spectators have breathtaking views of the racing, from seats overlooking the track.
“Winning the race at Providence was the biggest of my career,” Iles said. “It’s kind of funny, because the biggest win of my career came in the smallest car I’ve ever driven and the smallest track I’ve ever raced on.
“I told my crew that if we could race indoors year round then that’s would we would be doing. I just love that kind of racing. It’s wheel-to-wheel and you don’t get spread out like we do on the bigger-outdoor race tracks.”
Iles was in contention of sweeping the two-day event in March, but an accident sidelined him in the Saturday night finale’.
“It would have been quite a feat to win both events,” Iles said. “It was an honor winning the first-ever race, and it would have been nice to come home with two trophies.”
Iles race car is designed by Lou Cicconi Jr., an indoor race event dominator. Cicconi has numerous victories indoors and outdoors, including one last season over NASCAR star Tony Stewart.
The format will be similar to the one used in March. The Three-Quarter Midgets and Senior Champ Karts will headline the two-day program. Feature events for both classes are scheduled each night.
Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations and the Dunkin’ Donut Center box office.
Ticketmaster can be reached online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Information on the event will be available at aarn.com or by calling 609-888-3618.
A special hotel rate of $79 per night is available at the Hilton, which is located within walking distance from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Racers and fans can find more information on a link at www.aarn.com or by calling 1-800-445-8667. In order to get the special rate, you must ask for the “Indoor Auto Race” rate.
The room rate block is available until it’s sold-out with a November 17 deadline.