From Jerry Reigel
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Survive to the end.
That’s the key to being successful in the upcoming prestigious two-day TQ-Midget indoor race at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., on January 29-30.
For female race car driver Becca Anderson, winning a wildly entertaining and thrilling indoor race when the highly-powered TQ-Midgets take the concrete floor at Boardwalk
Hall, is a daunting task that first starts with getting to the checkered flag.
“It is definitely something that you have to survive first before you think about winning,” Anderson said. “It’s more about survival.”
Anderson, 30, of Houston, Del., is the latest entry in the TQ-Midget class, which numbers in excess of 80 cars, for the two-day event, which culminates with the prestigious 8th annual Gambler’s Classic on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Anderson, who has extensive experience in Sprint Car competition, will pilot a car owned and designed by indoor racing ace Lou Cicconi Jr. of Aston, Pa.
Expectations could be high as Anderson will be driving one of the most-coveted indoor rides for Cicconi, a one-time Gambler’s Classic winner.
According to Cicconi, he will field rides for himself, Anthony Sesely, Chris Stockham and Anderson. In addition, Cicconi’s advice is sought by other racing teams.
“Lou prepares some of the best cars for indoor racing,” Anderson said. “I definitely want to make the main event. I would be disappointed if I didn’t qualify for the feature especially with the top caliber cars he brings to Atlantic City.”
This will mark Anderson’s first career competitive start on the indoor course at Boardwalk Hall. She did practice in the TQ-Midget class a few years ago.
“I think it was maybe the second year they had the race there,” Anderson said. “I had an opportunity to hot lap a car.
“It is something totally different than what you’re used to driving. It’s a tight track and there is a lot happening. You have to watch out for the cars in front of you and you are getting nudged by the cars behind you.”
Anderson finished fifth on the Bar’s Leaks United Racing Company tour last season. She scored nine top-10 finishes.
Anderson, a nine-time career URC winner, first started racing at the age of 11. She has experience in many different motorsports divisions at tracks across the United States
In 2004, she was one of six women to take part in the Indy Pro Series test with Nunn Racing in 2004. She also has taken part in Lyn St James Women in the Winners Circle as well as her Driver Development Program.
In 2006, Anderson teamed with car owner Mike Woodring on the national-touring World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
NASCAR Modified Tour driver Ted Christopher is the defending champion of the Gambler’s Classic. Christopher is pre-entered for this year’s race, as well.
The high-powered, TQ-Midget cars will headline the two-day card. Some 100 drivers are expected to contend for the Gambler’s Classic title.
The Slingshots, which will competed in the Herr’s Snack Bowl 25, and Champ Karts, which provide just as much entertainment as the TQ Midgets, will be on the card each night as well.
Defending champions are Paul Lotier Jr. of Lebanon, Pa. (Slingshots) and Ryan Kendall of East Greenbush, N.Y. (Champ Karts). Both drivers are pre-entered in their respective classes.
Fans can purchase tickets by calling Ticketmaster at (800)-736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Information on the event is available at aarn.com or by calling (609)-888-3618.
Fans can also purchase tickets at the Boardwalk Hall Ticket Office. Tickets will be $2 more at the door on the day of the race.