1.19.08 Kot Makes Elite Field In AC
All star event

Atlantic City, NJ - In only his second start at the famed Gambler's Classic, Jeffrey Kot achieved what many drivers never get a chance to: he qualified for the main event. 100 race cars registered for his class alone including such all-star names as Ken Schrader, Billy Pouch (Teammate), Lou Ciconni, Joey Pane and NASCAR development drivers, making qualifying for the A main a near-impossible feat. Accomplishing this in only his second year piloting an open wheel car makes the achievement even more extraordinary.

Friday night had the fastest 60 qualifiers face off in three separate qualifying races, The Roaring 20's. Kot started The Roaring 20's (20 laps) in the 18th starting postion. As soon as the green dropped the #95 Linblad Badger was on the move. With some dicey moves and racing on the edge of wrecking, Kot secured a 6th place finish, almost racing his way into the feature race in the first race of the weekend. The top four went to the A Main, so he would have to race in the B Main on Saturday night.

With last years B Main on his mind, when he was spun out on the last lap, Kot was focused on making the elite field and picked it up a notch. With the green flag waving Kot was avoiding wrecks and fighting off atempts to nudge him out of position. It wasn't happening this time. He out-classed a full field of all-star race car drivers all trying to make the Gambler's Classic. At the finish, Kot was solidly into the A Main feature event in only his second year in an open wheel car.

With a crowd that was sold-out weeks before, driver introduction started. 10,000 fans all cheering for their favorite drivers, Kot was introduced filling the fanovision screens. He entered the arena and acknowledged the fans and made his way to the #95. With all the cameras and pre-race activities making the front stretch look like a red carpet event, Kot was quickly into his car and ready to get this race started.

The crew chiefs got their drivers ready and left the track. With the command to start the engines, the feature event was about to start. Kot grabbed his belts one last time and buried the throttle from the 21st starting position. By lap 18 Kot had made his was into the top 10. Side by side with last year's winner, Kot wasn't letting him get away. Kot got to the inside of Payne and was ready to strike. A caution would have Jeff settling back into 10th again. Kot kept racing harder getting roughed up but giving it right back. The #95 was looking strong. The Jeff Kot fans knew the chances of battling for the win were well within reach. When the race restarted the front right tire of Kot's car had enough, so he quickly pulled off with a flat. His team changed it and he was back on the speedway. Kot came back out just as fast and moved up to the 15th position when the race ended.

"To race my way into this event and be right there for the win, I couldn't ask for more. I was running hard but still had more for them at the finish. Physically, lap 40 felt like lap 2 to me," Kot expressed.

Kot will now ready for the 2008 Hooters Pro Cup races and selected ATQMRA races.