Indoor Auto Racing Series Statement on the Passing of Mark Lafler

The Indoor Auto Racing Series is saddened by the passing of Mark Lafler, the winningest car builder in the history of the Series and a man who helped revolutionize Indoor Auto Racing’s TQ Midget division.

A noted dirt Micro Sprint Chassis builder from Ransomville, NY, Mark first arrived on the indoor racing scene with a dirt Micro Sprint driven by a young driver Erick Rudolph. What followed was an incredible run that changed the landscape of TQ Midget racing. His cars quickly became the standard, and there was a time when the saying was simple: “You had to have a Lafler.”

“Mark was a wonderful class chassis builder, but an event better person,” stated series promoter Len Sammons. “The growth of our series and the popularity of his chassis went hand in hand. His design pushed everyone to get better and the quality of our field today is a reflection of that.”

His first Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic victory came in 2012 with Erick Rudolph behind the wheel. More than a decade later, the Lafler name is still finding its way to Victory Lane, with Ryan Flores capturing another Atlantic City triumph in 2025.

Along the way, Mark’s cars have accounted for an incredible 23 Indoor Series victories, including 6 Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic wins, (Rudolph 2012, 2015, 2017; Flores 2018, 2025; Tim Buckwalter 2022) and that legacy continuing to grow. Ever the innovator, Lafler debuted a right hand motor car with driver Matt Roselli, two seasons ago that caught the attention of many.

Beyond the statistics and trophies, Mark’s contributions helped shape the modern era of Indoor TQ Midget racing. His passion, innovation and pursuit of excellence l

eft an unmistakable mark on the Series and the many competitors who raced against his cars.

The Indoor

Auto Racing Series extends its deepest condolences to Mark’s family, friends, racing family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.