ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Indoor Auto Racing Series fueled by VP Racing Fuels heads to the famous Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City this weekend, Jan. 27-28.
The 20th annual event sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts features a “Double Down” format consisting of two Gambler’s Classic TQ Midget 40-lap main events. Andy Jankowiak might have been the happiest winner in Atlantic City history when he won the Gambler’s Classic for the first time in 2019. The Tonawanda, N.Y., driver was equally as thrilled when he won again in 2020.
Last year, however, he left Boardwalk Hall less than thrilled when he tangled with race leader Erick Rudolph late in the race and was sent to the rear. His hopes for a three-peat were over.
Jankowiak will have two chances to even the score when the Indoor Auto Racing Series heads to Boardwalk Hall this weekend, where two Gambler’s Classic winner’s trophies will be presented.
This year’s NAPA Auto Parts race weekend will consist of two complete TQ Midget programs, with one Gambler’s Classic for the BELFOR Property Restoration sponsored TQ Midgets on Friday, Jan. 27, and a second one on Saturday, Jan. 28. Each day will have its own set of qualifying races leading up to the 40-lap feature event.
Jankowiak was in the hunt to win last year’s series finale in Syracuse despite going to the rear after an early race tangle. Trying to pass leader Ryan Bartlett in the final laps on the outside, the two collided. Jankowiak went up the wall, flipped to his side and slid down the backstretch. When he got to turn three, the car drove around the concrete wall before going back on its wheels in turn three.
He didn’t win it, but he was spectacular.
At the series opener in Allentown, Jankowiak was again in the hunt. He battled up front early but faded to a sixth-place finish.
If he doesn’t win on Friday, there will always be Saturday to try again. If he was to win them both, it wouldn’t be a surprise but a celebration.
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.
Once Indoor Auto Racing Series points are calculated, the 2023 champion will be presented with the TC Cup Trophy. This prestigious award is named in honor of the 2010 and 2011 champion who lost his life in a plane crash in 2017 after winning seven Indoor Racing Series events.
Watch all of the action on SPEEDSPORT.tv.