Allentown, Pa – Tanner VanDoren was 15 yeas old when he pulled off a stunning upset in the Indoor Raing Series opener inside the PPL Center in January of 2024. Now a year later, the Ironton Global-sponsored events return on Friday and Saturday, January 3 and 4 and VanDoren is considered a pre-race favorite rather than a dark-horse.

VanDoren got a call prior to last year’s event to act as a test driver, not race, a new Jeff Ulrich / Rick Kluth TQ Midget. So impressive in practice on Friday afternoon prior to the opener, VanDoren was asked if he’d like to be a teammate with defending series champion Anthony Sesely in competition later than night.

In a stunning turn of events, VanDoren went from spectator to fast qualifier and upset winner later that night. Following a third place finish in Saturday’s main event, he left the event as the series point leader. Offered the same ride for the series finale inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, the teenage dirt Modified sensation nearly pulled of another upset in the Gambler’s Classic with a last lap pass. Unfortunately, contact with leader Ryan Flores sent Andy Jankowiak to a thrilling victory.

With his incredible success in his rookie season on Indoor Series, the now 16 year old from Schnecksville, PA secured the ride in the PK Racing No. 44V for the 2025 season. This year’s car, however, has been painted yellow and carry the No. 22 as does the dirt Modified VanDoren races during the outdoor season with sponsorship from Red Helm Communications and Dent Zones LLC.

Sesely returns to Allentown with last year’s mechanical issues believed to have been solved. The popular driver from Matawan, NY will be in a blue No. 75, the colors used during Ulrich’s driving career. Again teamed with Sesely, the two could be an unbeatable combination.

It won’t, however, be easy to knock Flores off his pedestal, the Huntersville, NC driver will be returning with the same white ghost No. 15 finely tuned TQ Midget he’s raced since joining the series nine years ago.

Other top contenders among the 44 entered include:
– Andy Jankowiak (Tonawanda, NY): Always a factor, Jankowiak is still looking for his first Allentown win.
– Briggs Danner (Allentown, PA): After a strong finish in Atlantic City, Danner returns with his sights set on his first Indoor win.
– Billy Pauch Jr.(Frenchtown, NJ): A past winner in Allentown, the dirt Modified superstar returns with the Jason Simmons race team.
For those aiming for a big payday, the Ironton Auto Body Challenge offers $10,000 for a weekend sweep. To complete the challenge, Friday’s winner must agree to start the Saturday A-Main from the 10th position. If they can race through the field and win again, they’ll pocket $10,000—a $5,000 bonus on top of their purse. If the sweep isn’t achieved, the challenge will roll over to the next event in Atlantic City.
The weekend promises plenty of action both on and off the track. In addition to the high-speed TQ Midgets, fans will enjoy thrilling support races from the Slingshots and Champ Karts.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the PPL Center box office. Adult tickets start at just $20, with children’s general admission available for only $5. Premium and reserved seating options are also available. Fans can also enjoy an exclusive pre-race FanFest on the arena floor, where they can meet their favorite drivers before the Saturday night race.
After Allentown, the Indoor Series will head to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall for the NAPA Auto Parts Gambler’s Classic on January 31 and February 1. The series concludes with the Trenton Indoor Race at the CURE Insurance Arena on February 21-22.
For more information on the Indoor Auto Racing Series, including ticket purchases, hotel deals, and racer entry forms, visit IndoorAutoRacing.com.