Atlantic City Race Report

Never turning a lap in an open wheel car before competing with some of the best drivers in racing was perfect, considering the event was in Atlantic City. The historic Gamblers Classic in front of a sold out crowd of 10,000 people. What better place to gamble and go for it. The team acquired the TQ shortly before the event, but the car has a strong resume. Winning multiple championships, there was no question that this car from Robinsville, NJ was the car to go to AC with. Waiting for racing to start in the spring was too long.

Thursday the car unloaded fast, (these cars are as fast as a big block modified), after putting a little more gear into it the car was set. The team nailed the set up. It was one of the few TQ's still carbureted challenging the new fuel injected engines. The TQ was extremely responsive and the car could go anywhere on the track. No trouble during practice and the TQ was passing a lot of cars. We were set for Friday qualifying. Teammate Billy Pauch was making some changes but was looking fast also, with over 600 wins what better driver on the team.

Qualifying was going quick, over 100 cars trying to make the show. First lap around was quick enough to place Jeff in the top 20 when qualifying was over. No need to run the "D main".

The Roaring 20's started with me right behind Pauch. When the green dropped there was a lot of banging and the caution flew pretty quick. Pauch was spun out and suffered major damage. Cars were flipping over and spinning throughout the race. Kot was smooth and was up to 4th before a wide open stuck throttle retired him from the event. He'd have to race his way into the event now.

Time for the "C Main", only the top two transfer on to the "B Main". It was all or nothing in this race. Before long Jeff was up to third and pressuring hard for second. A lapped car got in the way, Kot negotiated it and moved into the transfer spot with the laps winding down, Jeff wasn't satisfied and was pushing the rear bumper of the front runner, looking to take the lead. With the checkers falling Kot was 2nd one of the only two to transfer to the "B Main". Unfortunately Billy Pauch didn't make the cut.

The "B Main" started right a way with no time to adjust the car. The previous race was a fight and the car was overheating. Luckily the team got it cooled in time to start in the back of the pack. Before long Kot made his way through the field and was running 8th. The top 10 transfered to the feature race with a chance at $5000. With two laps to go and still picking off veterans in front of him it looked like Jeff had raced his way into the feature. Then on the second to last lap Jeff was spun out by a car he passed cleanly on the front stretch. Taking them both out of the transfer positions.

The weekend was long and the competition was some of the toughest there is. But running up front and pressuring for the win and the strong qualifying run, Kot was pleased. The engine has since been pulled and redone for the '07 season with the fuel injection system. He plans on making a few appearances in the ATQMRA Series in conjunction with the Team TYPHOON USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. Kot is expecting to get approved for his NASCAR license this month and is registering to run some NASCAR BUSCH Series events as well.