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Photo: Pete MacDonald
Atlantic City, NJ (Januat 24, 2026) — Fresh off his five career USAC National Driving Championship in 2025, Justin Grant will head back east to compete in the Indoor Auto Racing Series at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. for a second time during the Friday–Saturday NAPA Auto Parts Weekend on January 30–31.
Grant will pilot a brand-new Kevin Graver–built TQ Midget joining recent series winner Briggs Danner as a teammate. Grant, who also captured the 2025 USAC Silver Crown Championship despite suffering a broken foot in a mid-season crash, made his Indoor Series debut in 2024 driving for Lou Cicconi.
This year, Grant teams with Danner, a fellow USAC Sprint Car Series competitor who scored his first Indoor TQ Midget main event victory at the season opener in Allentown, Pa., on Friday, January 9. Grant had hoped to debut Graver’s No. 01 in Allentown, but when he became unavailable, rising dirt Modified standout Logan Watt earned the opportunity instead and impressed in his Indoor Series and TQ Midget debut.
While Grant experienced some struggles early in his Indoor Series debut, he and the car found improvement in his final start on Saturday in Atlantic City. Coming off a strong performance at last weekend’s Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla., where he was a contender for the win before crashing going for the winning pass, Grant is eager to redeem himself upon his return to Boardwalk Hall.
Danner will arrive in Atlantic City with unfinished business. After winning Friday night in his hometown of Allentown, he accepted the Ironton Auto Body Challenge in victory lane, which required him to start 10th in Saturday’s feature for a $1,000 bonus and a chance at a $10,000 weekend sweep. Danner charged from 10th to fourth early, but a flat tire sent him to the rear, resulting in a 10th-place finish.
The Ironton Auto Body Challenge bonus will now be available to Danner, Matt Swanson of Harvard, Mass.—who won Saturday’s Allentown feature—and the Atlantic City Friday night Black Jack 21 winner. Should any of the three win the Saturday Gambler’s Classic in Atlantic City, they will win $10,000.
Last year, Andy Jankowiak of Tonawanda, N.Y., earned the Ironton Auto Body Challenge by winning Friday night in Allentown and Saturday night in Atlantic City.
Jankowiak endured a challenging Allentown weekend this year, missing Friday’s race and Saturday qualifying while testing for the upcoming ARCA 200 at Daytona Beach, Fla. He arrived in time to start last in Saturday’s feature and drove from 25th to finish sixth.
Defending series champion Ryan Flores of Huntersville, N.C., won Friday night in Atlantic City last season to earn a shot at the bonus money, but spun while racing for the lead in Saturday’s main event.
Flores’ car caught fire on Friday night in Allentown, but he rebounded to lead Saturday’s feature before being passed with five laps remaining by Swanson, who became the second first-time series winner of the season.
Six-time Atlantic City winner Anthony Sesely of Matawan, N.J., will be aiming for a weekend sweep. Sesely did not compete in Allentown, instead serving as crew chief for teammate Tanner Van Doren following the passing of car owner Jeff Ultrich nearly a year ago.
The Allentown event proved difficult for the team, as Van Doren suffered two engine failures on Friday and the car was parked on Saturday. With those issues believed to be resolved, both drivers are eager to rebound in Atlantic City and hit the jackpot.
One year ago, Van Doren of Schnecksville, Pa., was leading the Gambler’s Classic before mechanical issues ended his night. Sesely’s 2024 Atlantic City weekend ended prematurely as well after a Friday-night crash.
The TQ Midgets will contest full racing programs both nights in Atlantic City as part of the TC Cup Series championship. More than 50 Slingshots, Champ Karts, and Dirt 600 Micro Sprints are expected, with qualifying races on Friday and feature events on Saturday. Competitors from 13 states and two Canadian provinces are anticipated.
On Friday, grandstands open at 6:00 p.m., with racing beginning at 7:00 p.m., along with a pre-race Fan Zone autograph session. On Saturday, grandstands open at 5:00 p.m., with reserved-seat ticket holders gaining access to the on-track Fan Fest from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m., followed by racing at 7:00 p.m.
Special autograph guests include NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Funny Car star Ron Capps, Top Fuel standout Maddi Gordon, the newly crowned Ms. Motorsports 2026, and every driver entered in competition.
When the racing on Friday and Saturday, the night is just getting started. The after-party returns at The West at Caesars (formerly Wild Wild West), the official venue for post-race celebrations. TQ Midget race winners will be available for photos and autographs following their victories, and there will be a special toast at midnight to celebrate the winners, who will also receive a $1,500 bonus from the Atlantic City Sports Commission, Visit Atlantic City, and The West at Caesars. The after-party will feature live music, beer pong, bull riding, sports betting, and a variety of casino games, including slots and table gambling.
In addition to the races and after-parties, attendees can enjoy fine dining, gambling, indoor go-kart racing, live music, and more at the local casinos before and after the event. The Carousel Bar located between The West and Bally’s Casino is a popular stop, with its slowly moving bar attracting a crowd well into the early morning hours.
Tickets start at $20 for adults, with children’s tickets just $5 on race day. Premium and reserved seating options are available. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or, to avoid service fees, at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office.
