From Jerry Reigel
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — An added incentive is up for grabs for those participating in the winter season TQ (Three Quarter)-Midget events.
Race organizers of the indoor TQ-Midget races announced today that drivers will be competing for point fund money.
The Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Indoor Winter Series sponsored by Dr. Lowe started last weekend at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. Sammons was the founder and publisher of Area Auto Racing News. He passed away in 1991.
The next event on the indoor TQ-Midget series is the Atlantic City (N.J.) Gamblers Classic Indoor Race, which is scheduled for January 29-30, 2010, at Boardwalk Hall.
The winner of the series will receive $500, while the runner-up receives $300 and third place receives $200.
After two feature races at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Mike Lichty has the points lead, followed by Matt Janisch and Paul Lotier Jr.
“This is our way of rewarding those competitors who follow the winter series tour,” said Lenny H. Sammons, AARN editor who promotes the indoor series with his two sons. “We appreciate their hard work and dedication at making the indoor events in Providence, R.I., and Atlantic City, N.J., a huge success.”
Dr. Lowe of East Brunswick, N.J., has been actively involved in the indoor TQ-Midget events in Atlantic City. Dr. Lowe added last week’s race at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center to his bonus program.
Ted Christopher captured an additional $200 for posting fast time, while Paul Lotier Jr., and Glenn Heverin won Hard Charger bonus monies in the Friday and Saturday night main events, respectively.
“Sponsorship is a huge part of our success,” Sammons said. “We’ve been fortunate for the sponsorship opportunities. It ultimately helps the race car drivers and teams.”
Lichty accumulated 190 points in the two events. The Innerkip, Ontario, driver captured the Friday night TQ-Midget main event and he finished second to Mike Stefanik in the Saturday night 40-lap main event.
Matt Janisch of Nazareth, Pa., ranks second with 165 points. Janisch finished third and fourth, respectively.
Lotier had a weekend of fifth place finishes, which resulted in 150 total points.
In the Friday night main, the Lebanon, Pa., driver charged from 20th to fifth, winning the Hard Charger bonus provided by Dr. Lowe.
Those completing the top 10 spots include Lou Cicconi Jr. (141), Ted Christopher (139), Frank Fischer (138), Mike Tidaback (130), Mike Stefanik (117), Billy Pauch (108) and Tim Buckwalter (105).
The feature winner receives 100 points, which second receives 90 and so on.
In addition, 25 points is given to the driver who sets fast time, and each winner of heat races receives 15 points.
Racers and attendees for the Atlantic City Indoor Race will find The Chelsea located on the famous Boardwalk as the host hotel for the 2010 running of the Gambler’s Classic. The hotel is located just 3/4th-mile from Boardwalk Hall where the races will be held and across the street from the Tropicana Casino.
Special room rates at the completely remodeled Chelsea are just $89 for Annex Lite and $119 for Chelsea Luxe. The hotel staff has planned a post-race party on the 5th floor featuring a late-night menu and bar specials on Saturday night. A special link to both of the special hotel rates is available at aarn.com.
Those wanting to call for reservations at the Chelsea can dial 1-800-548-3030 and mention code: SAMMOTO to receive the racer’s discount.
Deadline for the above-listed prices is December 23, but hotel staff has encouraged those planning to attend to call as soon as possible as a sell-out is predicted.
Additional information on the indoor races, is available at aarn.com, by calling 609-888-3618, or by email at motorsports@aarn.com.