Atlantic City, NJ – Qualifying for an Indoor TQ Midget feature isn’t a given. Traditionally as many fail to make the 24-car starting feature field as those that do.  Two dark horses surprised some of the veterans that watched the feature in Allenton’s opener, giving hope to others that their moment in the spotlight isn’t far off.

All the drivers will get two chances at making the show and scoring the win, when 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.

Cole Mullen and Craig Pellegrini, Jr. were longshots to make the show at Allentown, but the two young drivers from New Jersey did just that with outstanding performances in the Last Chance qualifiers.

After qualifying for his first Indoor feature, Mullen was excited for the 40-lap feature in Allentown, but he lost power steering in the early laps and was the first of just four to drop out of the race. It took so long to make one and it ended so quick, he’ll seeking another start in Atlantic City this weekend.

Pellegrini raced dirt Sprint Cars this summer. But late in the year he sold off that equipment and bought a TQ Midget. His debut came outdoors at the Turkey Derby in November at N.J.’s Wall Stadium. In Allentown, he made his indoor debut and his chances to make Saturday’s feature didn’t seem at all possible when he began that journey in practice on Friday afternoon.

But with strong persistence and help from others, Pellegrini got his car to go around the corners and he became competitive. After his confidence began to build, Pellegrini started deep in a Saturday B-Main that transferred just two cars to the feature.

Like he did in Sprint Car racing on dirt, Pellegrini jumped to the outside and drove forward locking the rookie into the feature in his first attempt. While he exited the 40-lap feature before it was completed, he gained value able experience that should help in Atlantic City.

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.

Two other young drivers, Joe Toth and Anthony Payne are also looking to qualify for the Gambler’s Classic and excel both nights.

Toth jumped into the Mike Iles No. 711 in Allentown but struggled to get up to speed. The five-time dirt Sportsman champion last year, got comfortable in Saturday’s B-Main but missed the transfer to the feature by a spot. He’ll be beter in Atlantic City for sure.

Payne came to Allentown to watch his father, a two-time Atlantic City winner race. But when he tweaked his wrist in a crash on Friday, his son got behind the wheel on Saturday. Like Toth, it took him a few laps to get comfortable by he too made a great run to make the show on Saturday and fell short.

Anthony, a surprise TQ Midget indoor race winner in Albany, NY in 2012 is out to prove he deserves a full-time ride for the 2024 Indoor series. In that Albany win he rebounded from a back row starting spot to pull off the upset win. If he does it again, the Payne family will become the first father and son to win the Gambler’s Classic.

The 27th annual event sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts is featuring a “Double Down” week consisting of not one as usual, but two Gambler’s Classic 40 main events.

This year’s NAPA Auto Parts race weekend, the 20th annual 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 it’s 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.