Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / BRETT MICHALSKI MOTORSPORTS – PENNDEL, PA – Seven-time Lincoln Speedway track champion, Brian Montieth, will put his open wheel experience to the test on January 25 & 26, as the Phoenixville, Pa., native plans to enter the Atlantic City Indoor Midget Car Race for Brett Michalski Motorsports, Tom Franchetta, Sr. and Tom Franchetta, Jr.
Montieth, a Central Pennsylvania ace in the 410 sprint car ranks, will take the reins of the Michalski-owned TQ Midget and attempt to tame Boardwalk Hall for a first-ever indoor racing triumph for the Pennsylvania-based motorsports team.
“We are thrilled to have Brian Montieth drive for us in Atlantic City. He’s an exciting guy on dirt, so I’m sure he will be just as exciting on concrete,” Brett Michalski explained. “With all of my focus pointed toward our sprint car team and preparing for the 2019 season, I’ve decided to step away from any indoor racing potential. Brian was kind enough to agree to race for us. I’m sure he’ll do a great job. I’m excited to see how things unfold.”
Brian Montieth claimed his seventh Lincoln Speedway sprint car title in 2018, notching six marks in the win column to help pave his path toward the overall track championship. It was Montieth’s seventh track title in 11 years, claiming high honors in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2018. In fact, Montieth is now third on Lincoln Speedway’s all-time championship list trailing Steve Smith who owns nine and the legendary Fred Rahmer who owns 11.
“He has a stout resume,” Michalski added about Montieth. “Being a regular competitor at Lincoln, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Brian and get to know him, eventually building a solid friendship. It’s kinda neat to be the Lincoln Rookie of the Year and join forces with the champion. We’re privileged to have him.”
“We certainly wouldn’t be in this position without the help from the Franchetta family,” Michalski continued. “Tom Franchetta, Sr. built the car, with the help of Lou Ciccone. Tom Franchetta, Jr. has been a long time friend. It’s a great group to be around.”