Teenager Tyler Thompson Impresses During Indoor TQ Midget Debut In Allentown

Story By: DAN KAPUSCINSKI / TEAM TAPOUT RACING – OSWEGO, NY – Teenage up and comer Tyler Thompson had never driven a TQ Midget before arriving at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA on Friday, January, 5. By the end of the weekend, Thompson earned the right to battle wheel to wheel with some of the biggest names in short track racing as a part of the Indoor Auto Racing Championship fueled by VP Racing Fuels.

A New York State karting champion and a regular on the northeast’s DIRTcar Sportsman circuit, Thompson quickly adapted to the close quarters concrete action which is accustom to indoor TQ racing, walking away with ease in the Saturday night B-Main over Steve Kemery and Andy Jankowiak to earn a starting spot in the weekend’s $2,000 win, 40-lap finale.

Starting deep in the A-Main, Thompson appeared certain for a top then finish in his TQ debut, but the Fulton, NY driver was sidelined due to overheating issues with his Team Tapout Racing No. 98T machine, settling for a 17th place finish.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and efforts,” said Thompson. “This was a big undertaking to bring the car down to Allentown and go up against the best with no experience in this type of racing. The crew worked very hard, we learned the entire time, and by the end of the weekend we were certainly competitive. I’m thrilled to have qualified for the A-Main and look forward to getting to Atlantic City at the end of the month to keep the momentum going.”

Thompson will next travel to Atlantic City, NJ for the prestigious NAPA Know How Atlantic City Indoor Midget Car Race, competing for a qualifying spot in the $5,000 to win Gambler’s Classic.

The annual crown jewel of indoor TQ racing will take place over the course of three days from January 25-27 in the historic Boardwalk Hall.

Known for his abilities across several racing platforms, Thompson pulled double-duty in Allentown as he also finished second in the Friday night companion Champ Kart event as the night’s Hard Charger.

Thompson will again run two divisions in Atlantic City.

“We struggled early in the day at Allentown with the Champ, but found our way after qualifying through the B-Main,” said Thompson. “Thanks to Slack Karts and Performance Manufacturing we got ourselves dialed in and drove from 19th to 2nd. It was a fun event and I think we have a good shot at victory lane in AC.”