Big Winner Erick Rulolph Hopes 2023 ‘Double Down’ NAPA Auto Parts Twin Feature Weekend Will Propel Him Back Into Winners Circle
Atlantic City, NJ – The Indoor Auto Racing Series fueled by VP Racing Fuels heads to famous Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City this weekend, January 27 and 28. The 20th annual event sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts is featuring a “Double Down” format consisting of not one as usual, but two Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget 40 lap main events.
A driver who could sweep the weekend, Erick Rudolph. Rudolph of Ransomville, N.Y., is the all-time leading TQ Midget Indoor series winner with nine victories. In three feature starts last year, however, Rudolph failed to win a race in Mark Lafler’s No. 22. Always fast, he just had nothing bad luck.
Rudolph will have two chances to get back into the familiar, if recently elusive surroundings of Victory Lane on January 27 and 28 inside Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
At the Allentown season opener, Rudolph’s weekend started off badly when he spun out of the lead in a Friday night qualifier. As the true champion he is, Rudolph rebounded to qualify for Saturday’s big race. Then with a late charge he drove used the inside lane to finish fifth.
Spun out of the lead last year in Atlantic City, Rudolph’s eager to get back to victory lane. His last Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic win was in 2017. In short Rudolph is due and he has two shots at victory this weekend.
This year’s NAPA Auto Parts race weekend will consist of two complete TQ Midget programs – a “Double Down” schedule – with one Gambler’s Classic for the BELFOR Property Restoration sponsored TQ Midgets on Friday, January 27th and a second one on Saturday the 28th. Each day will have its own set of qualifying races leading up to the 40 lap feature event.
On Friday night, January 27th the BELFOR Property Restoration sponsored TQ Midgets will compete in qualifying events followed by a 40 lap Gambler’s Classic that was postponed in 2021 because of Covid-19 fan restrictions.
The headline TQ Midgets will do it all over on Saturday, January 28th with the big night ending with the 2023 Gambler’s Classic. On both nights, the winner will raise the iconic trophy.
Joining the TQ Midgets will be the Slingshots, sponsored by Pa.’s Kutztown Action Track, the Hoosier Tire Champ Karts and the 600cc Dirt Micro Sprints. They’ll run qualifying events on Friday and features on Saturday night.
Prior to Saturday’s event Fan Fest will be held on the racing surface for those with lower level reserved tickets from 5 to 6:15. Drivers from the event as well as NHRA Funny Car champion Ron Capps will be signing autographs.
Once Indoor Auto Racing Series fueled by VP point are calculated, the 2023 champion will be presented the TC Cup Trophy.
This prestigious award is named in the honor of the 2010 and 2011 champion who lost his life in a plane crash in 2017 after winning seven Indoor Racing Series events.
Good seats for both nights remain available at Ticketmaster, a direct link is available from the series web-site, indoorautoracing.com, or daily at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office where the price is increased by $5 the day of the event.
For those who cannot attend, the event will be available on DTD Pay-Per-View for $64.99 for the weekend or $34.99 for Friday and $39.99 for Saturday.