Tidman Wrestles to JJ Lane Memorial Victory
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 the 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 in 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.
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
Sources: Kyle Taraska/ATQMRA PR
Ryan Tidman celebrates in victory lane; Kristen Cocca Photo
Photography Credit: Kristen Cocca, Eric Storch, Tommy Lane