ASPHALT MODIFIED RACING STARS ENTER
GAMBLER’S CLASSIC A.C. INDOOR RACES

   The road to Victory Lane in the upcoming Gambler’s Classic Indoor Auto Races at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall might go through the Asphalt Modified community.
   Ted Christopher, who clinched his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title in October, and Erick Rudolph, the Dunn Tire Raceway Park SST champion, submitted their respective entries for the seventh annual event, which will take place on January 16-17, 2009.
Christopher, 50, of Plainville, CT, ended this season with 11 victories to his credit. Most recently, he won the SK Modified feature at the North/South Shootout at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, N.C.
   However, that win wasn’t the defining moment on Christopher’s season as he claimed the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title at the Thompson International Speedway World Series on October 19.
   This isn’t Christopher’s first foray in the Gambler’s Classic. He’s made three visits to the indoor event. He now co-owns his own car that he uses only at the annual January event. Last year he won a Roaring 20 preliminary race with the car and vows it will be even stronger this year.
Rudolph, 16, of Ransomville, N.Y., will bring versatility to the Atlantic City race.
In addition to his success on the pavement in Modified action, Rudolph won the Town Mechanical DIRTcar Sportsman feature at the New York State Fairgrounds in early October. It was his first career Sportsman start on the mile oval.
   And Rudolph has extensive experience in the TQ Midgets, Mini Modifieds and Go Kart classes. Last year he turned 16 just prior to the event and was very fast in the feature event before mechanical problems knocked him from the race.
   "We’re excited to have these two drivers entered for our event," said event organizer Danny Sammons. "Their presence will only add to the great tradition of the race. Teddy’s experience at Atlantic City will make a viable contender, and Erick’s indoor and Mini Modified success makes him a natural threat to become a first-time winner."
   Mark Tidaback of Little Falls, N.J., is the defending champion. He left the event last year with more than $6,000 in his pocket after leading the final half of the 40- lap main event on Saturday evening.
For the first time in event history, time trials will be held on January 15 for all divisions. While the grandstand will not be open to the public, fans with tickets for Friday and/or Saturday (Jan. 16-17) can obtain a restricted Thursday-only pit pass, which will allow them access to catch all of the pole-night activities. Friday's nights event will include qualifying races along with a 25 lap feature event for the Three-Quarter Midgets. Saturday night's program is highlighted by feature events for all three divisions including the 40 lap Gambler's Classic main event for the Three-Quarter Midgets.
   Tickets for Friday and Saturday night programs are on sale now by calling the Area Auto Racing News office at: 609-888-3618 (please have a MasterCard/Visa/American Express card ready).
Also, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling: 1-800-736-1420 or online at: www.ticketmaster.com.
   Gambler’s Classic information is available online at: www.aarn.com. The Gambler’s Classic is run in conjunction with the huge Motorsports 2009 Race Car & Trade Show taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on January 16-17. The show offers close to 300,000 square feet of just about everything imaginable in motorsports along with many famous racers and personalities signing autographs.
   The two events together make for a fantastic weekend of motorsports excitement in Atlantic City, NJ.

 THE END